Linear and Efficient Transmitters for Active Antenna Arrays

Higher capacity and improved energy efficiency are driving forces in development of future and emerging wireless systems. Millimeter wave frequencies and highly integrated active antenna array technologies are key technologies to enable this development. However, the transmitters for such applications face completely new challenges compared to the ones used in today’s single-antenna systems. This talk will first review how fundamental transmitter properties, such as linearity and energy efficiency, must be revisited in this new context. Highly integrated and energy efficient mm-wave amplifiers are key components, and we demonstrate new Doherty PA design techniques in combination with SiGe technology as one of the most promising solutions. When combined with advanced analog- and digital linearization techniques both linear and efficient active antenna transmitters can be realized.