A Digitally Assisted CMOS WiFi 802.11ac/11ax FrontEnd Module Achieving 12% PA Efficiency at 20dBm Output Power with 160MHz 256-QAM OFDM Signal

📋 论文概要

该论文提出了一种数字辅助CMOS WiFi 802.11ac/11ax前端模块，通过数字预失真和包络跟踪等技术，在20dBm输出功率下实现了12%的PA效率，解决了传统III-V或SiGe FEM成本高、效率低的问题。

💡 主要创新点

• 采用数字辅助技术（如数字预失真）提升CMOS PA的线性度和效率，替代昂贵的III-V/SiGe工艺。
• 集成包络跟踪（ET）或类似技术，在满足WiFi 802.11ac/11ax严格EVM要求的同时，实现高效率。
• 将FEM与CMOS收发器SoC协同设计，充分利用数字处理能力优化整体性能。

🏷 关键词

📄 原文摘要

James F. Wang1, Osama Shanaa1 MediaTek, San Jose, CA, 2MediaTek, Kent, United Kingdom 1 Front-end modules (FEM) typically employ expensive III-V or SiGe technologies to provide relatively higher PA output power and lower LNA noise figure (NF) for larger distance coverage compared to what can be achieved in a CMOS transceiver SoC [1]. The WiFi FEM is typically designed as a standalone entity using linear and inefficient PA topologies, such as Class-A/AB, resulting in an FEM not taking advantage of the full capability of the transceiver SoC. Furthermore, due to the stringent EVM requirement, almost 10dB back-off from Psat is required, resulting in a poor PAE of <7% at +20dBm Pout for the conventional Class-A/AB topologies regardless of device technology [1-3]. The CMOS FEM in Fig. 17.1.1 addresses the above issues and achieves performance comparable to that of GaAs/SiGe FEM but offers higher efficiency while using the full capability of the transceiver to

👥 作者与机构

Yuen Hui Chee1, Fatih Golcuk1, Toru Matsuura1, Christopher Beale2,