Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: To address the Army's need for an amplifier linearization module, Physical Optics Cor

Description

To address the Army's need for an amplifier linearization module, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Predistortion-based Amplifier Linearization Module (PALM). It is based on a POC developed nonlinearity compensation methodology, with additional innovation in the system design that allows PALM to automatically adjust to changes in the nonlinear response of the amplifier. PALM is easily incorporated with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) power amplifiers via a standard analog RF connection. In addition, this system offers over 30 dB suppression of harmonic and intermodulation distortion, 2.5 GHz instantaneous bandwidth in the 1 MHz to 3 GHz frequency band, and compatibility with amplifiers with over 250 W output power. In Phase I, POC will develop hardware and software prototypes, and evaluate their performance with COTS power amplifiers to determine the technical feasibility of PALM to reduce amplifier-related distortion. A high-level development plan for a robust prototype system to be developed in Phase II will be outlined, and expected performance will be estimated. In Phase II, POC plans to develop this prototype system and demonstrate, at a location to be determined by the government, the ability to remove and/or improve the spurs present in the output of the amplifier.