Rational function based predistorter for traveling wave tube amplifiers

A new scheme for the compensation of traveling wave tube amplifier nonlinearities is proposed and analyzed in this paper. The approach is based on rational function models of the amplifier AM-AM and AM-PM conversions. Amplitude and phase predistortion are performed separately. The phase predistortion is a function of the output of the amplitude predistortion part of the predistorter, instead of the input signal amplitude of the predistorter. Computer simulations reveal an improved performance compared to published techniques and suggest that with the proposed technique the transmit power amplifier can operate far into its nonlinear region. The transfer characteristics of the cascade of the amplifier and the proposed predistorter match the optimum transfer characteristics of a saturating device.