Performance analysis of power amplifier back-off levels in UWB transmitters

Abstract

This paper focuses on the interplay between data throughput and battery duration in UWB units, both of which the most perceptible at the user’ level. The potential benefits of enlarging the power amplifier back-off (linearity) are assessed for different channel conditions according to a communication system following the IEEE 802.15. 3a standard (MB-OFDM proposal). New performance results are presented which highlight the kinds of channels where an increase in transmit linearity (power amplifier back-off enlargement) yields increased data throughput, and those where it does not. Results show whether designs sacrificing power efficiency have a benefit in data rate increase or it is simply a power spoil (ineffective reduction of battery’s timeof- life).