Enhancing Power Efficiency and Mitigating Heat in WiFi 7 Systems:
The Advantages of Non-Linear PA with DPD Technology

JUNE, 2023


As technology continues to advance, our reliance on wireless connectivity has grown exponentially. With the proliferation of smart devices and the increasing demand for high-speed internet access, the power consumption of WiFi systems has become a pressing concern. In this article, we will explore how the combination of WiFi 7 DPD (Digital Pre-Distortion) technology with non-linear power amplifiers (PA) can address these challenges by efficiently reducing power consumption and mitigating heat-related issues.


Traditionally, linear power amplifiers have been widely used in wireless communication systems due to their ability to deliver high power output with relative ease. However, they come with a significant drawback: high power consumption. Linear PAs operate by maintaining a linear relationship between the input and output signals. While this design facilitates high-power output, it also results in substantial power losses and inefficiencies.



To overcome these limitations, non-linear power amplifiers have emerged as an alternative solution. Non-linear PAs allow for the amplification of signals without the constraint of linearity, providing greater power efficiency. By leveraging the characteristics of non-linear devices, such as field-effect transistors (FETs) or gallium nitride (GaN) amplifiers, these PAs achieve higher energy efficiency while maintaining signal integrity. The integration of WiFi 7 DPD technology further enhances the performance of non-linear PAs. DPD is a signal processing technique that compensates for non-linear distortion introduced by power amplifiers. It pre-distorts the input signal in a way that cancels out the non-linearities of the PA, resulting in a cleaner output signal. In other words, DPD technology corrects the imperfections caused by non-linearities, enabling the PA to operate more efficiently and deliver high-quality signals.


One of the most significant advantages of combining non-linear PAs with DPD technology in WiFi 7 systems is the reduction in power consumption. As power demands increase, it becomes crucial to find ways to minimize energy usage without compromising performance. Non-linear PAs, by their very nature, consume less power compared to their linear counterparts. Their efficient utilization of power resources helps alleviate the growing power consumption concerns in WiFi 7 systems.


Moreover, the integration of DPD technology further optimizes power efficiency. By compensating for non-linear distortions, DPD enables the PA to operate at lower power levels while achieving the same high-power output. This reduction in power requirements translates into significant energy savings and a decrease in the overall power consumption of the WiFi 7 system. As a result, the system operates more efficiently, reduces its carbon footprint, and saves costs associated with power consumption.


Additionally, the combined implementation of non-linear PAs and DPD technology in WiFi 7 systems addresses the issue of heat generation. Power amplifiers, especially linear PAs, generate considerable heat during operation. The excess heat not only compromises the longevity and reliability of the equipment but also requires additional cooling mechanisms, adding to the overall system complexity and cost.


Non-linear PAs inherently produce less heat compared to linear PAs due to their improved energy efficiency. This means that the integration of non-linear PAs in WiFi 7 systems reduces the heat generated by the amplification process. Furthermore, DPD technology optimizes power usage, resulting in lower power dissipation and reduced heat generation. As a result, WiFi 7 systems incorporating non-linear PAs and DPD technology experience less thermal stress, leading to improved performance, increased equipment lifespan, and reduced cooling requirements.


In an ever-evolving technological landscape, Emplus's engineer teams remain committed to continuous learning and understanding of emerging technologies. With each new design, we meticulously select the most suitable solutions, taking into account the latest advancements in the field. By staying at the forefront of innovation and embracing the benefits of non-linear power amplifiers with DPD technology, Emplus is dedicated to delivering WiFi 7 systems that excel in power efficiency, heat reduction, and overall performance. Our unwavering commitment to incorporating the most optimal solutions ensures that we meet the evolving needs of our customers and pave the way for a more efficient and connected future.