Large-signal linearization

When an IF signal saturates, there is still considerable information in the signal since only the peaks are clipped.

The proprietary large signal linearization algorithm used in RVP10 provides an extra 3 ... 4 dB of dynamic range by accounting for the effects of saturation. This is possible because an overdriven IF waveform spends some of its time in the valid range of the converter, and it is possible to deduce information about the signal.

The following figure shows signal generator test measurements with normal A/D saturation (lower line), and with the extrapolation algorithms turned on (upper line). The high-end linear range begins to roll off at approximately +10 dBm, instead of +5 dBm, and has been extended by 5 dB.