Abstract:
A system for estimating a peak compression of a wireless signal is disclosed. The system may include a reference signal generator configured to provide a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is associated with an ideally amplified and time aligned version of the wireless signal. The system may also include a gain error generator configured to provide a gain error signal, wherein the gain error signal is based at least on the reference signal and the wireless signal. Further, the system may also include a peak compression estimator configured to provide a compression detection flag based at least on the reference signal and the gain error signal.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication and, more particularly, to high performance coherent peak compression estimation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wireless communications systems are used in a variety of telecommunications systems, television, radio and other media systems, data communication networks, and other systems to convey information between remote points using wireless transmitters and wireless receivers. A transmitter is an electronic device which, usually with the aid of an antenna, propagates an electromagnetic signal such as radio, television, or other telecommunications. Transmitters often include signal amplifiers which receive a radio-frequency or other signal, amplify the signal by a predetermined gain, and communicate the amplified signal. On the other hand, a receiver is an electronic device which, also usually with the aid of an antenna, receives and processes a wireless electromagnetic signal. In certain instances, a transmitter and receiver may be combined into a single device called a transceiver. 
     A transmitter in a wireless communication device may amplify a signal to be transmitted in order to effectively transmit the signal. However, such amplification may result in clipping of the transmitted signal. This clipping may lead to loss of the information represented by the transmitted signal. While feedback based on the actual clipping may be useful in some instances after the fact, it does not prevent information lost during the time period prior to feedback. Thus, for a wireless communication device that wishes to minimize information loss, it may be useful to identify the boundaries at which amplification may cause such information loss and preemptively prevent signal clipping. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system for estimating a peak compression of a wireless signal is disclosed. The system may include a reference signal generator configured to provide a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is associated with an ideally amplified and time aligned version of the wireless signal. The system may also include a gain error generator configured to provide a gain error signal, wherein the gain error signal is based at least on the reference signal and the wireless signal. Further, the system may also include a peak compression estimator configured to provide a compression detection flag based at least on the reference signal and the gain error signal. 
     Technical advantages of the present disclosure may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, description and claims included herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a diagram of an example wireless signal at two levels of amplification, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a simplified circuit diagram of an example system for accurately, dynamically estimating the peak compression amount, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example RF power level present at antenna, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of an example method for determining whether to adjust the output power of a wireless communication device in order to avoid peak compression of the wireless signal, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a graph in which example peak compression data is plotted against antenna power level, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a graph in which a count of the number of peaks within the peak window is plotted against antenna power, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a diagram  100  of an example wireless signal at two levels of amplification, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Diagram  100  illustrates a signal with a center frequency of 1.95 GHz. Diagram  100  charts the amplitude of the signal on the y-axis against frequency on the x-axis. Moderately amplified signal  102 , shown on the left of diagram  100 , illustrates the signal amplified to a peak transmission power of 27.59 dBm. Highly amplified signal  104 , shown on the right of diagram  100 , illustrates the same signal amplified to a peak transmission power of 30.70 dBm. Due to the higher amplification, a greater frequency range is amplified. In the illustrated example, points  106 ,  108  identify frequency emission points at higher-than-necessary power levels. 
     In certain situations, higher amplification of the greater frequency range may lead to an increase in noise transmitted rather than the desired signal. For example, the more powerful frequencies outside the desired range may degrade the close-in spurious emission mask as well as far out emissions, resulting in increased noise. 
     Some wireless communication devices may use certain techniques to mitigate the effects of the increased noise. One such technique is known as crest factor reduction (“CFR”). However, CFR techniques may require an accurate estimate of the peak compression amount at the antenna. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a simplified circuit diagram of an example system  200  for accurately, dynamically estimating the peak compression amount, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, system  200  may include baseband processor  202 , one or more digital gain(s)  204 , digital-to-analog converters  206 , baseband filters  208 , baseband gain amplifier  210 , radio frequency (“RF”) analog up-converters  212 , RF gain control  214 , power amplifier  216 , front-end control  218 , and antenna  220 . 
     In some embodiments, baseband processor  202  may be any suitable processor configured to manage the radio functions of a wireless communication device. In some embodiments, baseband processor  202  may communicate a wireless signal to antenna  220  via multiple components. In the illustrative example provided, baseband processor  202  communicates the signal via quadrature amplitude modulation, resulting in communication of two channels: the i-channel and the q-channel. Each channel may then proceed through one or more digital gain amplifier(s)  204 . Having been amplified, the signal may then be communicated to one or more digital-to-analog converter(s)  206 . Digital-to-analog converter(s)  206  may be any suitable electronic device configured to convert the digital i- and/or q-channel signal into an analog signal. After conversion to analog, the signals may then be communicated to one or more baseband filter(s)  208 . In some embodiments, baseband filter(s)  208  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to filter the analog signals for the appropriate frequencies. In this manner, the signals may be shaped for optimized transmission. 
     After being filtered, the signals may then be communicated to one or more baseband gain amplifier(s)  210 . In some embodiments, baseband gain amplifier(s)  210  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to amplify the analog signal received. For example, baseband gain amplifier  210  may be a voltage follower circuit configured to amplify the analog signal. After amplification, the signal may then be communicated to one or more RF analog up-converter(s)  212 . RF analog up-converter(s)  212  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to convert the signal received into a signal of the appropriate radio frequency. For example, RF analog up-converter  212  may convert the signal into a 2 GHz signal. 
     After conversion, the signal may then be communicated to one or more RF gain control(s)  216 . RF gain control(s)  216  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to amplify the RF signal received. The signal may then be communicated to one or more power amplifier(s)  216 . Power amplifier(s)  216  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to amplify the power levels at which the signal may be transmitted. The signal may then be communicated to one or more front end control(s)  218 . Front end control(s) may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to control other components of the wireless communication device. For example, front end control  218  may control an antenna switch or a signal multiplexer. In the illustrative example, front end control  218  may control the antenna switch associated with antenna  120 . 
     Although certain components of system  200  are illustrated and described herein, it may be appreciated that more, fewer, or different components may be included in system  200  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the simplified circuit diagram of system  200  illustrates one example configuration of system  200 . Components may be combined into one or more physical components, depending on the particular configuration, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some configurations baseband filter  208  and baseband gain amplifier  210  may be present on one integrated circuit. 
     Components  104 - 120  illustrate a high-level circuit diagram of an example system for communicating a wireless signal from baseband processor  202  to antenna  220 . For ease of illustration, this communication path may be referred to collectively as the “transmission chamber.” This term is offered only to aid in understanding and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the transmission chamber may include more, fewer, or different components as described in more detail above. For example, in some embodiments, the transmission chamber may include an antenna tuner, which may be configured to dynamically adjust impedance matching values for antenna  220 . 
     As described in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 1 , it may be necessary or desirable to dynamically, accurately estimate the peak compression as a result of the amplification described with reference to system  200 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, system  200  may also include delay buffer  222 , gain amplifier  226 , summer  230 , cascaded integrator-comb (“CIC”) filter  228 , analog-to-digital converter  226 , and analog converter  224 . In some embodiments, these components may be used to generate values for use in the estimate of peak compression, as described in further detail below and with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     In some embodiments, delay buffer  222  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to delay a signal. In operation of system  200 , delay buffer  222  may be configured to delay the signal by an amount equal to the latency resulting from the communication of the signal through the transmission chamber described above. After delay, the signal may then be communicated to gain amplifier  226 . In some embodiments, gain amplifier  226  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to amplify the signal. In operation of system  200 , gain amplifier  226  may be configured to amplify the signal in an amount equal to the combined gain that would be applied to the signal if it were to have continued through the transmission chamber as described in more detail above. 
     In some embodiments, the signal exiting the transmission chamber at front end control  218  may then be communicated to one or more analog converter(s)  224 . Analog converter(s)  224  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to convert the signal received into a lower frequency, lower power analog signal. In the illustrative example of system  200 , analog converter  224  may be configured to convert the signal received from front end control  218  to the signal received by RF analog up-converter  212 . Once converted, the signal may then be communicated to one or more analog-to-digital converter(s)  226  and one or more CIC filter(s)  228 . Analog-to-digital converter(s)  226  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to convert the analog signal received into a digital signal. CIC filter(s)  228  may be any suitable electronic component (or components) configured to interpolate the digital signal received. In some embodiments, the signal from gain amplifier  226  and CIC  228  may then be combined in summer  230  for additional processing. 
     In operation, for the purposes of peak compression estimation, the signal communicated by gain amplifier  226  to summer  230  may be considered a model of the ideal signal as it should have been communicated through the transmission chamber. Hereinafter, this signal may be referred to as the “reference signal.” At summer  230 , the reference signal may be compared to the signal received from CIC  228  to generate a signal reflecting the differences between the two signals. In the example system  200 , this signal may represent the gain error present in the actual components of the transmission chamber. Hereinafter, the output of summer  230  may be referred to as the “gain error.” 
     In some embodiments, system  200  may include one or more comparators,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ; one or more logic circuits  244 ,  246 , one or more multiplexers  232 ,  234 , one or more averagers  248 ,  250 , summer  252 , and comparator  254 . 
     In some embodiments, system  200  may compare the reference signal to a threshold value, Peak Window Hi limit, at comparator  236 . If the reference signal is less than or equal to this threshold, comparator  236  may out put a logical value of one. System  200  may also compare the reference signal to a threshold value, Peak Window Lo limit, at comparator  238 . If the reference signal is greater than the threshold, comparator  238  may output a logical value of one. The output of comparators  236 ,  238  may then be combined at logic circuit  244 . In the illustrative example of system  200 , logic circuit  244  is an AND gate. In operation, if the outputs of both comparators  236 ,  238  are a logical value of one, then logic circuit  244  may output a logical value of one. 
     The output of logic circuit  244  may then be communicated to multiplexer  232 . At multiplexer  232 , the output of logic circuit  244  may be used to multiplex a zero value with the gain error. In some embodiments, this may allow the designer of system  200  flexibility to pick a range of gain error to accommodate. The output of multiplexor  232  is then communicated to averager  248  along with the output of logic circuit  244 . Averager  248  may then accumulate the average of the two signals over time. In some embodiments, this average may represent the peak gain error (“PGE”), as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 3-4 . The PGE may then be communicated to summer  252 . 
     In some embodiments, system  200  may compare the reference signal to a threshold value, Linear Window Hi limit, at comparator  240 . If the reference signal is less than or equal to this threshold, comparator  240  may out put a logical value of one. System  200  may also compare the reference signal to a threshold value, Linear Window Lo limit, at comparator  242 . If the reference signal is greater than the threshold, comparator  242  may output a logical value of one. The output of comparators  240 ,  242  may then be combined at logic circuit  246 . In the illustrative example of system  200 , logic circuit  246  is an AND gate. In operation, if the outputs of both comparators  240 ,  242  are a logical value of one, then logic circuit  246  may output a logical value of one. 
     The output of logic circuit  246  may then be communicated to multiplexer  234 . At multiplexer  234 , the output of logic circuit  246  may be used to multiplex a one value with the gain error. In some embodiments, this may allow the designer of system  200  flexibility to pick a range of gain error to accommodate. The output of multiplexor  234  is then communicated to averager  250  along with the output of logic circuit  246 . Averager  250  may then accumulate the average of the two signals over time. In some embodiments, this average may represent the linear gain error (“LGE”), as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 3-4 . The LGE may then be communicated to summer  252 . 
     At summer  252 , the PGE and LGE values are combined to generate a peak compression estimate value, as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 3-4 . This peak compression estimate value may then be communicated to comparator  254  and/or baseband processor  202 . In some embodiments, comparator  254  may be configured to compare the peak compression value against a number of predetermined thresholds. If the peak compression is above a certain level, comparator  254  may then communicate a compression detect flag to baseband processor  202 , as described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     In the same or alternative embodiments, baseband processor  202  may be configured to use the peak compression estimate value to further mitigate the effects of peak compression. For example, baseband processor  202  may use the peak compression estimate value to dynamically alter the thresholds and/or parameters for a compression mitigation algorithm (i.e., a crest factor reduction algorithm or peak-to-average reduction algorithm). 
     The example system  200  illustrates multiple components as discrete components. In some embodiments, there may be more, fewer, or different components than those depicted in  FIG. 2  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, comparators  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242  may all be present on a single integrated circuit. As an additional example,  FIG. 2  illustrates comparator  254  generating a compression detect flag and communicating that flag to baseband processor  202 . As described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 4 , baseband processor  202  may then alter the amplification produced in the transmission chamber to account for the peak compression. However, in the same or alternative embodiments, comparator  254  may communicate the compression detect flag to another component responsible for gain control. For example, comparator  254  may be configured to communicate directly with power amplifier  216 , causing a reduction in amplification. 
     System  200  uses four threshold values to estimate peak compression: Peak Window Hi, Peak Window Lo, Linear Window Hi, and Linear Window Low. As described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 3 , these values may be calculated through a windowing technique. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example RF power level  300  present at antenna  220 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Example RF power level  300  illustrates an example RF signal plotted as power on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. Example RF power level  300  illustrates a signal with a center frequency of 1.95 GHz over 3 ms. Example RF power level  300  also illustrates two windows: peak window  302  and mid window  304 . Peak window  302  is associated with a peak window high limit value  306  and a peak window low limit value  308 . Mid window  304  is associated with a mid window high limit  310  and a mid window low limit  312 . In some embodiments, these values may be used to calculate the threshold values used by system  200  to estimate the peak compression, as described in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 2  and below. 
     In some embodiments, the operating power and the size of the windows may be determined by software, hardware, firmware, and/or some combination thereof. For example, software running on baseband processor  202  may be configured to determine the operating power and window size used to determine the window limit values. In other examples, management software present on another processor may be used to determine these values. 
     In some embodiments, the window limit values may be calculated as follows:
 
 P max=(Fixed)=24 dBm  Formula 1
 
In some embodiments, the value for the maximum peak value (Pmax) may be a fixed value predetermined along with other design parameters of system  200  and may vary depending on the particular configuration of system  200 .
 
 P ref=(Fixed,based on modulation)  Formula 2
 
In some embodiments, the value for the reference peak value (Pref) may be a fixed value depending on the particular type of modulation required by system  200 . For example, for a wireless communication device communicating over an LTE network, Pref may be set to −9.2 dB.
 
 P out=(Desired Antenna Power), from the baseband processor  Formula 3
 
Peak_Window_Size=(Fixed)=2 dB  Formula 4
 
Mid_Window_Size=(Fixed)=2 dB  Formula 5
 
In some embodiments, the peak output power (Pout) may be determined to be the desired antenna power, as determined by the baseband processor. The size of the peak and mid windows are fixed values that may be determined along with other design parameters. For example, system  200  may use a window size of 2 dB. Other configurations may use other values of the window size, depending on design factors such as the tolerance for peak compression and resultant noise.
 
     In some embodiments, the threshold values used by system  200  to estimate peak compression may be calculated from the variables described above, as described in more detail below with reference to Formulas 6-9. As a result, these four threshold values may be calculated.
 
Mid_Window_Hi_Limit= P out+Mid_Window_Size  Formula 6
 
Mid_Window_Lo_Limit= P out−Mid_Window_Size  Formula 7
 
Peak_Window_Hi_Limit= P out+Peak_Window_Size  Formula 8
 
Peak_Window_Lo_Limit= P out−Peak_Window_Size  Formula 9
 
     In some embodiments, system  200  may also sample the signal within the window to determine a peak window count. The sample rate may vary depending on the configuration of system  200 , and may in some embodiments depend on the hardware used and/or the wireless communication protocol desired. For example, system  200  may sample the signal over a 100 microsecond window. In some embodiments, system  200  may then use these sampled values to estimate the peak gain error (“PGE”) and/or linear gain error (“LGE”). 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     Peak_Gain 
                     ⁢ 
                     _Error 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       Peak_Window 
                       ⁢ 
                       _Sum 
                     
                     
                       Peak_Window 
                       ⁢ 
                       _Count 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   Formula 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                       
                   
                   ⁢ 
                   10 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
                     Linear_Gain   ⁢   _Error     =       Mid_Window   ⁢   _Sum       Mid_Window   ⁢   _Count               Formula   ⁢           ⁢   11               Peak Compression=(Peak_Gain_Error−Linear_Gain_Error).  Formula 12
 
     As described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 4 , these values may then be used to estimate the peak compression associated with the signal. In some embodiments, Peak_Gain_Error may be calculated by dividing the sum total of the power of the peaks present within the peak window (Peak_Window_Sum) by the number of peaks present within the peak window (Peak_Window_Count) (i.e., the average). In some embodiments, this may be performed by averager  248  of system  200 , as described in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 2 . In the same or alternative embodiments, Linear_Gain_Error may be calculated by dividing the sum total of the power of the peaks present within the mid window (Mid_Window_Sum) by the number of peaks present within the mid window (Mid_Window_Count) (i.e., the average). In some embodiments, this may be performed by average  250  of system  200 , as described in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 2 . As described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 4 , these error values may then be used to determine whether to adjust the output power in order to avoid peak compression. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart of an example method  400  for determining whether to adjust the output power of a wireless communication device in order to avoid peak compression of the wireless signal, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, method  400  may include steps  402 - 14 . Although illustrated as discrete steps, various steps may be divided into additional steps, combined into fewer steps, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. 
     In some embodiments, method  400  may begin at step  402 , at which dynamic programming of system thresholds occurs. As described in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2-3 , there may be various threshold levels associated with a particular implementation of system  200 . In some embodiments, these thresholds may be based on the current operating power level. As described in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 3 , these initial parameters may then be used to calculate the window threshold values. After programming these threshold values, method  400  may proceed to step  404 . 
     At step  404 , method  400  may estimate the Peak_Gain_Error (“PGE”), Linear_Gain_Error (“LGE”), and determine the peak count, as described in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2-3 . After determining these values, method  400  may proceed to steps  406 ,  408 . At step  408 , method  400  may determine whether the peak count is greater than a predetermined count threshold (“Th_c”). In some embodiments, this may correspond to a certain activity level within the wireless communication device. For example, it may not be necessary to incur the overhead associated with peak compression estimation unless a certain threshold level of transmission activity is occurring. If the peak count is less than the threshold, method  400  may proceed to step  414 , wherein no action is taken to affect the power level and no peak compression mitigation techniques (e.g., crest factor reduction) are implemented. If the peak count is greater than the threshold, method  400  may proceed to step  410 . 
     At step  410 , method  400  may determine whether the difference between the PGE and the LGE is greater than an error threshold (“Th_e”). In some embodiments, it may be necessary or desirable to ensure that the difference between the PGE and the LGE is sufficiently large to warrant further processing. For example, if the power levels of system  200  are insufficient to result in peak compression, it may not be necessary or desirable to proceed further. If the difference between the PGE and LGE is not greater than the error threshold, method  400  may proceed to step  406 . If the difference is greater, method  400  may proceed to step  412 . 
     At step  406 , method  400  may use the PGE, LGE, and peak count values from step  404 , along with the error threshold indication from step  408  to adjust the peak compression mitigation techniques. For example, at step  406 , method  400  may use the difference between PGE and LGE to adjust the window for a crest factor reduction technique. In the same or alternative embodiments, method  400  may send PGE, LGE, and/or peak count information, along with a compression detect flag to another component of system  200 . For example, method  400  may alert baseband processor  202  of system  200  by communicating a compression detect flag. After adjusting peak compression mitigation techniques, method  400  may return to step  402 . 
     If, at step  410 , method  400  determined that the difference between the PGE and LGE is greater than the error threshold, method  400  may proceed to step  412 . At step  412 , method  400  may reduce the maximum output power (Pout) by an appropriate amount to assist in reducing the peak compression. In some embodiments, for example, Pout may be reduced by an amount equal to the difference between the maximum allowed power (Pmax), PGE, the LGE, and the error threshold (Pmax−PGE−LGE−Th_e). In some embodiments, the output power of the antenna may be modified by making modifications to the power amplifier supplying the antenna. In example system  200 , for instance, modifications to power amplifier  216  may result in modifications to the output power of antenna  220 . Such modifications may include a modification to the amount of amplification performed by power amplifier  216  in order to back off the power supplied to antenna  220 . This and other modifications may be performed by altering a bias setting (e.g., current and/or voltage) of power amplifier  216  and/or altering a supply setting (e.g., supply current and/or supply voltage) of power amplifier  216 . 
     Once the output power has been reduced, method  400  may proceed to step  414 . At step  414 , method  400  may cease peak compression mitigation techniques. For example, in some embodiments, method  400  may cease crest factor reduction techniques. After ceasing these techniques, method  400  may return to step  402 . 
     In some embodiments, the steps of method  400  may be performed by software, hardware, firmware, and/or some combination thereof. For example, the steps of method  400  may be performed by baseband processor  202  of system  200 . In other embodiments, different steps may be performed by different components. For example, step  402 —programming the system thresholds—may be performed by baseband processor  202  of system  200 , while step  410 —using the gain error values to adjust mitigation techniques—may be performed by another processor associated with system  200 . 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments. As an illustrative example, method  400  may further include tracking the incident rates of peak compression over time for use in other estimation techniques. As an additional example, other peak compression mitigation techniques may be used that require more, fewer, or different steps than those described for crest factor reduction. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are graphs illustrating an example of data that may be obtained according to the system and method of the previously described illustrative examples. In some embodiments, the example data may be used to provide example system  200  with information that may be used to optimize system performance. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a graph in which example peak compression data is plotted against antenna power level, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The graph illustrates that peak compression may increase with antenna power, culminating in a compression of 2.5 dB at an antenna power level of 23.8 dBm. In some embodiments, the peak compression value may be used to dynamically alter the thresholds and/or parameters of a peak compression reduction algorithm, such as a crest factor reduction algorithm. In the same or alternative embodiments, the peak compression value may be used to adjust settings of a wireless communication device in order to reduce peak compression. For instance, example system  200  may be configured to use the peak compression value to adjust settings of power amplifier  216  in order to adjust the power supplied to antenna  220 . As described in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , this may be accomplished by adjusting the bias and/or supply settings to power amplifier  216 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a graph in which a count of the number of peaks within the peak window is plotted against antenna power, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This graph illustrates that the number of peaks within the peak window increasers with antenna power, with a measured high of 145 peaks at 23.8 dBm. As described in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , this information may be used to provide a peak compression estimate value that may be further used to determine whether the supplied power needs to be adjusted. For instance, example system  200  may use the peak error count to estimate a peak gain error value, as described in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 2-4 . 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could me made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.