SparseDPD: A Sparse Neural Network-based Digital Predistortion FPGA Accelerator for RF Power Amplifier Linearization

Digital predistortion (DPD) is crucial for linearizing radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers (PAs), improving signal integrity and efficiency in wireless systems. Neural network (NN)-based DPD methods surpass traditional polynomial models but face computational challenges limiting their practical deployment. This paper introduces SparseDPD, an FPGA accelerator employing a spatially sparse phase-normalized time-delay neural network (PNTDNN), optimized through unstructured pruning to reduce computational load without accuracy loss. Implemented on a Xilinx Zynq-7Z010 FPGA, SparseDPD operates at 170 MHz, achieving exceptional linearization performance (ACPR: -59.4 dBc, EVM: -54.0 dBc, NMSE: -48.2 dB) with only 241 mW dynamic power, using 64 parameters with 74% sparsity. This work demonstrates FPGA-based acceleration, making NN-based DPD practical and efficient for real-time wireless communication applications. Code is publicly available at https://github.com/MannoVersluis/SparseDPD.