Nonlinear adaptive filter

Abstract

A nonlinear adaptive filter has an input and an output, and includes an adjustable linear filter and nonlinear filter connected serially between the input and output. The parameters for the adjustable linear filter are derived from signals on the adaptive filter output and from signals on the adaptive filter input. Preferably, the adjustable linear filter is coupled between the adaptive filter input and the nonlinear filter. A parameter computer for adjusting the parameters of the adjustable linear filter includes an input coupled to the output of the nonlinear filter, a processor for processing a signal received from the output of the nonlinear filter, and apparatus for applying the processed output signal to the parameters of the adjustable linear filter. A linear filter for shaping the spectrum of a signal received from the output of the nonlinear filter is preferably coupled between the nonlinear filter output and the parameter computer. In its preferred form, the nonlinear filter portion includes a first processor for generating from an input signal an intermediate signal having a uniform amplitude-density function, and a second processor for generating from the intermediate signal an output signal having a desired amplitude-density function.