Peak-to-average power ratio management for multi-carrier modulation in wireless communication systems

Techniques for managing PAPR (peak power to average power ratio) for multi-carrier modulation in wireless communication systems. Different terminals in a multiple access system may require different powers to transmit. The number of carriers to be assigned to each of the terminals is made dependent on their required transmission power. Terminals that require higher power to transmit can be assigned fewer carriers (associated with lower PAPR) in order to allow the power amplifier to operate at higher power levels. Terminals that require lower transmit power may be assigned a larger number of carriers (associated with higher PAPR) since the power amplifier is operated with lower power levels. The specific carriers to be assigned to the terminals can also be determined by transmit power levels in order to reduce out-of-band emissions. Terminals requiring higher transmission powers can be assigned carriers near the middle of the operating band, and terminals requiring lower transmission powers can be assigned carriers near the edges of the band.