Ultra-wideband Secure Ranging and Interference Suppression

Abstract

In some implementations, an ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter may generate a data packet for performing UWB ranging, where: the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. The UWB transmitter may transmit the data packet via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and the UWB receiver.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 17 / 934,066, entitled "SECURE RANGING AND INTERFERENCE MITIGATION FOR UWB," filed on Sep. 21, 2022, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of radio frequency (RF)-based position determination (or positioning) of electronic wireless devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to ultra-wideband (UWB)-based positioning. Background Art

[0004] Positioning of devices can have a wide range of consumer, industrial, commercial, military, and other applications. UWB-based positioning (e.g., as defined in IEEE 802.15.4ab and / or other wireless specifications) provides a highly accurate, low-power positioning solution relative to other RF-based positioning techniques for wireless electronic devices. Such UWB-based positioning can implement features to help mitigate problems caused by interference or attacks. However, in some aspects, UWB-based positioning may still be vulnerable to such attacks and / or interference. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present disclosure, an example method for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging can include generating, at a UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, where the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudorandom positions among the plurality of symbols. The method can further include transmitting, by the UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the data packet during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and a UWB receiver.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, an example method for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging can include receiving, at a UWB receiver, a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, where the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudorandom positions among the plurality of symbols. The method can further include determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols. The method can further include providing, at the UWB receiver, an output indicating the RF interference level.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an example ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter for implementing secure UWB ranging may include a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to generate a data packet for performing UWB ranging, wherein: the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more corresponding pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. The one or more processors may also be configured to transmit the data packet via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal using the transceiver during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and the UWB receiver.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an example ultra-wideband (UWB) receiver for implementing secure UWB ranging may include a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to receive a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal using the transceiver, wherein: the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more corresponding pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. The one or more processors may also be configured to determine an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols. The one or more processors may also be configured to provide an output indicative of the RF interference level.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an example apparatus for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging may include means for generating a data packet for performing UWB ranging at a UWB transmitter, wherein the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more corresponding pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting the data packet via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and the UWB receiver.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an example apparatus for implementing secure Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging may include components for receiving a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal at a UWB receiver, where: the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. The apparatus may further include components for determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols. The apparatus may further include components for providing an output at the UWB receiver that indicates the RF interference level.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions for implementing secure Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging, the instructions including code for generating, at a UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, where the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. The instructions may further include code for transmitting, by the UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the data packet during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and the UWB receiver.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions for implementing secure Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging, the instructions including code for receiving, at a UWB receiver, a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, where the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. The instructions may further include code for determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols. The instructions may further include code for providing an output at the UWB receiver that indicates the RF interference level.

[0013] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the appropriate portions of the entire specification of the present disclosure, any or all of the drawings, and each claim. The foregoing and other features and examples will be described in more detail in the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1A and1B It is a simplified diagram showing an example of how to perform UWB positioning / ranging in a network of ultra-wideband (UWB) devices.

[0015] Figure 2A and 2B It is a flowchart showing the roles that different UWB devices can assume in a UWB ranging session, which includes a control phase and a ranging phase.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a timing diagram showing how time can be measured and utilized within a UWB positioning session.

[0017] Figure 4A It is an illustration of different packet configurations that can be used in a UWB session at the UWB physical (PHY) layer.

[0018] Figure 4B It is an illustration of a deterministic random bit generator (DRBG) that can be used to generate a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS).

[0019] Figure 5A and 5B It is a timing diagram showing an example of how a zero-power symbol or interference measurement resource (IMR) can be used in STS packet configuration 0 according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 6A and 6B It is a timing diagram showing an example of how a zero-power symbol or IMR can be used in STS packet configuration 3 according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 7A It is a timing diagram showing a series of possible narrowband (NB) assisted UWB communications.

[0022] Figure 7B It is a timing diagram showing how a series of NB assisted UWB communications in Figure 7A can be modified according to some embodiments to include zero-power symbols / IMRs.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a block diagram of a processing component of a UWB receiver according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 It is a flowchart of a method 900 for implementing secure UWB ranging according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of a method 1000 for implementing secure UWB ranging according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11It is a block diagram of an embodiment of a UWB device.

[0027] According to certain example embodiments, like reference numerals in the various figures indicate like elements. Additionally, multiple instances of an element may be indicated by following the first digit of the element with a letter or a hyphen and a second digit. For example, multiple instances of element 110 may be indicated as 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, etc., or may be indicated as 110a, 110b, 110c, etc. When only the first digit is used to refer to such an element, it will be understood that any instance of the element (e.g., element 110 in the previous example will refer to elements 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 or will refer to elements 110a, 110b, and 110c). Detailed Description

[0028] The following description is directed to certain embodiments for the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of the various embodiments. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. The described implementations can be realized in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to any communication standard, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4 standard for ultra-wideband (UWB), the IEEE 802.11 standards (including those identified as Wi-Fi® technology), the Bluetooth® standard, code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), GSM / general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE), terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA), wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), evolved data optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, high rate packet data (HRPD), high speed packet access (HSPA), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), evolved high speed packet access (HSPA+), long term evolution (LTE), advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), or any of the other known signals for communication within a wireless, cellular, or Internet of Things (IoT) network (such as a system utilizing 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, or further implementation technologies thereof).

[0029] As used herein, "RF signal" includes an electromagnetic wave (or electromagnetic waves) that transmits information through the space between a transmitter (or transmitting device) and a receiver (or receiving device). As used herein, a transmitter may send a single "RF signal" or multiple "RF signals" to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multiple channels or paths, for example, when the transmitted RF signal reaches the receiver via two or more different spatial paths, e.g., due to reflection, the receiver may receive multiple "RF signals" corresponding to each transmitted RF signal.

[0030] As previously mentioned, compared to other RF-based positioning techniques for wireless electronic devices, UWB-based positioning provides a highly accurate and low-power positioning solution. UWB-based positioning can be used in industrial applications, such as for robots and / or other Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a factory environment, indoor positioning of consumer electronics, etc. Although UWB-based positioning can be used as an independent positioning technique among electronic devices capable of UWB positioning (also referred to herein as "UWB devices") in an ad-hoc manner, in some embodiments, UWB-based positioning can be used as one of many techniques for positioning electronic devices in a positioning system or a wireless network with positioning capabilities (e.g., a cellular network).

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, the term "positioning" as used herein (including, for example, UWB-based positioning, cellular-based positioning, satellite-based positioning, and hybrid cellular / UWB positioning) may include absolute position determination, relative position determination, ranging, or a combination thereof. Such positioning may include and / or be based on timing, angle, phase, or power measurements or a combination thereof (which may include RF sensing measurements) for the purpose of position or sensing services.

[0032] UWB-based positioning of UWB devices (such as IoT devices, mobile phones, etc.) can be an important feature of the device's functionality. For example, knowing the precise location of an IoT device on a factory floor may be crucial for ensuring the correct operation of the IoT device. Positioning of devices such as shipping tags or location tags for items or people (e.g., patients in a hospital) can also be key to the functionality of such devices. Other devices such as cellular phones can also use UWB positioning to perform various functions. Therefore, the security and stability of such positioning may be important for the overall functionality of these devices. Embodiments herein are directed to ensuring and suppressing interference in UWB-based positioning. After reviewing the relevant UWB-based positioning techniques, the details are as follows.

[0033] Figure 1A and Figure 1BIt is a simplified diagram showing how UWB positioning is performed in a network of UWB anchors 110 (e.g., an ad - hoc network). As mentioned herein, a "UWB anchor" (or simply "anchor") can include a UWB device with a known position, which can be used to determine the position of a target 120 or "tag" using UWB RF signals. UWB positioning can be performed using relevant standards (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4ab), which enables high - precision, low - power positioning.

[0034] If the positions of one or more UWB anchors 110 are not yet known, such as in an ad - hoc network, an initial provisioning of the UWB anchors 110 can be performed. In the provisioning, the UWB anchors 110 can perform ranging measurements to determine the relative distances (l1 - l6) between the UWB devices 110, as Figure 1A shown. This can enable the UWB anchors 110 to determine their relative positions to each other and, if the absolute position of any UWB anchor 110 is known, determine the absolute position (e.g., relative to a coordinate system). Once the positions of the UWB anchors 110 are known, the position of the target 120 can be determined by determining the distances (d1 - d6) between the UWB anchors 110 and the target 120. Various positioning - related measurements and / or processes can be used to determine these distances. This can include, for example, reference signal time difference (RSTD), time of arrival (ToA), two - way ranging (TWR) (e.g., including single - sided TWR (SS - TWR) and / or double - sided TWR (DS - TWR)), time difference of arrival (TDoA), etc. Additionally or alternatively, angle - based measurements can be made for the positioning of the target 120, including angle of arrival (AoA) and / or angle of departure (AoD).

[0035] The UWB anchors 110 can vary in form and function. In some embodiments, for example, the UWB anchor 110 can include a mobile device, such as a mobile phone with UWB capabilities. Similarly, the anchor 110 can include other personal electronic devices, such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal media player, etc. Additionally, as mentioned above, the UWB device can include a vehicle, a drone, a robot, or other mobile devices that can move autonomously and can be used in consumer, industrial, military, and / or other applications. The UWB anchor 110 can also include proprietary and / or dedicated RF beacons deployed at known positions for monitoring the positions of tags or devices used in logistics applications. For example, this can be used to track packages, shipping containers, etc. The UWB anchor 110 can be used in proximity applications, such as unlocking a door when a user (e.g., an authorized user) approaches. The UWB anchor 110 can also be deployed in a factory setting to monitor robots, assembled parts, etc. The UWB anchor 110 can also be used in other applications and / or device types.

[0036] A set of UWB anchors 110 can conduct a session, during which the UWB anchors 110 perform a series of operations to determine the location of one or more devices, and during which the UWB anchors 110 participate in direct communication (e.g., D2D communication) to coordinate data exchange and synchronization (e.g., for TDoA positioning). (As used herein, a "session" between devices may include a series of coordinated operations performed by the devices to execute a task (e.g., positioning). Different types of sessions may contain different operations. Sessions may be conducted according to relevant standards, identifiable by a session ID, may be conducted in parallel with other tasks (e.g., other sessions), or any combination thereof.) A set of UWB anchors 110 may be referred to as a "cluster", and a network of UWB devices may include multiple clusters. Each cluster may include any number of UWB anchors 110, and different clusters may overlap such that one or more UWB anchors 110 may be part of one or more different clusters.

[0037] Figure 2A is a flowchart showing the roles that different devices may assume with respect to a UWB ranging session (or simply a "UWB session"), which may be conducted according to relevant UWB positioning standards (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4ab). Here, each UWB device may be referred to as an Enhanced Ranging Device (ERDEV). ERDEVs may be referred to by different terms at different layers of the network stack (e.g., initiator / responder or controller / controlled). The terms initiator and responder (described below) will be used at lower layers (e.g., at the UWB Physical (PHY) and Media Access Control (MAC) layers), while the terms controller and controlled (also described below) may be used at higher layers (e.g., the application layer of the ERDEV).

[0038] As shown, for a pair of ERDEVs communicating with each other, the controller 210 is the ERDEV that sends control information 225 to the receiving ERDEV (designated as the controlled 220). The control information 225 may include parameters of the UWB ranging session, such as timing, channels, etc. Although not shown, the controlled 220 may send an acknowledgement of the control information 225, negotiate changes in parameters, etc.

[0039] Before the ranging phase, different wireless communication technologies (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) can be used to perform an exchange between the controlling party 210 and the controlled party 220 out-of-band (OOB), including sending control information 225 and subsequent related exchanges regarding the control information between the controlling party 210 and the controlled party 220. In other words, a UWB session can be associated with a control phase and a ranging phase, where the control phase (which can occur over an OOB link) includes a preliminary exchange of parameter values for the ranging phase between the controlling party 210 and the controlled party 220, and the subsequent ranging phase includes a portion of the UWB session in which the devices exchange messages for ranging measurements within the UWB band. (However, it can be noted that some control information can be exchanged within the UWB band (e.g., a "ranging control phase" that occurs in the first time slot of a UWB round). Thus, some aspects of the control phase can be considered to occur in the band after the preliminary OOB exchange between the controlling party 210 and the controlled party 220.)

[0040] The UWB session can occur later according to the parameters provided in the control information. In the ranging phase of the UWB session, one ERDEV can assume the role of the initiator 230, and another ERDEV can assume the role of the responder 240. As Figure 2A shown, the initiator 230 can initiate UWB ranging by sending a ranging initiation message 245 to the responder 240, the responder 240 can reply to the ranging initiation message 245 with a ranging response message 250, and timing measurements can be made (by the device receiving the message) on these messages to perform two-way ranging (TWR). Depending on the parameters of the control information 225, additional exchanges can occur during the ranging phase between the initiator 230 and the responder 240 to allow for additional ranging measurements.

[0041] The roles of the initiator 230 and the responder 240 can be indicated in the control information 225. Additionally, as Figure 2A shown, the controlling party 210 in the control phase can be the initiator 230 in the ranging phase of the UWB session. Alternatively, as Figure 2B shown, the controlling party 210 in the control phase can be the responder 240 in the ranging phase. Determining which device is the initiator 230 and which is the responder 240 can depend on the parameters set forth in the control information 225, in which case the controlled party 220 correspondingly becomes the responder 240 or the initiator 230. According to some embodiments, the controlling party / initiator can perform ranging with multiple controlled parties / responders.

[0042] Figure 3FIG. 300 is a diagram showing how time can be segmented and utilized within a UWB positioning session, which can be used in some embodiments. A UWB session can occur within a time period divided into sub-parts according to a hierarchical structure. This timing includes one or more consecutive ranging blocks 310, which can have a configurable duration (e.g., 200 ms). (For simplicity, Figure 3 only one ranging block 310 is shown in FIG. However, a UWB session can utilize multiple ranging blocks, which can occur consecutively.) Each ranging block 310 can be split into one or more consecutive rounds 320 (e.g., N rounds). The number and length of the rounds can be configurable. The rounds 320 can be further split into different time slots 330, which can also have configurable numbers and lengths. According to some embodiments, to help reduce RF conflicts, each cluster of UWB anchors can use a single round for UWB positioning in each ranging block 310. Adjacent clusters can utilize different rounds.

[0043] The time slots within a round 320 can be allocated for different purposes. For example, an initial time slot can be dedicated to a ranging control phase 340, where the initiating UWB anchor or the initial anchor of the cluster transmits control information for other UWB anchors in the cluster. This information can include, for example, the time slot allocation between different UWB anchors of the cluster. During a subsequent ranging phase 350, different UWB anchors can transmit according to the allocated time slots. That is, each anchor can be allocated a corresponding time slot in the ranging phase 350 to transmit one or more ranging signals. After the ranging phase 350 can be a measurement reporting phase 360, where the UWB anchors in the cluster can report measurements (e.g., measurements of signals measured during the ranging phase 350).

[0044] Figure 4Ais an illustration of different packet configurations that can be used in a UWB session at the UWB physical (PHY) layer, which can be used in some embodiments. These packet configurations can be defined and / or used in relevant UWB standards (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4z). As shown, the ranging function can be based on channel estimation using a SYNC preamble that includes each of the possible configurations (e.g., configurations 0 - 3) used in the current configuration. (Configuration 0 is currently used as the default configuration.) The SYNC preamble can include a bit sequence (such as an Ipatov ternary sequence, Gold sequence, Golay sequence, polyphase sequence (such as a Zadoff - Chu sequence), etc.) that exhibits good autocorrelation properties (e.g., sufficient for ranging measurements). As shown, the different packet configurations can also include a start - of - frame delimiter (SFD) for helping to distinguish the SYNC preamble from the rest of the packet, a PHY payload for transmitting data (e.g., for communication, timestamp information, etc.), and / or a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS). The STS is a security feature with a unique sequence known to the transmitter and receiver, which can authenticate the data packet source and help prevent spoofing attacks that can forge ToA estimates for ranging in a UWB session. Regarding Figure 4B this aspect of UWB ranging is described in more detail.

[0045] Figure 4B is an illustration of a deterministic random bit generator (DRBG) 400 that can be used to generate the STS, which can be used in some embodiments. Here, the DRBG 400 is based on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) - 128 in counter mode. As shown, the DRBG 400 uses a 96 - bit value, a 32 - bit counter, and an STS key. The STS key can be securely exchanged between ERDEVs (e.g., the initiator and one or more responders) before a UWB session. For example, the STS key can be provided by a control party (e.g., Figure 2A or the control party 210 of 2B) at the application layer over a secure link (e.g., an OOB link).

[0046] Although the STS provides a security measure, the STS is not used in all STS packet configurations (e.g., STS packet configuration 0). Even with the presence of the STS, the security can still be further enhanced. Additionally, even considering the interference suppression process described regarding Figure 3 a UWB session using any STS packet configuration of Figure 3 A can still be vulnerable to interference. In an environment with multiple simultaneous UWB connections, interference can be particularly problematic.

[0047] To address these and other issues, embodiments of the present disclosure utilize zero-power symbols for UWB-based positioning when transmitting data packets (e.g., STS packets). Depending on the desired functionality, the number, length, or placement, or any combination thereof, can be random (or more precisely, pseudo-random since they are known to the initiator and responder), thus helping to suppress attacks and / or periodic interference. The random characteristics (number, length, and / or placement) are fixed by higher layer parameters, or can be generated using a random seed, and can be generated using an algorithm similar to Figure 4B the DRBG 400. Additionally, since these additional symbols are zero-power, the receiving device can make measurements during the symbols to determine the presence of attacks and / or interference. As described below, these zero-power symbols (also described herein as Interference Measurement Resources (IMRs)) can be inserted into one or more different components (PHR, payload, etc.) of the STS packet depending on the desired functionality.

[0048] Figure 5A and 5B are timing diagrams showing examples of how IMRs are used in STS packet configuration 0. Figure 5A Shows a conventional STS packet 500 having components used in STS packet configuration 0: a preamble 510, an SFD 520, a PHR 530, and a payload 540. With respect to the PHR 530 and the payload 540, the individual symbols within these components are shown to help illustrate the relationship between the various packet components and the individual symbols. Labels are provided to show a close-up of the first two PHR symbols at block 550 and the last two payload symbols at block 560, thus showing the sequential nature of the symbols within the packet components.

[0049] Figure 5B Shows how the Figure 5A STS packet 500 can be modified according to some embodiments. As shown, the modified STS packet 565 has the same components as the conventional STS packet 500. However, multiple IMRs 570 have been inserted into the PHR 530 and the payload 540. As previously described, the receiving device (e.g., the responder) can listen during the zero-power IMRs 570 to determine the presence of an attacker and / or interference. For example, if the measured power during one or more of the IMRs 570 exceeds a threshold (e.g., a threshold related to the noise floor), the presence of interference and / or an attacker can be inferred.

[0050] Figure 6A and 6B are timing diagrams showing examples of how IMRs are used in STS packet configuration 3. Similar to Figure 5A , Figure 6AShows the conventional STS packet 600 used in STS packet configuration 3: preamble 610, SFD 620, and STS 630. Here, the individual symbols of STS 630 are shown, along with the gaps 640 and 650 before and after STS 630. Annotations are provided to show a close-up of the first gap 640 followed by the first STS symbol 660 and the last STS symbol 670 before the second gap 650. As described in more detail below, these gaps can be used as timing references for the IMR.

[0051] Figure 6B Shows how the STS packet 600 according to some embodiments can be modified Figure 6A As shown, the modified STS packet 680 has the same composition as the conventional STS packet 600. However, a plurality of IMRs 690 have been inserted into STS 630. It can be noted that in Figure 5B and 6B , the insertion of zero-power symbols can extend the length of the STS packet. For example, inserting seven IMRs 690 into the modified STS packet 680 can make the packet seven symbols long. In other words, the modified STS packet 680 retains all the data from the STS packet 600 but further includes additional symbols containing IMRs 690.

[0052] It should be understood that Figure 5A-6B is provided only as an example, and the number, length, and position of the IMRs 570 and 690 can vary with the instance. Additionally, although Figure 5A-6B the examples in

[0053] show STS configurations 0 and 3, STS configurations 1 and 2 can be modified in a similar manner. Thus, the embodiments can be applied to any STS configuration. Figure 7A Shows a timing diagram 700 showing a conventional series of NB-assisted UWB communications, which includes an initial NB packet 710 for timing and frequency synchronization estimation, followed by a series of periodically repeated packets including a preamble 720. Figure 7B Shows a similar timing diagram 730 modified according to the embodiments herein to include IMRs 740. As Figure 7B shown, each preamble 720 in the modified sequence can include a unique set of IMRs 740, which have a corresponding unique number, position, or duration of the IMRs 740, or any combination thereof.

[0054] Based on the known algorithms of the transmitter and receiver, the position, length, or number (or any combination thereof) of the IMRs used to modify the STS packet can be pseudo-random. For example, AES-128 can be used to generate random numbers that are known to the transmitter and receiver due to the same random seed. Then, any arbitrary rule can be used to obtain the position, length, and / or number of the IMRs from the generated random numbers. (For example, based on a random 128-bit number, the first 42 bits can be used for the position, the next 42 bits for the length, and the last 44 bits for the number of IMRs.) According to some embodiments, the length can be defined as a multiple of a minimum length. In some embodiments, the minimum length can be defined by the symbol length. For example, in this case, the duration of each IMR can be a multiple of the symbol (e.g., one symbol long, two symbols long, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the gap between the SFD and the STS (e.g., gap 640) can be used as a reference length. In this case, the duration of each IMR can be defined with reference to the gap (e.g., 0.25, 0.5, 2, or 3 times as long, etc.). Similar to AES-128 used for STS, for example, the seed or key can be pre-transferred between devices via an OOB communication link (e.g., from the initiator to the responder or from the controller to the controlled device).

[0055] In itself, the receiver of the modified packet (e.g., the responder in a UWB session) can perform one or more operations to complement the function of the transmitter. As previously mentioned, the receiver can perform measurements of the RF signal (e.g., received power) during one or more IMRs to determine the presence of interference, e.g., if the received power exceeds a background noise threshold. (The background noise threshold can be determined from measurements of the amplifier (e.g., RFA) characteristics as a calibration step, and / or estimated by measuring the received power of interference-free IMRs as a calibration step. There are also many signal processing algorithms that can measure this background noise power during the calibration step.) In some embodiments, these measurements can be performed on multiple IMRs. In this case, the average measurement can be compared with the threshold to determine the presence of an attacker or other interference.

[0056] If interference is present, as determined based on these measurements, the receiver can participate in one or more responses. For example, if it is determined that interference is present during the transmission of the packet (again, based on measurements taken during the IMRs of the packet), the receiver can simply ignore the packet. This may involve, for example, acting as if the receiver did not receive the packet or being unable to decode the packet due to interference. This behavior can be managed, for example, by the applicable standards for transmitting UWB packets such as IEEE802.15.4ab.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the receiver may notify the transmitter of packet and / or application suppression techniques. Notifying the transmitter of interference may allow the transmitter to perform suppression techniques, such as using different channels, different time slots / rounds, etc., which may be communicated to the receiver, for example, during a control phase. The receiver may also apply suppression techniques, such as interference whitening based on a covariance matrix. Thus, as a supplement or alternative to notifying the transmitter of packets, the receiver may provide an internal notification of detected interference to enable the receiver to perform such interference suppression techniques. Details regarding Figure 8 providing additional details on interference detection are provided below.

[0058] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a processing component 800 of a UWB receiver according to an embodiment, and the processing component 800 enables the UWB receiver to process STS packets modified in the manner shown in the foregoing embodiments. These processing components 800 may be implemented in hardware and / or software components of a UWB device (such as the UWB device shown in Figure 11 ). Specifically, the processing component 800 may be implemented in the UWB transceiver 1135 of the wireless communication interface 1130, one or more processors 1110, a separate digital signal processor (DSP) 1120, or any combination thereof. In the processing component 800 of Figure 8 , the processing is divided into two different parts: security level processing that may be performed by the STS post-processing unit 810 and demodulation that may be performed by the demodulator 815. Depending on the desired functionality, the replication components (e.g., the channel estimation unit 820 and / or the interference measurement unit 825) may be separate (as shown) or shared.

[0059] The STS post-processing unit 810 outputs a security level 830 indicating a security or integrity level. This output is based on various inputs. The channel estimation unit 820 receives an RF signal 840 of conventional (non-zero power) symbols and outputs a channel estimate 845 indicating a metric of the transmitted symbols. This may be done, for example, by estimating the channel using non-zero power resources such as a preamble and / or an STS region. The channel estimate 845 may be used with the IMR to estimate the background noise of a particular packet. For example, one metric that may be used is the SINR, which is defined as

[0060] (1)

[0061] where h k is the channel estimate using the preamble and / or STS, and is a metric of the background noise.

[0062] The interference measurement unit 825 can do something similar, but using IMR instead of traditional symbols. That is, the interference measurement unit 825 can receive the Rx signal measured during IMR (the Rx signal on IMR 850) and output an interference estimate 855 indicating the metric of the zero-power symbol. By comparing the channel estimate 845 and the interference estimate 855, the STS post-processing unit 810 can then determine whether there is interference. For example, using the estimate of the average symbol power from the channel estimate 845 and the estimate of the average power received during the zero-power symbol from the interference estimate 855, the STS post-processing unit 810 can determine the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) that can be used to derive the security level 830. The Rx signal 860 can be directly provided to the STS post-processing unit 810 so that the STS post-processing unit 810 can provide a reliability metric that can be partially based on the Rx signal 860. For example, mutual information can include one such reliability metric using the Rx signal. This mutual information can be used as a parameter for determining the security level 830. The detailed equation for mutual information is given by:

[0063] (2)

[0064] where h k * is the channel estimate, y k is the Rx signal, is the modulation data, and is the interference measurement.

[0065] In addition, as indicated by the dashed arrow 880, the embodiment can selectively provide the demodulated data 870 to the STS post-processing unit 810, because the demodulated data 870 can provide information to the security level 830. For example, the number of decision errors is a metric for checking reliability (bit error or symbol error). In addition, a distance commitment protocol is defined in the relevant IEEE standard. Both of these can use the demodulated data 880.

[0066] The content of the security level 830 can vary according to the desired function. According to some embodiments, the security level can include a single bit indicating whether the interference (e.g., relative to the signal power) has exceeded a certain threshold. If the interference is higher than the threshold, the security level 830 can indicate a "low" security level. If the interference is lower than the threshold, the security level 830 can indicate a "high" security level. Some embodiments can include multiple security levels (e.g., indicated by two or more bits), which can indicate the level or degree of interference measured by the receiver, which can be relative to the signal power. Thus, the security level 830 can be an indication of the integrity of the data received via the Rx signal.

[0067] Also as Figure 8As shown, the demodulator 815 can process the RF signal 860 using the same input to provide demodulated data 870. In the case where interference has been detected and the receiver implements interference suppression, the demodulator 815 can use the channel estimate 845 and the interference estimate 855 to implement interference suppression, such as interference whitening. The demodulated data 870 can include the content of the payload received from the STS packet and can be used to notify the ACK or NACK response of the receiver.

[0068] The security level 830 and the demodulated data 870 can be used by, for example, a higher-level function or an additional component (not shown) to determine whether to further process the demodulated data. For example, if the security level 830 indicates the presence of interference and the integrity of the demodulated data 870 may be compromised (e.g., the security level has dropped below a threshold), the receiver can choose to discard the demodulated data (and / or notify the transmitter, implement interference suppression techniques, etc.), as previously discussed.

[0069] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 for implementing secure UWB ranging according to an embodiment. Components for performing the functions shown in one or more of the boxes shown in Figure 9 can be executed by the hardware and / or software components of the UWB device. The method 900 can occur as part of, for example, the UWB ranging session described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 and can correspond to the functions of the UWB transmitter. Example components of the UWB device are shown in Figure 11 and are described in more detail below.

[0070] At block 910, the function includes generating, at the UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, where the data packet includes a plurality of symbols and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. As previously mentioned, the UWB transmitter can include the controlling party (e.g., Figure 2A or the controlling party 210 of 2B) and / or the initiating party (e.g., Figure 2A or the initiating party 230 of 2B) of the UWB device in the UWB ranging session. As described with respect to Figure 5A-6B , the data packet can include a UWB STS packet (e.g., any one of STS packet configurations 0-3) having a corresponding UWB STS packet composition. Thus, in some embodiments of the method 900, the data packet can include a UWB STS packet and one or more zero-power symbols can be included in the PHR of the data packet, the payload of the data packet, the STS portion of the data packet, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, as described with respect to Figure 7A-7B , in some embodiments, the data packet can include a narrowband (NB) assisted UWB preamble.

[0071] The components for performing the function at block 910 may include the bus 1105, the processor 1110, the DSP 1120, the wireless communication interface 1130 (including the UWB transceiver 1135), the memory 1160, and / or other components of the UWB device 1100, such as Figure 11 as illustrated.

[0072] At block 920, the function includes transmitting a data packet via a UWB RF signal by the UWB transmitter during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and the UWB receiver. As described in the above embodiments, the data packet may be measured by the UWB receiver to perform ranging measurements. Additionally, as also described above, the characteristics of zero-power symbols (e.g., IMR) can be indicated by using one or more algorithms, such as the number, position, and duration. In some embodiments, a single algorithm may be capable of providing multiple pseudo-random characteristics (e.g., a single algorithm may be used to generate one or more pseudo-random numbers to determine the number, position, and duration or any combination thereof). In other embodiments, different algorithms may be used to generate different pseudo-random characteristics. Thus, some embodiments of method 900 may include determining the characteristics of one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, where the characteristics include the number of one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective lengths of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof. Such embodiments may also include determining a seed value for the predetermined algorithm and sending the seed value to the UWB receiver. As previously described, sending the seed value to the UWB receiver may occur before the UWB ranging session and / or may be transmitted to the UWB receiver via OOB communication.

[0073] Some embodiments may also involve responding to detected interference. For example, some embodiments of method 900 may include: after transmitting a data packet, receiving a message from a UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected, and in response to receiving the message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected, increasing the number of STS symbols, providing the UWB receiver with auxiliary data regarding a priori distance, providing an indication of RF interference to the application layer, ending the UWB ranging session, or any combination thereof. The content of the message may vary according to the desired functionality. In some embodiments, the UWB receiver may indicate a specific interference level. In some embodiments, the new WB receiver may simply indicate that interference has been detected. Regarding ending the UWB ranging session, the UWB transmitter may end the UWB ranging session according to any applicable administrative standard or protocol. Regarding increasing the number of STS symbols, this may enable the UWB receiver to suppress interference by, for example, averaging the interference. By providing auxiliary information regarding a priori distance, this may be used by the UWB receiver as a constraint on distance measurement. Finally, providing the RF interference detection as feedback information to the application layer may allow decisions to be made by one or more applications themselves.

[0074] The components for performing the functions at block 920 may include bus 1105, processor 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130 (including UWB transceiver 1135), memory 1160, and / or other components of UWB device 1100, as Figure 11 illustrated.

[0075] Figure 10 is a flowchart of method 1000 for implementing secure UWB ranging according to an embodiment. The components for performing Figure 10 the functions shown in one or more of the blocks shown may be performed by hardware and / or software components of the UWB device. Similar to Figure 9 method 900, this method 1000 may occur as part of a UWB ranging session described, for example, with respect to FIGS. 1 - 3, and may correspond to the functionality of the UWB receiver. Example components of the UWB device are shown in Figure 11 and are described in more detail below.

[0076] At block 1010, the functionality includes receiving a data packet at the UWB receiver from the UWB transmitter via a UWB RF signal, where the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols. In some embodiments, the data packet may include a UWB STS packet, and wherein, the one or more zero-power symbols are included in the PHR of the data packet, the payload of the data packet, the STS portion of the data packet, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the data packet may include an NB-assisted UWB preamble.

[0077] Similar to the UWB transmitter, the UWB receiver may use a predetermined algorithm to determine one or more pseudo-random characteristics of the zero-power symbols (e.g., IMR). Thus, some embodiments of method 1000 may further include determining the characteristics of the one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, where the characteristics include the number of the one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof. In such an embodiment, method 1000 may further include receiving a seed value of the predetermined algorithm from the UWB transmitter.

[0078] The components for performing the functionality at block 1010 may include bus 1105, processor 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130 (including UWB transceiver 1135), memory 1160, and / or other components of UWB device 1100, as Figure 11 illustrated.

[0079] At block 1020, the functionality includes determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during one or more zero-power symbols. As pointed out in the previously described embodiments, this may be done to determine whether there is RF interference. The measurements may include, for example, the maximum power level, average power level, power spectral density (PSD), etc. of the RF signal measured during one or more zero-power symbols. According to some embodiments, statistical information such as covariance and / or correlation information between samples over time and / or samples among multiple antennas may be further obtained.

[0080] The components for performing the functionality at block 1020 may include bus 1105, processor 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130 (including UWB transceiver 1135), memory 1160, and / or other components of UWB device 1100, as Figure 11 shown.

[0081] At block 1030, the functionality includes providing an output at the UWB receiver that indicates the RF interference level. As previously described with respect to Figure 8 as described, the output can be internal to the UWB receiver. For example, in some embodiments, providing the output includes providing the output at the STS post-processing unit of the UWB receiver (e.g., Figure 8 the STS post-processing unit 810). As described above, the STS post-processing unit of the UWB receiver can include the hardware and / or software components of the UWB receiver for processing UWB signals. Thus, the STS post-processing unit can be implemented within the UWB transceiver (e.g., UWB transceiver 1135) and / or the wireless communication interface (e.g., wireless communication interface 1130) of the UWB device.

[0082] The components for performing the functionality at block 1030 can include bus 1105, processor 1110, DSP 1120, wireless communication interface 1130 (including UWB transceiver 1135), memory 1160, and / or other components of UWB device 1100, as Figure 11 illustrated.

[0083] As described in the embodiments herein, the UWB receiver can implement one or more additional features. For example, according to some embodiments of method 1000, performing one or more RF signal measurements can include performing one or more measurements of the RF signal power during one or more zero-power symbols. In such embodiments, method 1000 can further include performing one or more measurements of the RF signal power during one or more non-zero-power symbols and determining the RF interference level by comparing the RF signal power during one or more zero-power symbols with the RF signal power during one or more non-zero-power symbols. Here, non-zero-power symbols can include one or more symbols of a data packet that are not zero-power symbols. This can include symbols from the components (e.g., payload, STS, PHR, preamble) of a data packet that also includes zero-power symbols and / or symbols from the entire data packet.

[0084] As described above, the UWB receiver can take one or more actions when determining whether RF interference exists. Thus, some embodiments of method 1000 can further include determining that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold and, in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, (i) sending a message to the UWB transmitter indicating that RF interference has been detected, (ii) ignoring the demodulated data from the data packet, (iii) implementing interference suppression for processing the data packet, or any combination of (i)-(iii).

[0085] Figure 11FIG. 0 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a UWB device 1100 that can be used as described herein, which includes a UWB transmitter, a receiver, an initiator, a responder, a controller, a controlled party, or any combination thereof. It should be noted that Figure 11 is only intended to provide a generalization of the various components, and any one or all of them can be appropriately utilized. For example, a more basic / simple type of UWB device may omit various components that may be included in a more advanced / complex UWB device. A mobile UWB device may include some components that are not in a fixed UWB device (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver 1180), and vice versa. Additionally, as previously described, the functions of the UE discussed in the previously described embodiments can be performed by Figure 11 one or more of the hardware and / or software components shown.

[0086] The mobile UWB device 1100 is shown as including hardware elements that can be electrically coupled via a bus 1105 (or can communicate in other appropriate ways). The hardware elements may include a processor 1110, which may include (but is not limited to) one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., application processors), one or more dedicated processors (e.g., digital signal processor (DSP) chips, graphics acceleration processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or the like), and / or other processing structures or components. The processor 1110 may include one or more processing units, which may be housed in a single integrated circuit (IC) or multiple ICs. As Figure 11 shown, some embodiments may have a separate DSP 1120, depending on the desired functionality. Wireless communication-based position determination and / or other determinations may be provided in the processor 1110 and / or the wireless communication interface 1130 (discussed below). The mobile UWB device 1100 may also include one or more input devices 1170, which may include (but are not limited to) one or more keyboards, touchscreens, touchpads, microphones, buttons, dials, switches, etc.; and one or more output devices 1115, which may include (but are not limited to) one or more displays (e.g., touchscreens), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers, and / or the like.

[0087] The mobile UWB device 1100 may also include a wireless communication interface 1130, which may include, but is not limited to, a modem, a network card, an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device, and / or a chipset (such as a Bluetooth® device, an IEEE 802.11 device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, a Wi-Fi device, a WiMAX device, a WAN device, and / or various cellular devices, etc.), which may enable the mobile UWB device 1100 to communicate with other devices as described herein. The wireless communication interface 1130 may permit the transfer (e.g., transmit and receive) of data and signaling with an access point, various base stations, and / or other access node types and / or other network components, computer systems, and / or any other electronic devices communicatively coupled thereto. Communication may be performed via one or more wireless communication antennas 1132 that transmit and / or receive wireless signals 1134. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication antennas 1132 may include a plurality of discrete antennas, an antenna array, or any combination thereof. The antennas 1132 may be capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals using beams (e.g., Tx beams and Rx beams). Beamforming may be performed using digital and / or analog beamforming techniques and corresponding digital and / or analog circuitry. The wireless communication interface 1130 may include such circuitry.

[0088] As shown, the wireless communication interface 1130 may also include a UWB transceiver 1135. The UWB transceiver 1135 may be operated to perform the UWB operations described herein, and / or may implement the functions shown by the previously (e.g., with respect to Figure 8 ) described UWB hardware and / or software components. Additionally, the wireless communication interface 1130 may include one or more additional communication technologies, by which any of the OOB functions described herein may be performed. According to some embodiments, the UWB transceiver 1135 may be one of multiple UWB transceivers of the mobile UWB device 1100. Additionally, the UWB transceiver may be used for functions other than the UWB ranging or positioning functions described herein. Although shown as part of the wireless communication interface 1130, in some embodiments, the UWB transceiver 1135 may be separate from the wireless communication interface 1130.

[0089] Depending on the desired functionality, the wireless communication interface 1130 may include separate receivers and transmitters, or any combination of transceivers, transmitters, and / or receivers to communicate with base stations (e.g., ng-eNBs and gNBs) and other terrestrial transceivers (e.g., wireless devices and access points). The mobile UWB device 1100 may communicate with different data networks that may include various network types. For example, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) may be a CDMA network, a time division multiple access (TDMA) network, a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) network, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) network, a single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) network, a WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) network, and so on. CDMA networks may implement one or more radio access technologies (RATs), such as CDMA2000®, WCDMA, etc. CDMA2000® includes the IS-95, IS-2000, and / or IS-856 standards. TDMA networks may implement GSM, digital advanced mobile phone system (D-AMPS), or some other RAT. OFDMA networks may employ LTE, LTE-Advanced, 5G NR, etc. 5G NR, LTE, LTE-Advanced, GSM, and WCDMA are described in documents from 3GPP. CDMA2000® is described in documents from an alliance named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). 3GPP and 3GPP2 documents are publicly available. A wireless local area network (WLAN) may also be an IEEE 802.11x network, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) may be a Bluetooth network, IEEE 802.15x, or some other type of network. The techniques described herein may also be used for any combination of WWAN, WLAN, and / or WPAN.

[0090] The mobile UWB device 1100 may also include a sensor 1140. The sensor 1140 may include (but is not limited to) one or more inertial sensors and / or other sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, magnetometers, altimeters, microphones, proximity sensors, light sensors, barometers, etc.), some of which may be used to obtain position-related measurements and / or other information.

[0091] An embodiment of the mobile UWB device 1100 may also include a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver 1180 capable of receiving signals 1184 from one or more GNSS satellites using an antenna 1182 (which may be the same as antenna 1132). Positioning based on GNSS signal measurements can be utilized to supplement and / or incorporate the techniques described herein. The GNSS receiver 1180 may use conventional techniques to extract the position of the UWB device 1100 from GNSS satellites of a GNSS system, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), Galileo, GLONASS, the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) above Japan, the IRNSS above India, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) above China, etc. Additionally, the GNSS receiver 1180 may be used in conjunction with various storage devices, solid-state storage devices such as random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM), which may be programmable, flash-updateable, and / or the like. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data storage, including but not limited to various file systems, database structures, and / or the like.

[0092] The memory 1160 of the mobile UWB device 1100 may also include software elements ( Figure 11 not shown), including an operating system, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or other code, such as one or more application programs, which may include computer programs provided by various embodiments, and / or may be designed to implement methods provided by other embodiments and / or configure systems provided by other embodiments, as described herein. By way of example only, one or more of the processes described with respect to the methods discussed above may be implemented as code and / or instructions in the memory 1160, which may be executed by the mobile UWB device 1100 (and / or the processor 1110 or DSP 1120 within the mobile UWB device 1100). Then, in some embodiments, such code and / or instructions may be used to configure and / or adapt a general-purpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more operations in accordance with the described methods.

[0093] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantial variations may be made in accordance with specific requirements. For example, custom hardware may also be used and / or specific elements may be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software such as applets, etc.), or both. Additionally, connections to other computing devices such as network input / output devices may be employed.

[0094] Referring to the accompanying drawings, components that may include a memory may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any storage medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a particular manner. In the embodiments provided above, various machine-readable media may be involved in providing instructions / code to a processor and / or other devices for execution. Additionally or alternatively, the machine-readable medium may be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code. In many implementations, the computer-readable medium is a physical and / or tangible storage medium. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, magnetic and / or optical media, any other physical media with a hole pattern, RAM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read instructions and / or code.

[0095] The methods, systems, and devices discussed herein are examples. Various embodiments may appropriately omit, substitute, or add various processes or components. For example, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. The various components of the accompanying drawings provided herein may be embodied in hardware and / or software. Additionally, technology evolves, and thus many elements are examples that do not limit the scope of the present disclosure to those specific examples.

[0096] It has been shown that, mainly for general reasons, it is sometimes convenient to refer to such signals as bits, information, values, elements, symbols, characters, variables, terms, numbers, quantities, etc. However, it should be understood that all such or similar terms are associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless otherwise specifically stated, as is apparent from the above discussion, it should be understood that throughout the specification, discussions using terms such as "processing", "computing", "operating", "determining", "ascertaining", "identifying", "associating", "measuring", "executing", etc. refer to the actions or processes of a particular apparatus (such as a special-purpose computer or similar special-purpose electronic computing device). Thus, in the context of this specification, a special-purpose computer or similar special-purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, typically represented as physical electronic, electrical, or magnetic quantities within the memory, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the special-purpose computer or similar special-purpose electronic computing device.

[0097] As used herein, the terms "and" and "or" may include a variety of meanings that are also expected to depend at least in part on the context in which these terms are used. Generally, "or" when used in connection with a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C (used here in the inclusive sense), as well as A, B, or C (used here in the exclusive sense). Additionally, as used herein, the term "one or more" may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular, or may be used to describe a certain combination of features, structures, or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is only an illustrative example and the claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Further, if used in connection with a list (such as A, B, or C), the term "at least one of" may be interpreted to mean any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A, AB, AA, AAB, AABBCCC, etc.

[0098] Several embodiments have been described, and various modifications, alternative configurations, and equivalents may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the above elements may merely be components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the various embodiments. Additionally, multiple steps may be performed before, during, or after considering the above elements. Accordingly, the above description does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] In view of this specification, embodiments may include different combinations of features. Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0100] Clause 1. A method for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the method comprising: generating, at a UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, wherein: the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; and transmitting, by the UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the data packet during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and a UWB receiver.

[0101] Clause 2. The method according to clause 1, wherein the data packet includes a UWB scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) packet, and wherein the one or more zero-power symbols are included in one or more of the following: a physical layer header (PHR) of the data packet, a payload of the data packet, an STS portion of the data packet, or any combination thereof.

[0102] Clause 3. The method according to any one of clauses 1-2, wherein the data packet includes a narrowband (NB) assisted UWB preamble.

[0103] Clause 4. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 - 3 further includes determining characteristics of one or more zero - power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, where the characteristics include: the number of one or more zero - power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo - random positions of the one or more zero - power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each zero - power symbol among the one or more zero - power symbols, or any combination thereof.

[0104] Clause 5. The method according to Clause 4 further includes: determining a seed value of the predetermined algorithm; and transmitting the seed value to the UWB receiver.

[0105] Clause 6. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 - 5 further includes, after transmitting the data packet, receiving a message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected; and in response to receiving the message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected: increasing the number of STS symbols, providing auxiliary data about a priori distance to the UWB receiver, providing an indication of RF interference to the application layer, ending the UWB ranging session, or any combination thereof.

[0106] Clause 7. A method for implementing secure ultra - wideband (UWB) ranging, the method includes: receiving a data packet at a UWB receiver from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio - frequency (RF) signal, where: the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero - power symbols at one or more respective pseudo - random positions among the plurality of symbols; determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero - power symbols; and providing an output at the UWB receiver that indicates the RF interference level.

[0107] Clause 8. The method according to Clause 7, where performing one or more RF signal measurements includes: performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more zero - power symbols.

[0108] Clause 9. The method according to Clause 8, where the one or more measurements of RF signal power include: the maximum power level, the average power level, the power spectral density (PSD), or any combination thereof.

[0109] Clause 10. The method according to any one of Clauses 8 - 9 further includes performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during one or more non - zero - power symbols; and determining the RF interference level by comparing the RF signal power during the one or more zero - power symbols with the RF signal power during the one or more non - zero - power symbols.

[0110] Clause 11. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 - 10, wherein providing the output includes providing the output at a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) post - processing unit of a UWB receiver.

[0111] Clause 12. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 - 11, further comprising: determining that an RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, sending a message indicating that RF interference has been detected to a UWB transmitter.

[0112] Clause 13. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 - 12, further comprising: determining that an RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, ignoring demodulated data from a data packet.

[0113] Clause 14. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 - 13, further comprising: determining that an RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, implementing interference suppression for processing the data packet.

[0114] Clause 15. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 - 14, wherein the data packet includes a UWB STS packet, and wherein one or more zero - power symbols are included in: the physical layer header (PHR) of the data packet, the payload of the data packet, the STS portion of the data packet, or any combination thereof.

[0115] Clause 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 - 15, wherein the data packet includes a narrowband (NB) - assisted UWB preamble.

[0116] Clause 17. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 - 16, further comprising determining characteristics of one or more zero - power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of one or more zero - power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo - random positions of the one or more zero - power symbols within the data packet, the respective lengths of each of the one or more zero - power symbols, or any combination thereof.

[0117] Clause 18. The method according to Clause 17, further comprising receiving a seed value of the predetermined algorithm from a UWB transmitter.

[0118] Clause 19. A UWB transmitter for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the UWB transmitter comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: generate a data packet for performing UWB ranging, wherein: the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; and transmit the data packet via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal using the transceiver during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and a UWB receiver.

[0119] Clause 20. The UWB transmitter according to Clause 19, wherein, to generate the data packet, the one or more processors are configured to generate a UWB scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) packet such that the one or more zero-power symbols are included in: a physical layer header (PHR) of the data packet, a payload of the data packet, an STS portion of the data packet, or any combination thereof.

[0120] Clause 21. The UWB transmitter according to any one of Clauses 19-20, wherein the data packet includes a narrowband (NB) assisted UWB preamble.

[0121] Clause 22. The UWB transmitter according to any one of Clauses 19-21, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine characteristics of the one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of the one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof.

[0122] Clause 23. The UWB transmitter according to Clause 22, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine a seed value for the predetermined algorithm; and send the seed value to the UWB receiver.

[0123] Clause 24. The UWB transmitter according to any one of Clauses 19-23, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: after transmitting the data packet, receive a message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected; and in response to receiving the message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected: increase the number of STS symbols, provide auxiliary data regarding a prior distance to the UWB receiver, provide an indication of RF interference to an application layer, end the UWB ranging session, or any combination thereof.

[0124] Clause 25. A UWB receiver for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the UWB receiver comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receive a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal using the transceiver, wherein: the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions within the plurality of symbols; determine an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols; and provide an output indicative of the RF interference level.

[0125] Clause 26. The UWB receiver according to clause 25, wherein, to perform the one or more RF signal measurements, the one or more processors are configured to perform one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols.

[0126] Clause 27. The UWB receiver according to clause 26, wherein the one or more measurements of RF signal power include: a maximum power level, an average power level, a power spectral density (PSD), or any combination thereof.

[0127] Clause 28. The UWB receiver according to any one of clauses 26-27, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: perform one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more non-zero-power symbols; and determine the RF interference level by comparing the RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols with the RF signal power during the one or more non-zero-power symbols.

[0128] Clause 29. The UWB receiver according to any one of clauses 25-28, wherein, to provide the output, the one or more processors are configured to provide the output at a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) post-processing unit of the UWB receiver.

[0129] Clause 30. The UWB receiver according to any one of clauses 25-29, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, send a message to the UWB transmitter indicating that RF interference has been detected.

[0130] Clause 31. The UWB receiver according to any one of Clauses 25 - 30, wherein one or more processors are further configured to: determine that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, ignore the demodulated data from the data packet.

[0131] Clause 32. The UWB receiver according to any one of Clauses 25 - 31, wherein one or more processors are further configured to: determine that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, implement interference suppression for processing the data packet.

[0132] Clause 33. The UWB receiver according to any one of Clauses 25 - 32, wherein, in order to receive a data packet, one or more processors are configured to receive a UWB STS packet, wherein one or more zero - power symbols are included in the physical layer header (PHR) of the data packet, the payload of the data packet, the STS part of the data packet, or any combination thereof.

[0133] Clause 34. The UWB receiver according to any one of Clauses 25 - 33, wherein, in order to receive a data packet, one or more processors are configured to receive a narrow - band (NB) assisted UWB preamble.

[0134] Clause 35. The UWB receiver according to any one of Clauses 25 - 34, wherein one or more processors are further configured to determine characteristics of one or more zero - power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of one or more zero - power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo - random positions of the one or more zero - power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each zero - power symbol among the one or more zero - power symbols, or any combination thereof.

[0135] Clause 36. The UWB receiver according to any one of Clauses 25 - 35, wherein one or more processors are further configured to receive a seed value of the predetermined algorithm from the UWB transmitter.

[0136] Clause 37. An apparatus for implementing secure ultra - wideband (UWB) ranging, the apparatus comprising: means for generating, at a UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, wherein: the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero - power symbols at one or more respective pseudo - random positions among the plurality of symbols; and means for transmitting the data packet via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and the UWB receiver.

[0137] Clause 38. The apparatus according to clause 37 further comprises means for determining characteristics of one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof.

[0138] Clause 39. The apparatus according to clause 38 further comprises means for determining a seed value of the predetermined algorithm; and means for sending the seed value to the UWB receiver.

[0139] Clause 40. An apparatus for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal at a UWB receiver, wherein: the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet comprises a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further comprises one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions within the plurality of symbols; means for determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols; and means for providing an output at the UWB receiver indicative of the RF interference level.

[0140] Clause 41. The apparatus according to clause 40 further comprises means for performing the one or more RF signal measurements at least in part by performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols.

[0141] Clause 42. The apparatus according to any of clause 41 further comprises: means for performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during one or more non-zero-power symbols; and means for determining the RF interference level by comparing the RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols with the RF signal power during the one or more non-zero-power symbols.

[0142] Clause 43. The apparatus according to any of clauses 40-42 further comprises: means for determining that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and means for, in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, performing one or more of: sending a message to the UWB transmitter indicating that RF interference has been detected, ignoring demodulation data from the data packet, implementing interference suppression for processing the data packet, or any combination thereof.

[0143] Clause 44. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 40-43 further comprises components for determining characteristics of one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof.

[0144] Clause 45. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the instructions including code for: generating, at a UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, wherein: the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; and transmitting, by the UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the data packet during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and a UWB receiver.

[0145] Clause 46. The computer-readable medium according to Clause 45, wherein the instructions further include code for determining characteristics of one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof.

[0146] Clause 47. The computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 45-46, wherein the instructions further include code for: after transmitting the data packet, receiving a message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected; and in response to receiving the message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected: increasing the number of STS symbols, providing auxiliary data regarding a prior distance to the UWB receiver, providing an indication of RF interference to an application layer, ending the UWB ranging session, or any combination thereof.

[0147] Clause 48. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the instructions including code for: receiving a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal at a UWB receiver, wherein: the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols; and providing an output at the UWB receiver that indicates the RF interference level.

[0148] Clause 49. The computer-readable medium according to clause 48, wherein the code for performing one or more RF signal measurements includes: code for performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols.

[0149] Clause 50. The computer-readable medium according to any one of clauses 48-49, wherein the instructions further include code for: determining that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold: sending a message indicating that RF interference has been detected to the UWB transmitter, ignoring demodulation data from the data packet, or implementing interference suppression for processing the data packet, or any combination thereof.

Claims

1. A method for implementing secure Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging, the method comprising: Generating, at a UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, wherein: The data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and The data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more corresponding pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; and During a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and a UWB receiver, transmitting, by the UWB transmitter, the data packet via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The data packet includes a UWB scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) packet, and wherein, the one or more zero-power symbols are included in one of the following: The physical layer header (PHR) of the data packet, The payload of the data packet, The STS portion of the data packet, or Any combination thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The data packet includes a narrowband (NB) assisted UWB preamble.

4. The method according to claim 1 further comprises: Determining, according to a predetermined algorithm, characteristics of the one or more zero-power symbols, wherein the characteristics include: The number of the one or more zero-power symbols, The respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, The respective length of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or Any combination thereof.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: Determining a seed value of the predetermined algorithm; And Sending the seed value to the UWB receiver.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: After transmitting the data packet, receiving a message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected; And In response to receiving the message from the UWB receiver indicating that the RF interference has been detected: Increasing the number of STS symbols, Providing auxiliary data about a prior distance to the UWB receiver, Providing an indication of the RF interference to an application layer, Ending the UWB ranging session, or Any combination thereof.

7. A method for implementing secure Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging, the method comprising: Receiving, at a UWB receiver, a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein: Receiving the data packet during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, The data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and The data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more corresponding pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; Determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols; and Providing, at the UWB receiver, an output indicating the RF interference level.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein Performing the one or more RF signal measurements includes: performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The one or more measurements of RF signal power include: The maximum power level, The average power level, The power spectral density (PSD), or Any combination thereof.

10. The method according to claim 8 further comprises: Performing one or more measurements of the RF signal power during one or more non - zero power symbols; And Determining the RF interference level by comparing the RF signal power during one or more zero power symbols with the RF signal power during one or more non - zero power symbols.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Providing the output includes providing the output at a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) post - processing unit of the UWB receiver.

12. The method according to claim 7 further comprises: Determining that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; And In response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, sending a message indicating that RF interference has been detected to the UWB transmitter.

13. The method according to claim 7 further comprises: Determining that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; And In response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, ignoring the demodulation data from the data packet.

14. The method according to claim 7 further comprises: Determining that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; And In response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, implementing interference suppression for processing the data packet.

15. The method according to claim 7, wherein The data packet includes a UWB STS packet, and wherein, the one or more zero power symbols are included in: The physical layer header (PHR) of the data packet, The payload of the data packet, The STS portion of the data packet, or Any combination thereof.

16. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The data packet includes a narrow - band (NB) assisted UWB preamble.

17. The method according to claim 7 further comprises: Determining the characteristics of the one or more zero power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: The number of the one or more zero power symbols, The respective one or more pseudo - random positions of the one or more zero power symbols within the data packet, The respective length of each zero power symbol among the one or more zero power symbols, or Any combination thereof.

18. The method according to claim 17 further comprises receiving a seed value of the predetermined algorithm from the UWB transmitter.

19. A UWB transmitter for implementing secure ultra - wideband (UWB) ranging, the UWB transmitter comprising: A transceiver; A memory; And One or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: Generate a data packet for performing UWB ranging, wherein: The data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and The data packet further includes one or more zero power symbols at one or more respective pseudo - random positions among the plurality of symbols; and During a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and a UWB receiver, transmitting the data packet via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal using the transceiver.

20. The UWB transmitter according to claim 19, wherein, To generate the data packet, the one or more processors are configured to generate a UWB scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) packet such that the one or more zero power symbols are included in: The physical layer header (PHR) of the data packet, The payload of the data packet, the STS part of the data packet, or any combination thereof.

21. The UWB transmitter according to claim 19, wherein, The data packet includes a narrowband (NB) assisted UWB preamble.

22. The UWB transmitter according to claim 19, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to determine characteristics of the one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of the one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each zero-power symbol among the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof.

23. The UWB transmitter according to claim 22, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: determine a seed value of the predetermined algorithm; and send the seed value to the UWB receiver.

24. The UWB transmitter according to claim 19, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: after transmitting the data packet, receive a message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected; and in response to receiving the message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected: increase the number of STS symbols, provide auxiliary data about a priori distance to the UWB receiver, provide an indication of the RF interference to the application layer, end the UWB ranging session, or any combination thereof.

25. A UWB receiver for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the UWB receiver comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receive a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal by using the transceiver, wherein: the data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at respective one or more pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; determine an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols; and provide an output indicating the RF interference level.

26. The UWB receiver according to claim 25, wherein, To perform the one or more RF signal measurements, the one or more processors are configured to perform one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols.

27. The UWB receiver according to claim 26, wherein, The one or more measurements of RF signal power include: a maximum power level, an average power level, a power spectral density (PSD), or any combination thereof.

28. The UWB receiver according to claim 26, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: perform one or more measurements of RF signal power during one or more non-zero-power symbols; and determine the RF interference level by comparing the RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols with the RF signal power during the one or more non-zero-power symbols.

29. The UWB receiver according to claim 25, wherein, To provide the output, the one or more processors are configured to provide the output at a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) post-processing unit of the UWB receiver.

30. The UWB receiver according to claim 25, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: determine that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, send a message indicating that RF interference has been detected to the UWB transmitter.

31. The UWB receiver according to claim 25, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: determine that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, ignore the demodulation data from the data packet.

32. The UWB receiver according to claim 25, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: determine that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, implement interference suppression for processing the data packet.

33. The UWB receiver according to claim 25, wherein, To receive the data packet, the one or more processors are configured to receive a UWB STS packet, where the one or more zero-power symbols are included in one of the following: the physical layer header (PHR) of the data packet, the payload of the data packet, the STS portion of the data packet, or any combination thereof.

34. The UWB receiver according to claim 25, wherein, To receive the data packet, the one or more processors are configured to receive a narrowband (NB) assisted UWB preamble.

35. The UWB receiver according to claim 25, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to determine characteristics of the one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, where the characteristics include: the number of the one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each zero-power symbol among the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof.

36. The UWB receiver according to claim 35, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to receive a seed value of the predetermined algorithm from the UWB transmitter.

37. An apparatus for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the apparatus comprising: means for generating, at a UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, where: the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; and means for transmitting the data packet via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and a UWB receiver.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, further comprising: means for determining characteristics of the one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, where the characteristics include: the number of the one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each zero-power symbol among the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising: means for determining a seed value of the predetermined algorithm; and means for sending the seed value to the UWB receiver.

40. An apparatus for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving, at a UWB receiver, a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, where: Receiving the data packet during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, wherein the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; means for determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols; and means for providing an output at the UWB receiver, the output indicating the RF interference level.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising means for performing the one or more RF signal measurements at least in part by performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41, further comprising: means for performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during one or more non-zero-power symbols; and means for determining the RF interference level by comparing the RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols with the RF signal power during the one or more non-zero-power symbols.

43. The apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising: means for determining that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and means for, in response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold, performing the following operations: sending a message indicating that RF interference has been detected to the UWB transmitter, ignoring the demodulation data from the data packet, implementing interference suppression for processing the data packet, or any combination thereof.

44. The apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising: Means for determining characteristics of the one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of the one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or any combination thereof.

45. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the instructions including code for: generating, at a UWB transmitter, a data packet for performing UWB ranging, wherein: the data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and the data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions among the plurality of symbols; and transmitting, by the UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the data packet during a UWB ranging session between the UWB transmitter and a UWB receiver.

46. The computer-readable medium according to claim 45, wherein, The instructions further include code for determining characteristics of the one or more zero-power symbols according to a predetermined algorithm, wherein the characteristics include: the number of the one or more zero-power symbols, the respective one or more pseudo-random positions of the one or more zero-power symbols within the data packet, the respective length of each of the one or more zero-power symbols, or Any combination thereof.

47. The computer-readable medium according to claim 45, wherein, The instructions further include code for: After transmitting the data packet, receiving a message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected; and In response to receiving a message from the UWB receiver indicating that RF interference has been detected: Increasing the number of STS symbols, Providing the UWB receiver with auxiliary data regarding a priori distance, Providing an indication of the RF interference to the application layer, Ending the UWB ranging session, or Any combination thereof.

48. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for implementing secure ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, the instructions including code for: Receiving, at a UWB receiver, a data packet from a UWB transmitter via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein: The data packet is received during a UWB ranging session between the UWB receiver and the UWB transmitter, The data packet includes a plurality of symbols, and The data packet further includes one or more zero-power symbols at one or more respective pseudo-random positions within the plurality of symbols; Determining an RF interference level based on one or more RF signal measurements performed at the UWB receiver during the one or more zero-power symbols; And Providing, at the UWB receiver, an output indicating the RF interference level.

49. The computer-readable medium according to claim 48, wherein, The code for performing the one or more RF signal measurements includes: code for performing one or more measurements of RF signal power during the one or more zero-power symbols.

50. The computer-readable medium according to claim 48, wherein, The instructions further include code for: Determining that the RF interference level exceeds a minimum threshold; and In response to determining that the RF interference level exceeds the minimum threshold: Sending a message to the UWB transmitter indicating that RF interference has been detected, Ignoring demodulation data from the data packet, or Implementing interference suppression for processing the data packet, or Any combination thereof.

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