UWB Impulse Radio Filtering and Ranging With Low-Precision Clocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving low power consumption and precise range finding without the need for additional complex components like GPS or ultrasonic/laser range finding circuits, while maintaining robustness in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an N-path filter using a low precision clock source in combination with an energy detector within UWB receivers, allowing for synchronization and range calculation between UWB transceivers through synchronized pulse bundles and energy integration windows, eliminating the requirement for accurate carrier waves and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or ultrasonic/laser range finding circuits are added to UWB systems, then range finding precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB receiver is designed to perform both communication and range finding functions using the same hardware components. The energy detector and timing circuitry used for receiving communication signals are also utilized for measuring time of flight and calculating distance, eliminating the need for separate dedicated range finding hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB system uses its own transmitted pulses and received echo signals to perform range finding autonomously. The system leverages its inherent pulse transmission capability and the time reversal property of UWB signals to measure distance without requiring external GPS or dedicated ranging circuits.
2Measurement precision
If GPS or ultrasonic/laser range finding circuits are added to UWB systems, then range finding precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same hardware components in the UWB receiver are used for both communication signal reception and range finding measurements. The energy detector, correlator, and timing circuitry serve dual purposes, avoiding the additional power consumption that would result from operating separate dedicated ranging circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs range finding using its own transmitted pulses and the received echo signals, leveraging the inherent properties of UWB pulse propagation. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for additional power-hungry external ranging systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If N-path filter with low precision clock source is used, then power consumption is reduced, but filtering precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of the N-path filter by using a low precision clock source with variable frequency. Instead of requiring a highly stable clock, the filter operates with a clock whose frequency can be adjusted and calibrated, allowing the system to achieve the required filtering performance while consuming less power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs calibration and adjustment mechanisms that provide feedback to optimize the filtering performance of the N-path filter. By measuring the actual filtering characteristics and adjusting the clock frequency or filter parameters accordingly, the system compensates for the lower precision of the clock source while maintaining acceptable filtering accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology exploits modulated coded impulses over a wide frequency spectrum with very low power over a short distance for digital data transmission. Such UWB systems through their receivers may operate in the presence of interfering signals and should provide for robust communications. Accordingly, an accurate and sharp filter that operates at low power is required and beneficially one that does not require a highly accurate power heavy clock. Further, many UWB applications require location and/or range finding of other elements and it would therefore be beneficial to provide a UWB based range finding and/or location capability removing the requirement to add additional device complexity and, typically significant, power consumption.