UWB Impulse Radio Range Finding With Low-Power N-Path Filtering
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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 a UWB receiver, allowing for synchronization and range calculation between UWB transceivers through the transmission and processing of UWB pulse bundles, eliminating the requirement for accurate carrier waves and additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or ultrasonic/laser range finding circuits are added to achieve precise range finding, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB transceiver is designed to perform both wireless communication and range finding functions using the same hardware components. The bi-directional time of flight measurement mechanism is integrated into the existing transceiver architecture, eliminating the need for separate GPS or ultrasonic/laser range finding circuits while achieving precise range measurement through the exchange of presence indicators between transceivers.
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware components are added for range finding, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same UWB transceiver hardware that handles communication also performs range finding through integrated bi-directional time of flight measurement. This multi-functional approach avoids the additional power consumption that would result from operating separate GPS or ultrasonic/laser range finding circuits in parallel.
3Measurement precision
If high precision clock sources are used for accurate carrier wave generation, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the requirement for accurate carrier wave generation from the system. By using pulse-based UWB transmission instead of continuous carrier modulation, the system eliminates the need for high precision clock sources and accurate carrier wave generation, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement precision through time of flight measurement of the pulses.
4Use of energy by moving object
If pulse-based UWB transmission is used instead of carrier modulation, then use of energy is reduced, but reliability in noisy environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs bi-directional time of flight measurement where transceivers exchange presence indicators and timing information. This feedback mechanism allows each transceiver to measure the round-trip time for signal exchange, enabling precise range finding and maintaining reliability in noisy environments through cooperative measurement rather than relying solely on signal strength detection.
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.