UWB Synchronization via Master Broadcast and Rebroadcast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultra-wideband (UWB) devices require synchronization to a master clock for accurate Time-difference-of-Arrival (TdoA) location determination, but existing methods are limited by the need for cable-based or wireless synchronization solutions, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing multiple UWB transceivers to a single master clock using broadcast messages with device identification numbers, recording arrival times, and applying fit curves to estimate synchronization, allowing for precise timestamping and location calculation even when devices are out of RF range through rebroadcasting and weighting algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable-based or wireless synchronization solutions are used for TdoA location determination, then devices can be synchronized to a master clock, but the system becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The master device performs synchronization functions itself by broadcasting timing signals and processing responses from slave devices, eliminating the need for separate cable-based or wireless synchronization infrastructure. Each slave device independently processes the broadcast signals to determine its location, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the timing source for synchronization and the central coordinator for location determination. The same UWB communication infrastructure used for data transmission is also used for synchronization, eliminating the need for dedicated synchronization channels or cables.
2Measurement precision
If devices are required to be within direct RF range of the master device for synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but the operational range of the system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Slave devices that are within direct RF range of the master device act as intermediaries to propagate synchronization signals to other slave devices that are out of direct range. These intermediate slave devices receive timing signals from the master, process them locally, and enable other devices to calculate positions relative to the master clock without requiring direct RF contact with the master itself.
3Measurement precision
If multiple arrival time measurements are taken for location determination, then location accuracy improves, but the time required for measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master device broadcasts timing signals periodically at predetermined intervals, and slave devices respond in a periodic manner. This structured periodic exchange allows multiple arrival time measurements to be taken efficiently over time, improving location accuracy through statistical processing of multiple measurements while maintaining a predictable and manageable measurement timeline.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for determining a location of an unknown device (UD) from a plurality of known devices (KDs) are provided including receiving, at the UD, periodically broadcasted messages from each of a plurality of KDs. Corresponding arrival time stamp b1Tarrival-i-UD) of each periodically broadcasted message from each of the plurality of KDs are recorded. Each of the plurality of KDs are clock synchronized to a common clock source at a master device (MD). A departure time of the periodically broadcasted message from each of the plurality of KDs is known by the UD in master device time units (Tdepart-i-md). X, y and z coordinates of a location of each of the KDs is known by the UD. The x, y and z coordinates of an actual location of the UD is calculated using the x, y and z coordinates of each of the KDs, the recorded arrival times (Tarrival-i-UD) of each of the periodically broadcasted messages from each of the plurality of KDs and the known departure times of each of the periodically broadcasted messages (Tdepart-i-md) from each of the plurality of KDs.