On the performance of a rapid synchronization algorithm for IR‐UWB receivers

Because of the very low signal duty cycles, synchronization is the most critical issue in ultra wideband (UWB) impulse radio (IR) systems. Some effective synchronization schemes like a symbol‐differential (SD) IR‐UWB receiver have been proposed to synchronize received signals rapidly. Yet, SD IR‐UWB receiver is unsuitable for operation in multi‐user environment because of multiple access interference (MAI). By taking advantage of frame‐differential IR‐UWB receivers, we propose a parallel frame‐differential (PFD) IR‐UWB receiver to do so. Our proposed PFD IR‐UWB receiver manifests better immunity against message passing interface and MAI than the SD IR‐UWB. Based on this PFD IR‐UWB receiver, uncertain (search) regions are limited to one frame duration without any symbol‐level synchronization process. Performance of PFD and SD receivers are compared by computer simulations, showing that the proposed PFD receiver not only achieves significant bit error rate performance but also better and more robust results than the SD receiver in this literature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improved Delay‐Locked Loop in a UWB Impulse Radio Time‐Hopping Spread‐Spectrum System

As ultra‐wideband impulse radio (UWB‐IR) uses short‐duration impulse signals of nanoseconds, even a small number of timing errors can cause a detrimental effect on system performance. A delay‐locked loop (DLL) is proposed to synchronize and reduce timing errors. The design of the DLL is vital for UWB systems. In this paper, an improved DLL is introduced to a UWB‐IR time‐hopping spread‐spectrum system. Instead of using only two central correlator branches as in a conventional DLL, the proposed system uses two additional correlator branches with different delay parameters and different weight parameters. The performance of the proposed schemes with the optimal parameters is compared with that of traditional schemes through simulation: the proposed four‐branch DLLs achieves less tracking jitter or a longer mean time to lose lock (MTLL) than the conventional two‐branch DLLs if proper parameters are chosen.     

Performance evaluation of non‐Gaussian channel estimation techniques on ultrawideband impulse radio channels

We study the problem of adaptive channel estimation for a multipath channel on an ultrawideband (UWB) impulse radio (IR) system. The purpose of the work is to demonstrate that the statistical characteristics of the UWB‐IR environment are strongly non‐Gaussian and that as a result, non‐Gaussian signal processing techniques are both efficient and powerful in a UWB‐IR environment. The multipath channel estimation problem has been chosen as an illustrative example because UWB‐IR systems often operate in complex multipath environments. We study both blind and training‐based estimation techniques and demonstrate that even simple non‐Gaussian strategies can achieve significant performance improvement when compared to more common second‐order estimation techniques. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance of DS‐UWB in MB‐OFDM and multi‐user interference over Nakagami‐m fading channels

The mutual interference between the two ultra wideband (UWB) technologies, which use the same frequency spectrum, will be a matter of concern in the near future. In this context, we present a performance analysis of direct‐sequence (DS) UWB communication in the presence of multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB‐OFDM) UWB interfering transmissions. The channel fading is modeled according to Nakagami‐m distribution, and multi‐user interference is taken into account. The DS‐UWB system performance is evaluated in terms of bit error rate (BER). Specifically, using the characteristic function approach, an analytical expression for the average BER is derived conditioned on the channel impulse response. Numerical and simulation results are provided and compared for different coexistence scenarios. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Non‐Data‐Aided Weighted Non‐Coherent Receiver for IR‐UWB PPM Signals

This letter proposes an energy‐detection‐based non‐data‐aided weighted non‐coherent receiver (NDA‐WNCR) scheme for impulse radio ultra‐wideband (IR‐UWB) pulse‐position modulated signals. Compared to the conventional WNCR, the optimal weights of the proposed NDA‐WNCR are tremendously simplified as the maximum eigenvector of the IR‐UWB signal energy sample autocorrelation matrix. The NDA‐WNCR serves to blindly obtain the optimal weights and entirely circumvent the transmission of training symbols or channel estimation in practice. Analysis and simulation results verify that the bit error rate (BER) performance of the NDA‐WNCR closely approaches the ideal BER of the conventional WNCRs.     

DS‐PAM UWB System Using Non‐linear Chirp Waveform

We propose a direct‐sequence pulse‐amplitude modulation (DS‐PAM) ultra‐wideband (UWB) system which employs a non‐linear chirp waveform instead of the conventional Gaussian monocycle in this paper. In the approved frequency for UWB, there exist myriad narrowband interferers. Specifically, we focus on the mutual interference between UWB systems and 802.11a WLAN. This paper offers a method to suppress this inband narrowband interference by introducing a kind of non‐linear chirp waveform. Using the proposed non‐linear chirp waveform, the effects of one or more narrowband interference sources with different frequencies can be suppressed. System performance of UWB systems in the narrowband interference environment can be improved. Computer simulations with additive white Gaussian noise successfully demonstrate an increase in performance with the proposed system as compared to traditional linear chirp systems.     

Impact of TH‐UWB interference on MB‐OFDM UWB systems: interference modeling and performance analysis

In this paper, the coexistence issue between multiband‐orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (MB‐OFDM) and time‐hopping ultra‐wideband (TH‐UWB) networks is widely analyzed. For this purpose, to study and model the TH‐UWB interference, an analytical framework which describes key features of the interference distribution is provided. The interference distribution is studied in the context of TH‐UWB's signaling parameters. Our results reveal that the interference distribution highly depends on its time‐hopping parameters. Therefore, choosing proper time‐hopping parameters leads to less destructive interferences. The Generalized Gaussian and the Symmetric‐α‐Stable (SαS) distributions are used to model the interference‐plus‐noise signal. The maximum likelihood and a characteristic function‐based regression‐type methods are adopted to estimate parameters of Generalized Gaussian and SαS distributions, respectively. Moreover, the interference channel effects on the impulsive behavior of the TH‐UWB signal is studied. It is shown that impulsive behavior of the faded interference signals highly depends on the channel time‐dispersiveness. Furthermore, an exact performance of a multiband‐orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing system impaired by a TH‐UWB system is derived. The comparison of the analytical performance, the empirical simulation, and the approximation results show that both approximation methods are valid for low interference‐to‐noise‐ratio, while SαS provides a more accurate approximation for high interference‐to‐noise‐ratio. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pulse shaping for cognitive ultra‐wideband communications

Cognitive ultra‐wideband (C‐UWB) systems have recently received much attention because the huge bandwidth of ultra‐wideband (UWB) systems can better exploit the advantages of cognitive radio (CR) systems. Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) is a key technique in CR systems to implement dynamic spectrum change and can be easily implemented by changing the transmitted pulse shape in a C‐UWB communication system. In this paper, we propose an orthogonal expansion based pulse shaping method to implement DSA and to compensate for antenna distortion, which uses the orthogonal Hermite functions as the orthogonal basis. In order to eliminate the direct current (DC) component existing in even orthogonal Hermite functions and to reduce the computational complexity, two modified methods and a simplification procedure are also proposed. Our results indicate that the proposed orthogonal expansion based pulse shaping methods have a much lower computational complexity than the semi‐definite programming (SDP) method, while achieving a high power efficiency. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the distortion caused by the antenna effects can also be compensated during the pulse shaping process and a better signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) can thus be achieved. Therefore, the proposed method is very suitable for practical application in C‐UWB communications, in which the spectrum environment changes rapidly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reduce‐complexity fuzzy‐inference‐based iterative multiuser detection for wireless communication systems

In recent years, combining multiuser detection and intelligence computer scheme have received considerable attention. In this paper, adaptive fuzzy‐inference multistage matrix wiener filtering (FI‐MMWF) techniques, based on the minimum mean‐square error criterion, are proposed for ultra‐wideband (UWB) impulse radio communication systems. These FI‐MMWF‐based algorithms employ a time‐varying fuzzy‐inference‐controlled filter stage. Consequently, the proposed approaches accomplish a substantial saving in complexity without trading off the system performance and dynamic‐tracking characteristic. In addition, the fuzzy‐logic‐controlled matrix conjugate gradient algorithm is adopted to reduce the system complexity without trading off the bit‐error‐rate (BER). Simulations are conducted to evaluate the convergence and tracking behavior of the proposed MMWF algorithm, and the BER of the time‐hopping‐UWB system in a realistic UWB channel is investigated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

P2P Ranging‐Based Cooperative Localization Method for a Cluster of Mobile Nodes Containing IR‐UWB PHY

The problem of pedestrian localization using mobile nodes containing impulse radio ultra wideband (IR‐UWB) is considered. IEEE 802.15.4a‐based IR‐UWB can achieve accurate ranging. However, the coverage is as short as 30 m, owing to the restricted transmit power. This factor may cause a poor geometric relationship among the mobile nodes and anchor nodes in certain environments. To localize a group of pedestrians accurately, an enhanced cooperative localization method is proposed. We describe a sequential algorithm and define problems that may occur in the implementation of the algorithm. To solve these problems, a batch algorithm is proposed. The batch algorithm can be carried out after performing the sequential algorithm to linearize the nonlinear range equation. When a sequential algorithm cannot be performed due to a poor geometric relationship among nodes, a batch algorithm can be carried out directly. Herein, Monte Carlo simulations are presented to illustrate the proposed method and verify its performance.     

Pulse shaping for high data rate ultra‐wideband wireless transmission under the Russian spectral emission mask

This paper addresses impulse‐radio ultra‐wideband (IR‐UWB) transmission under the Russian spectral emission mask for unlicensed UWB radio communications. Four pulse shapes are proposed and their bit error rate (BER) performance is both estimated analytically and evaluated experimentally. Well‐known shapes such as the Gaussian, root‐raised cosine, hyperbolic secant, and the frequency B‐spline wavelet are used to form linear combinations of component pulses, shaped to make efficient use of the spectral emission mask. Analytical BER values are derived using a Nakagami‐m model, and good agreement is found with the experimentally obtained BER. The proposed pulse shapes allow IR‐UWB transmission with BERs below the limit for a 7% overhead forward error correction, achieving distances of up to 6.5 m at 1 Gbit/s, 4.5 m at 1.25 Gbit/s, and 1 m at  Gbit/s. These results confirm the viability of IR‐UWB transmission under the strict regulations of the Russian spectral emission mask.     

M‐ary Bi‐orthogonal Modulation UWB with Narrowband Interference Suppression Capability

An M‐ary bi‐orthogonal modulation scheme for ultra‐wideband (UWB) systems capable of narrowband interference (NBI) suppression is proposed in this letter. We utilize a set of bi‐orthogonal pulse series to achieve NBI suppression. Through analysis and simulation, we verify that the proposed scheme can suppress NBIs effectively.     

Enhanced FCME Thresholding for Wavelet‐Based Cognitive UWB over Fading Channels

The cognitive ultra‐wideband (UWB) network detects interfering narrowband systems and adapts its configuration accordingly. An inherently adaptive and flexible candidate for cognitive UWB transmission is the wavelet packet multicarrier modulation (WPMCM). In this letter, we use an enhanced forward consecutive mean excision thresholding algorithm to tackle the noise uncertainty in the wavelet‐based sensing of WPMCM systems, and mathematical analysis is performed for primary user channel fading. As a benchmark, we compare the proposed system with a conventional fast Fourier transformation‐based system, and performance investigation proves significant improvements when primary and secondary links are subjected to multipath fading and noise.     

Application of SVD on Suppression of IEEE 802.11a Interference in TH‐PAM UWB Systems

Interference from IEEE 802.11a systems affects ultra‐wideband (UWB) systems significantly. In this letter, we suggest a novel narrow‐band interference (NBI) suppression technique based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm in time‐hopping pulse amplitude modulation (TH‐PAM) UWB systems. The SVD algorithm is used to approximate the interference which then is subtracted from the received signals. In contrast to the conventional notch filter and rake receiver, our method is more effective and the receiver complexity can be greatly reduced.     

Coexistence Between UWB and Narrow-Band Wireless Communication Systems

Ultra-wide-band (UWB) signals are suitable for underlay communications, over a frequency band where, possibly, other systems are active. Such coexistence of UWB and other systems is possible if the mutual interference has a small impact on their respective performance. This paper aims to present recent results on the interference and coexistence among UWB systems and other conventional narrow-band (NB) systems. Specifically, we consider a point-to-point UWB (NB) link under the interference generated by a finite number of NB (UWB) radio transmitters. We consider channels including additive white Gaussian noise and multipath fading both for the victim and the interfering links, and different receiver architectures. While our main focus is on UWB systems based on impulse radio, wide-band systems employing carrier-based direct-sequence spread-spectrum and orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing are also considered.      

Coexistence and interworking between UMTS and UWB: a performance evaluation of a UMTS/UWB interoperability platform

Ultra wideband (UWB) radio technology is nowadays one of the most promising technologies for medium-short range communications. It has a wide range of applications including high data rate systems and low data rate systems with location and tracking. The interoperation of UWB with Wide Area Networks (WAN) technologies is very interesting in order to extend the scope of UWB applications, but harmless coexistence between them must be assured. Extensive research is being focused to the development of efficient mitigation techniques and the collaboration between both radio services is an interesting solution when UWB is collocated in the same device with other radio technology. In this paper a UMTS/UWB interworking platform is presented, which allows remote monitoring of a UWB body area network for medical applications. The coexistence between UMTS and UWB is evaluated and cooperative mitigation techniques are proposed and implemented in the platform.     

On the coexistence of power-controlled ultrawide-band systems with UMTS, GPS, DCS1800, and fixed wireless systems

Ultrawide bandwidth (UWB) wireless technology will play a key role in short-range wireless connectivity supporting very high bit rates availability, low power consumption, and location capabilities. UWB can be conveniently deployed in the design of wireless local and personal area networks, providing advanced integrated multimedia services to nomadic users within hot-spot areas. The very large bandwidth required by the UWB signals cannot be exclusively allocated; thus, UWB band overlaps with the bands allocated to many other narrow-band systems. Therefore, the assessment of the interference caused by UWB devices on already-existing systems is of primary importance to ensure coexistence and, therefore, to guarantee acceptance of UWB technology worldwide. We study the coexistence issues between an UWB-based system and universal mobile telecommunication systems, global positioning systems, DCS1800, and fixed wireless access systems and point-to-point (PP) links terminals. UWB interference is evaluated accounting for the UWB signal model, a realistic UWB master/slave system architecture with power-controlled terminals. Furthermore, we analyze the dependence of the UWB interference from the UWB signal parameters and demonstrate through computer simulation that, in all practical cases, a UWB system can coexist with the selected victim terminals without causing any dangerous interference.     

Support vector machine‐based equalisation for direct‐sequence ultra wideband systems

We proposed the support vector machine (SVM)‐based equalisation schemes for direct‐sequence ultra wideband (UWB) systems. The severe intersymbol interference caused by the UWB channel was formulated as a pattern classification problem in the SVM‐based equaliser, which operates in two main modes: training and detection. We also applied the least squares support vector classifiers (LS‐SVCs) to reduce the training complexity and sparse LS‐SVCs to reduce the detection complexity, with little performance loss compared to SVCs. Simulation results confirm the outperformance of the proposed equalisers over the conventional rake receiver with the same order of complexity for detection, especially when no channel information is known at the receiver. Also, the SVM‐based equalisers in the line‐of‐sight scenario provide a performance close to the case with additive white Gaussian noise only. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Two‐Stage Radix‐4 Viterbi Decoder for Multiband OFDM UWB Systems

This letter presents a power efficient 64‐state Viterbi decoder (VD) employing a two‐stage radix‐4 add‐compare‐select architecture. A class of VD architectures is implemented, and their hardware complexity, maximum operating speed, and power consumption are compared. Implementation results show that the proposed VD architecture is suitable for multiband orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (MB‐OFDM) ultra‐wideband (UWB) systems, which can support the data rate of 480 Mbps even when implemented using 0.18‐μm CMOS technology.     

Non‐linear chirp based UWB waveform design for suppression of NBI

In order to alleviate the narrowband interference (NBI) to ultra wideband (UWB) systems, we propose two non‐linear UWB chirp waveforms based on the arctrigonometric and archyperbolic function in this paper. The proposed UWB pulses can obtain good performance in NBI suppression. Both of the two chirp pulses require only the time domain processing because of the inherent relationship between the frequency domain and the time domain. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the direct sequence pulse binary amplitude modulation (DS‐BPAM) UWB systems with the proposed chirp waveforms can achieve excellent NBI suppression performance and outperform the linear chirp waveform based UWB system significantly. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.