A 0.92/5.3nJ/b UWB impulse radio SoC for communication and localization

Abstract

UWB has shown great potential for short-range low data-rate low-power wireless communications. Recently, wireless body area networks for wearable and implant devices are emerging, which require energy-efficient radios to sustain longer battery life and potentially enable power supplied by energy harvesting [1]. Some energy-efficient UWB solutions have been reported [2-6]. However, only RF transceivers have been presented and the publications did not show a complete radio except in reference [6]. Also, location awareness for ambient intelligent sensor networks becomes the next important feature to implement besides communications [7]. UWB offers unique merit for accurate localization by using the narrow and wideband pulses. In this work, we present a complete impulse UWB SoC radio including RF transceiver and digital PHY. It can be configured as communication or localization or both modes, therefore enabling a uniform energy-efficient radio platform for WSN, WPAN, and WBAN applications. ©2010 IEEE.