Development and evaluation of low complexity physical layer concepts for energy efficient UWB communications

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Mike Wolf
• Subject Area: Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2006 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 24265408

The main purpose of this project is the development and investigation of low complexity UWB physical layer solutions, which provide energy efficiency combined with robustness in multiuser environments or scenarios with narrowband interference. UWB transceivers based on OFDM require very fast AD and DA converters which at the same time provide a high dynamic range. Such solutions are neither feasible for low cost nor for low power consumption devices, i.e., OFDM is not suited for sensor networks and similar applications considered here. Even alternatives like impulse radio or direct sequence based UWB may require a similar complexity, especially if non-LOS arrangements should work, too. This is due to the fact that, if a (cross) correlation based receiver is used, a Rake must be applied to capture a significant amount of the total energy which is contained in the multiple transmission paths resolvable at the detector. We investigate the suitability of low complexity approaches which rely on autocorrelation receivers or on non-coherent envelope and energy detectors, respectively. To identify and improve qualified solutions, a critical review will be performed under realistic conditions and under consideration of appropriate quality measures (such as the amount of the captured energy, interference resistance, multiple access behavior or localization capability). The basic goal is the derivation of general design rules for optimized low complexity communication systems.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1202: Ultra-Wideband Radio Technologies for Communications, Localisation and Sensor Applications (UkoLoS)
• Participating Person: Professor Dr.-Ing. Martin Haardt