A low-cost time-hopping impulse radio system for high data rate transmission

TL;DR

This paper introduces a low-cost, high-data-rate time-hopping impulse radio system suitable for short-range communications, featuring all-baseband implementation, adaptive spectral shaping, and efficient multi-user operation.

Contribution

It presents a novel, cost-effective design for impulse radio that meets FCC spectral requirements and enables high data rates with simple, adaptable hardware and algorithms.

Findings

Achieves 110 Mbit/s at 7-10m distance

Supports multiple users simultaneously

Effectively suppresses narrowband interference

Abstract

We present an efficient, low-cost implementation of time-hopping impulse radio that fulfills the spectral mask mandated by the FCC and is suitable for high-data-rate, short-range communications. Key features are: (i) all-baseband implementation that obviates the need for passband components, (ii) symbol-rate (not chip rate) sampling, A/D conversion, and digital signal processing, (iii) fast acquisition due to novel search algorithms, (iv) spectral shaping that can be adapted to accommodate different spectrum regulations and interference environments. Computer simulations show that this system can provide 110Mbit/s at 7-10m distance, as well as higher data rates at shorter distances under FCC emissions limits. Due to the spreading concept of time-hopping impulse radio, the system can sustain multiple simultaneous users, and can suppress narrowband interference effectively.