International Journal of Computer Information Systems, Vol. 3, No.

6, 2011

Ultra Wide Band Technology: Essential Characteristics and Applications

Iloh, John Paul I.
Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Anambra State University Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria. E-mail: johnpauliloh@yahoo.com

Ashigwuike, Chinemezu Evans

Department of Electrical /Electronics Engineering University of Abuja F.C.T, Abuja, Nigeria. E-mail:ecashigwuike@ymail.com

Abstract Ultra wide band (UWB) technology broadly refers to

any communication scheme that occupies a bandwidth greater than 20% of a center frequency or greater than 500MHz. Specifically, this extreme bandwidth is a defining characteristic of ultra wide band communications. Results of several researches conducted in this area as well as expectations of on-going researches suggest that the ultra wide band technology will become the dominant technology in short- and medium- range wireless communication in the nearest future. Some of the features of the UWB technology that support the stated projections include the combined capabilities of high speed data communications, impeccability of data, and low power operation which make the technology ideally suited for development of robust and rapid wireless communication networks even in hostile and complex environments. This paper basically introduces the UWB technology to the reader specifically highlighting its important characteristics, benefits, limitations, potential applications and challenges. Keywords- UWB, wireless, bandwidth, carrierless, Networks Introduction

proposed result will be a much more efficient utilization of the available frequency spectrum. Thus, the unused portions of the frequency spectrum in a particular location could be used by these UWB devices. In 2002, the FCC changed the rules allowing the operation of UWB systems in a broad range of frequencies and in 2003, the first FCC-certified commercial UWB system was installed [4]. This development has greatly raised research interests in the wireless communication industry with respect to deploying this new technology. Most of the research efforts in this area are therefore channeled towards developing equipment that could potentially harness the vast amount of usable spectrum existing in the wireless space. It is being projected that such scenario could provide the engine to drive the future high-rate applications being envisaged in the next generation wireless communication industry. The range of frequencies legalized by the FCC for UWB operation is now from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz a band more than 7GHz wide. Thus in using this band in UWB fashion, each radio channel on the spectrum must have a bandwidth greater than 500MHz, the actual bandwidth of a channel depending on the center frequency. Due to the large bandwidth involved, the FCC equally put severe broadcast power restrictions in order to ensure that UWB devices do not emit energy sufficient to be noticed by narrowband devices nearby e.g. 802.11a/b/g radios. This allows for sharing of spectrum among devices resulting in very high data throughput; however these devices must be in close proximity. This to a large extend, is responsible for the deployment of the UWB technology virtually for short and medium range communications only. This rest of this paper is organized into six (6) sections. First, we discuss the three important characteristics of the UWB systems. The second and third sections present the various benefits and limitations of this technology. In the fourth section, the current and potential applications of UWB technology are discussed. Finally, we present the challenges facing the future deployment of this technology and the conclusion of our study in sections five and six respectively.

The first recorded UWB (Ultra wide band) wireless transmission was carried out in 1901 using Marconi Spark Gap Emitter. In the experiment, Marconi created UWB signals by means of the random conductance of a spark and transmitted the signals from the Isle of Wright to Cornwall on the British Mainland [1]. By the early 1980s, Fullerton was able to demonstrate practically, the possibility of developing modern low power impulse radio techniques using time coded time modulated ultra-wideband approach. However, since the 80s, UWB technology has been mainly used for radar based applications [2]. Other uses were restricted to experimental work only, commercial use was prohibited. By the year 2001, the radio frequency regulatory body in the United States - the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) was already working on setting emissions limit that would allow UWB communications system to be deployed on an unlicensed basis following the Part 15.209 rules governing the radiated emissions of intentional radiators [3]. This expected rule change would enhance the development of UWB-based devices which will overlay the existing narrowband systems. The

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International Journal of Computer Information Systems, Vol. 3, No. 6, 2011 I. CHARACTERISTICS OF ULTRA WIDE BAND SYSTEMS Thus with UWB technology, it is possible to achieve high data rate transmission using very low power. This can also been deduced from the sketch in figure 1 above. This low power operation with the corresponding high data rate capability of UWB is exploited for short and medium range communications i.e. ranges of 0 10 meters and 0 100 meters respectively. II. CARRIER-LESS SIGNALS

Firs As defined by the FCC, an UWB transmission is a signal whose fractional bandwidth is greater than 1/4th of the center frequency or a bandwidth greater than 500MHz. To understand the concept of the UWB technology, it is necessary to point out what makes it different from the more conventional narrow and wideband systems currently in use. There are three major characteristics of UWB signals that distinguish them from other narrow band or wide band signals namely; they make use of (i) very large bandwidth, (ii) carrier-less signals and (iii) ultra-short pulse width. Typically an UWB transmitter directly modulates an impulse that has an ultra short pulse width, thus generating a waveform that occupies a bandwidth of several GHz. These special characteristics of UWB signals are discussed as follows. Very Large Bandwidth Typically, UWB technology makes use of an extremely wide band of radio frequency (RF) spectrum to transmit data. UWB signals occupy a substantial bandwidth relative to their center frequencies. The sketch in figure 1 illustrates how UWB compares with narrow band (NB) and spread spectrum (SS) signals in frequency domain. UWB radios are also called digital impulse radio due to their very large bandwidths [5]. This excess bandwidth makes UWB technology suitable for high speed data communications, multiple access communications, and obstacles penetration [6]. Shannons equation for channel capacity states that (1) where, bandwidth, channel capacity in bits/sec, signal to noise ratio. channel I.

UWB technology uses carrier-less signals for its implementation. It is also referred to as carrier- free technology. Conventional narrow band and wide band systems use RF carrier to move the signal in the frequency domain from baseband to actual carrier frequency [7]. However, an UWB system involves direct modulation of an impulse that spans a bandwidth of several GHz. In the case of UWB, data is transmitted in the form of digital pulses of electromagnetic energy. This capability of carrier-less transmission in UWB systems makes the transceivers used in this technology relatively much less complex than those used in the conventional narrow and wideband systems such as Bluetooth technologies. The diagrams in figures 2 (a) and (b) illustrate the comparison between the hardware architecture of an example UWB technology and an example Bluetooth technology [3].

(a) An example Bluetooth Transceiver. (b) An example UWB Transceiver

From equation (1) we observe that channel capacity increases linearly with bandwidth but exponentially with signal power (see equation 2 below). (2) Where received signal power, spectral density. noise power

Notice the relative simplicity of UWB transceiver example implementation compared to that of narrowband example. The UWB example has no reference oscillator (Ref OSC), phase locked loop (PLL) synthesizer, voltage control oscillator (VCO), mixer, or power amplifier. III. Ultra Short Pulse Width Ultra short pulse width is another characterizing feature of UWB signals. The signals are transmitted as low power radio signals in form of short electrical pulses in the picoseconds range across all frequencies [7]. The nature of such pulses is shown in figure 3.
Pulse width in picoseconds range

Figure 3 - Nature of ultra short pulse used in UWB systems Identify applicable sponsor/s here. (sponsors)

T i m e

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The pulses are widely spaced from each other. This is a very useful property as it enhances direct resolvability of multipath components. 1. BENEFITS OF UWB TECHNOLOGY Under this section we discuss the various advantages of UWB technology due to the three major characteristics mentioned in section 1. The benefits due to the large bandwidth occupied by UWB signals include; i. High data rate communications As we have earlier pointed out with equation (1), the large bandwidth of a UWB signal results in a high channel capacity. The channel capacity of communication system specifies the amount of data (in bits) that can be transmitted via the channel per unit time (in seconds). Thus this represents the speed of data across the channel. With the power restrictions on UWB systems, high data rate is still achievable within the allowed power limits. It is reported in [3] that a UWB developer measured peak speeds of over 50Mbps at a 10meter-range and projected that six of such systems could operate within the same range at acceptable quality of service (QoS). The projected spatial capacity for the system would be over 1000kilobits per second per square meter. This can be compared with the results of Bluetooth (a narrow band example) and IEEE 802.11 technologies whose spatial capacities are much lower over the same range as illustrated in figure 4.

International Journal of Computer Information Systems, Vol. 3, No. 6, 2011 narrowband signals to penetrate ground and walls effectively, they have to use higher carrier frequencies to achieve wider bandwidth. However, as the signal frequency increases, the propagation losses also rise and hence reducing the QoS. In UWB systems, high data rate are attained with lower center frequencies making obstacle penetration much easier compared to the conventional narrowband systems. iv. Impeccability of data UWB technology is particularly suited for high data security applications. This is due to low energy per frequency band and the use of precisely timed patterns which reduce both the probability of detection and the probability of interference (jamming). This feature is mostly used in military applications. The advantages of UWB technology due to the carrier-free nature of its implementation include; v. Less complex and low cost hardware Earlier we have seen example implementation architecture for both UWB and conventional narrowband systems (see figure 2). The implication of the comparison between these technologies is that the physical hardware required for UWB implementation in much simpler. This also would mean lower cost of the hardware requirement. In addition, UWB implementation is almost completely digitally implemented having only minimal RF or microwave electronics unlike conventional carrier-based systems which involves modulation and demodulation of complex analog carrier waveforms. Since UWB transmitters directly modulate a baseband signal, the requirements of the tuned circuitry are substantially reduced. vi. Suitable for smart sensor networks Due to simplicity of the hardware circuitry and low power carrier-less transmission, UWB technology also has the capability of supporting smart sensor network applications otherwise known as distributed sensor networks. vii. Low power operation We have established earlier with equations (1) and (2) that to transmit data at high rate using UWB technology, only little amount of power is required. UWB involves transmission of short impulses constantly unlike in narrowband systems where modulated waves are transmitted continuously. Since RF to IF (intermediate frequency) conversion is not required in UWB systems, power consuming components such as local oscillators, mixers, power amplifiers and other filters are eliminated thereby reducing power requirements of the systems. The advantages of UWB technology due to the ultra-pulse width characteristic of the signals include; viii. Direct resolvability of multipath components A closer look at the diagram in figure 3 would suggest that in the event of multipath reflections, overlapping (in time domain) of the multipath components may not occur due to the ultra-shortness of the pulses and that is actually the case with UWB signals. Since overlapping does not occur, it implies that the multipath components can be resolved directly. This

Figure 4 - Comparison of spatial capacity for Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 and UWB technologies

ii.

Multiple Access Communications

The large bandwidth of UWB signals allows for spectrum reuse. Thus multiple access communication can be supported in UWB technology. Many users can simultaneously be accommodated on an UWB based radio multiple access communication system. For best results, code division multiple access (CDMA) technique in conjunction with pulse-position modulation (PPM) is used in implementing UWB communication systems. This is simply because code correlation is very useful in isolating multi-paths. iii. Obstacle penetration capability Penetration of materials by RF signals depends on the frequency of the signal. Wider bandwidth signals penetrate materials more than narrower bandwidth signals. For

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virtually eliminates fading. In typical narrow band systems, multipath components overlap in time resulting in multipath fading. An additional benefit is that the system provides diversity gain when the multipath components are combined since they are directly resolvable. ix. Multipath persistence property Since the multipath components in UWB systems do not overlap in time, mutual interference is minimal. Thus the multipath signals arrive at the receiver with minimal attenuation. This scenario is referred to as multipath persistence. Multipath persistence signifies low fade margins which supports the low power requirement for UWB transmitters. x. High resolution positioning capability UWB systems provide this capability due to the fine time resolution required by UWB signals. This capability makes localization of signals indoors possible which is otherwise very difficult to achieve in narrow band systems due to the presence of shadowing and multipath reflections from obstacles. It should also be noted that localization of radio signals in UWB systems is enhanced by the low power operation of their transmitters. 2. LIMITATIONS OF UWB SYSTEMS In this section we discuss the various disadvantages of the UWB systems in respect of the three main characteristics of UWB signals earlier discussed in section 1. The major disadvantage encountered in UWB systems due to the characteristic large bandwidth is: i. Potential interference to and fro existing narrow band systems

International Journal of Computer Information Systems, Vol. 3, No. 6, 2011 Since the technology is carrier free, every narrow band signal in the vicinity of an UWB system is a potential interferer and so does other nearby UWB systems. To deal with this problem, UWB receivers must be provided with relatively complex and sophisticated signal processing techniques in order to faithfully recover data from the usually noisy environment. In contrast, narrow band systems which make use of carrier waves can use straightforward techniques like frequency division multiplexing (FDM) requiring simpler signal processing techniques like filtering and wave shaping. The two major disadvantages incurred due to ultra-short pulse width of UWB signals are: iii. Presence of numerous multipath components Due to the nature of the environment where UWB system are deployed (e.g. indoors, aboard ships etc.), there is always the tendency for existence of large number of multipath components due to reflections from obstacles. This can lead to increased multipath interference or cancelling out of signals. However, the picoseconds precision pulses of the UWB signals eliminates overlapping of multipaths hence reducing interference. iv. Relatively long synchronization times The time required for bit synchronization between a transmitter and a receiver in an UWB system can be as high as a few milliseconds. This occurs due to the picoseconds precision of the pulses used. This implies a very high channel acquisition time which invariably affects the performance of the system especially when the system is intended for intermittent communications. In our contemporary world of modernity driven by monumental advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), the UWB technology finds application in various areas which include; wireless communication, radar /sensing systems and precision location tracking [8][9][10]. Some of the current and potential applications of UWB technology in the areas mentioned are summarized in table (1) below. Other applications which are extensions of either one or a combination of the application areas illustrated in table 1 include VETAS (Vehicular Electronic Tagging and Alert System), WICS (Wireless Intercom Communications), MANET (Mobile, multi-node, Ad-hoc wireless communication Network) and Firefighter radio.
3. CHALENGES OF UWB TECHNOLOGY

Every UWB signal is a potential interferer to any nearby narrow band system and vice versa. In the first case, to protect existing narrow band systems from UWB signals, spectrum regulatory bodies (e.g. FCC in the U.S.) imposed certain power emission limits for UWB systems operating within the range of frequencies for such narrow band systems e.g. 2.4GHz ISM band for WLAN such as IEEE 802.11 and WPAN such as Bluetooth. This power restriction ensures that most UWB signals are kept below the noise floor of narrow band receivers. Conversely, the interference experienced at the receiver of a UWB system due to narrow band transmitters depends on the antennas used and their orientation [7]. Thus powerful narrow band interferences are possible from such narrowband transmitters. However such interference can be masked out using direct sequence or time hopping spread spectrum modulation technique without significantly affecting the overall system performance. The major disadvantage of UWB systems due to the carrierless signals used in their implementation is: ii. Complex signal processing required in the receiver subsystem

Over the years, mostly between the 1980s and early 2000s, the major challenge facing UWB technology developers especially in field of wireless communication has been the restriction on the band of frequency required for UWB implementation. Having overcome this hurdle by the recent legalization of the band for commercial use, UWB technology can now be widely deployed for various desired applications. However, there is still restriction on the power limits for operation of UWB systems which confines their commercial implementation to only short range applications.

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TABLE 1. SOME CURRENT AND APPLICATIONS OF UWB TECHNOLOGY

Application area Example applications Wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs) Roadside Information Stations Automotive in-car services Military communicat ions Other short range data, voice and video applications Ground penetrating radar applications Radar and sensing systems Vehicular radar Through wall imaging Radar security fence Inventory systems Global position systems (GPS)

POTENTIAL

International Journal of Computer Information Systems, Vol. 3, No. 6, 2011 wireless wide area networks (WWAN). Within the allowed power limits, the present challenges include interoperability with already existing systems, ease of product integration/certification and overall solution cost to the manufacturers of UWB devices. In order to make the best use of the UWB technology, some earlier identified challenges which are being addressed by leading wireless technology developers are [3]; developing a reliable channel model which will be helpful in predicting performance as well as optimizing the physical layer design; developing receiver designs that will improve the robustness and longtime viability of the technology; investigating the feasibility for achieving high level silicon integration in order to obtain very low-cost and low power solution. 6. CONCLUSION This paper has in general terms, introduced the essential features of the ultra-wide band (UWB) technology which include the large bandwidth occupied by its signals, the carrier-free method of transmission used and the ultra-short nature of electrical impulses used for the signal generation. The major benefits of this technology afforded by these inherent characteristics of UWB systems include among other things: high data rate communications due to large signal bandwidth; low cost implementation and low power operation due to the carrierless transmission; accurate position location and elimination of multipath interference due to ultra-short pulse width of the UWB signals. The technology is currently being deployed in short range wireless communication systems; radar and sensing applications; and precision location tracking. Several other new applications of UWB technology are under developmental stages and are being expected to appear in the market very soon. One of such applications is in consumer electronics in which electronic devices are to be provided with wireless universal serial bus (WUSB) interfaces. This implies that such devices can be interconnected without the use of cables. Thus WPAN technology will become a more interesting networking application. In that case, peripheral devices like printers, scanners, digital cameras, camcorders etc can be connected to personal computers (PCs) and personal digital assistants (PDAs) without cables. Thus the inconvenience of carrying several cables along when using portable devices will be completely eliminated.

Uses For high bandwidth wireless networks for homes and offices.

1.

Wireless communicatio ns

For displaying messages for weather reports, road conditions, emergency assistance communication etc. Real time video for directions and passenger entertainment Communication aboard aircrafts and aboard ships where there is prevalence of multipath components. Wirelessly interconnecting consumer electronic (CE) devices e.g. DVDs, HDTVs, STBs, PVRs, camcorders, digital cameras etc. Used in mining environments.

2.

For avoidance of collision, detection and sensing of road conditions. For rescue during disasters, security and medical applications. For detecting military attacks Used in border security operations, container inventory systems. For position location of objects, localization of search and rescue efforts.

3.

Precision location tracking

. REFERENCES However, there is still restriction on the power limits for operation of UWB systems which confines their commercial implementation to only short range applications. For this reason, UWB technology is gradually becoming the preferred choice for wireless personal area networks (WPAN) replacing the Bluetooths 1-2Mbps bandwidth with its 400-500Mbps. It is widely believed that if the power limitation is relaxed that UWB technology has the potential to be deployed even for [1] K. Siwak, Ultra Wide Band: Introducing a NEW Technology. In IEEE Vehicular Tech. Conference (VTC) Plenary Session, May 2001. [2] J.D. Taylor. Introduction to Ultra-wideband Radar Systems. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 1995. [3] J.Foerster, E. Green, S. Somayazulu. Ultra-wideband Technology for Short-or Medium- Range Wireless

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Communications. In Intel Tehnology Journal Q2, 2001. [4] C.R. Anderson, H. Reed, R.M. Buehrer, D. Sweeny, Griggs. An Introduction to Ultra Wideband Communications Systems. April 2005. [5] L.E. Miller. Why UWB? A Review of Ultrawideband Technology. Wireless Communication Technology Group. NIST, 2003. [6] B. Manny, K. Kahn. Ultra Wideband: A Disruptive RF Technology. In Intel Developer Conference, February, 2002. [7] A. Gupta, P. Mohapatra. A Survey on Ultra Wide Band Mediun Access Control Schemes. [8] J. Reed, R.M. Buerhrer, D. McKinstry. Intrduction to UWB: Impulse radio for Radar and Wireless Communications. GM Breifing. August, 2002. [9] Y.M. Kim. Ultra Wide Band Technology and Applications. Nest Group. July 2003.

International Journal of Computer Information Systems, Vol. 3, No. 6, 2011 [10] R.J. Fontana. Recent Applications of Ultra Wide Band Radar and Communication Systems. In EuroEM. May, 2000. AUTHORS PROFILE

Engr. Ilo, John Paul Izuchukwu is currently a PhD student at Anambra State University Nigeria. He received his Masters degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria in 2009. He is a member of Nigerian society of Engineers (NSE), Council for the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria(COREN) and Nigerian Institute of Electrical Engineers (NIEE).

Engr. Ashigwuike, Chinemezu Evans is currently a PhD student at Centre for Electronic System Research, Brunel University London. He obtained his Masters Degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria in 2005. He is a member of Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Council for the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers(IEEE)

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