Location-Aware UWB Communication with Generalized Energy Detection Receivers

Future wireless networks based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) will offer localization capabilities with centimeter accuracy. We propose to use this inherently obtainable location knowledge to adapt the transceiver to the multipath channel conditions. This saves overhead for channel estimation and dissemination and enables low cost, low complexity and low power data transmission. In particular, we study the location-aware adaptation of generalized energy detection receivers for UWB impulse radio communication with binary pulse position modulation. Conventionally, these receivers are very vulnerable to narrowband interference. Therefore, we derive transmitter and receiver optimization schemes based on the Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise-Ratio (SINR): First, we present the SINR optimization based on full channel knowledge. The location knowledge is then incorporated by means of a statistical channel model, which depends on the position of the nodes. Performance evaluation based on a simple channel model is used to give insight about the fundamental behavior of the derived optimization schemes. Moreover, an extensive measurement campaign in a rich scattering environment proves that location information can improve the data transmission and helps to successfully suppress narrowband interference. Performance gains of 2 to 5 dB compared to conventional energy detection can be obtained.