Rapid acquisition for ultra-wideband localizers

Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals as implemented in our localizers provide a foundation for highly accurate methods of 3D position determination using precise ranging between any two nodes. In a large, distributed network of nodes, the time required for all nodes to acquire each other is of paramount importance. We have developed a method of rapid acquisition that allows two nodes to acquire each other in a fraction of the time afforded by other methods. We utilize a beacon/listener technique using Kasami sequences and divide-and-conquer algorithms to effect acquisitions in less than a second. We discuss our rapid acquisition process in this paper.