WiMedia UWB MAC Layer Implementation in FPGA

In this paper, a WiMedia UWB MAC layer is implemented in a FPGA development board. The MAC layer protocol is modeled by FSM technique and written in hardware description language. Combining the MAC layer design with other standard system peripherals, a FPGA-based UWB MAC reference design supporting UWB PHY layer specifications is synthesized. To verify the design, the FPGA platform works with a pair of WiMedia complaint radio frequency transceivers to conduct single frame transmission tests. Experimental results prove the system works according to the specification. In addition, various transmission settings can be changed via a host computer. The developed hardware platform can act as a testbed for various UWB wireless communication tests.