A UWB transmit-only based scheme for multi-tag support in a millimeter accuracy localization system

Ultra Wideband (UWB) wireless positioning systems have many advantages for tracking and locating items in indoor environments. Surgical navigation and industrial process control are potential applications for high accuracy UWB localization systems with millimeter accuracy. Several experimental systems have achieved very high accuracy, but have generally neglected significant system features like multi-tag access. This paper outlines a UWB localization system, which addresses both multi-tag performance and localization accuracy using UWB transmit-only digital communication and time difference of arrival (TDOA). The scheme takes advantage of a digital sampling circuit that can be used for both sub-sampling and data reception. Preliminary 1-D experimental results using this system resulted in a total system update rate of 889 Hz and localization accuracy of 3.25mm.