Coherent vs. Non-Coherent Detection for Orthogonal Convolutional Modulation: A Trade-Off Analysis

In the context of low data-rate UWB (ultra-wideband) networks, relying upon impulse radio-based devices, it has emerged the need of devising coding/modulation schemes amenable of both coherent and non-coherent detection. The rationale being the potential coexistence of different classes of devices characterized by different complexity/performances. In this work, we consider several orthogonal convolutional modulation (OCM) schemes and study the corresponding trade-offs in terms of coherent vs. non-coherent detection performance. Our theoretical predictions are supported by numerical simulations, thus confirming the results, based on which we provide some general design guidelines