On the Range-Data Rate Performance of Outdoor UWB Communication

Major envisioned commercial ultra wideband (UWB) applications are indoor, nonetheless, the suitability of UWB technology for data communication over longer ranges may also have a relevant role in the outdoor wireless communications. In this paper we evaluate and compare the achievable range-data rate performance of a reliable UWB communication link for long ranges, considering an Impulse Radio UWB system and the use of M-ary PAM and M-ary PPM modulations. The free space, lognormal shadowing and two-ray path loss models are considered. We incorporate the UWB frequency dependency of two different ground reflection materials as well as different electric field polarizations in the two-ray path loss model. Tables with the achievable range-data rate performance of the UWB link are provided. Novel results of this research work indicate that, complying with the FCC emission limits, a reliable outdoor UWB link can be established by compromising between range and speed of transmission.