Super-Regenerative Architecture for UWB Pulse Detection: From Theory to RF Front-End Design

This paper presents an optimization of the super-regenerative architecture for impulse-based ultrawideband (UWB) technology dedicated to low-data-rate applications. The receiver belongs to the noncoherent category but enables nanosecond resolution for efficient location and tracking applications. Relying on analytical developments, this paper demonstrates how the super-regenerative architecture can suit the UWB context. Such a receiver enables a high RF gain and pulse-matched filter effect with tied power consumption to be achieved, thanks to the suitable control of the inherent unstable behavior. Bit-error-rate simulations based on this architecture are conducted and show a required Eb/n₀ of 12.5 dB at 10^-4 in the additive white Gaussian noise channel. RF impairment impacts are evaluated and demonstrate good tolerance to the oscillator central frequency accordance and synchronization issue. Specifications of the circuit and controlled signal are drawn up. To validate this concept, the design of the RF front is performed in the CMOS 0.13-mum technology. It includes an LNA, a transconductance stage, and the detector formed by a fully integrated LC -NMOS oscillator. This circuit consumes less than 10 mA for an RF gain above 50 dB and a 1-GHz-wide input signal bandwidth. The measured sensitivity is -99 dBm at 10^-3 for a 1-Mb/s pulse rate for binary modulation.