Ultra wideband DSSS for multiple access communications using antipodal signaling

Ultra wideband (UWB) technology is characterized by transmitting extremely short duration radio impulses. To improve its multiple access (MA) capability, UWB technology can be combined with traditional spread spectrum techniques. So far, much of the research has focused on employing time hopping spread spectrum with impulse radio using pulse position modulated (PPM) signals. In this paper, we outline the attractive features of direct sequence (DS) ultra wideband multiple access systems employing antipodal signaling and compare it with time hopping (TH). An appropriate DS-UWB transmitter and receiver are designed, and the system signal processing formulation is investigated. Performance of such communication systems in terms of multiple access capability, error rate performance, and achievable transmission rate are evaluated. An upper bound on the maximum number of users supported by the system is discussed.