Range enhanced IR-UWB remote bio-sensor system with integrated communication

Impulse Radio UWB (IR-UWB) transceiver systems are emerging with highest level of prospect in biosensor application for continuous and contactless monitoring of vital signs. Moreover, such systems can be equally applicable in rescue operation of survivors trapped under debris. But success of these system applications depends on the range of detection. This paper presents spreading technique as a winsome solution to enhance the range of detection of these biosensors still meeting the regulation of Federal Communication Commission (FCC). System performance is analyzed and compared based on RF UWB transceiver part MC270113 of XS110 chipset. Three spreading codes: 1) PN sequence, 2) Walsh sequence and 3) Hadamard sequence are tested. Minimum 200% range extension has been observed with spreading factor 64. However, increasing the spreading factor increases the range of detection rapidly still having compliance to the FCC rules. Simultaneous communication and radar operation is also successfully tested.