Accuracy considerations of UWB localization systems dedicated to large-scale applications

This contribution considers the accuracy limits of ultra-wideband localization systems dedicated to large-scale applications. Industrial environments are known for being extremely difficult for wireless communication, mainly because of the high concentration of large metal objects, such as containers or machines; leading to strong multipath propagation. In this work a detailed 3D model of the warehouse is used for wave propagation simulations. In the simulation, the transmitter is moving along the predefined path and the receiver infrastructure consists of eight base stations. The aim is to model the tracking system and asses its accuracy - first, the upper bound of the accuracy is determined under ideal conditions and second, the precision estimation with the inclusion of effects of hardware non-idealities is done. Effects such as the influence of pulse detection methods, pulse shape and geometrical configuration of base-stations are investigated. The position calculation of the mobile beacon is realized using a Time Difference of Arrival approach. Eventually the accuracy of the obtained results and the theoretical limit are considered based on the dilution of precision evaluations.