Ultrawideband synchronization in dense multi-path environment

The ultra-short pulse shape of ultra-wideband makes system synchronization very difficult. In practice, UWB synchronization is much more challenging due to the dense multi-path environment of indoor wireless. This paper proposes a simple scheme using pilot codes as a transmitted reference (TR) to assist the frame and bit acquisitions. A new architecture, the reference aided matched filter (RAMF), is suggested. To optimize performance, an adaptive post detection integration (APDI) is designed to capture as much energy as possible for acquisition. In addition, a low complexity early-late gate tracking loop is embedded in both tracking and acquisition functions. System simulations using four IEEE UWB channel models show a fast acquisition time with a reasonable bit error rate. Sampling rate is at symbol speed for practical implementation of a simple digital receiver.