Chi-squared distribution approximation for probabilistic energy equalizer implementation in impulse-radio UWB receiver

This paper addresses the hardware implementation feasibility assessment of a probabilistic energy equalizer for UWB impulse radio (IR) transmission. The receiver is based on energy detection and targets data rates greater than 100 Mbps. The aim of this study is to bypass certain complex mathematical functions like the chi-squared (¿²) distribution and approximate it by functions easier to implement. Fixed point data types simulations are achieved and compared to the results obtained from the reference floating point non-approximated function. Simulation results, under IEEE 802.15.3a channel models, confirm our choice which allows an easy hardware implementation for these complex functions.