An efficient multi-user UWB receiver for distributed medium access in ad hoc and sensor networks

Large ad hoc and sensor networks require inexpensive, low power hardware. Impulse-based ultra wideband (I-UWB) is an attractive radio technology for such networks due to its simple hardware, low radiated power, and accurate ranging capability. This work proposes a distributed medium access control (MAC) protocol for large I-UWB networks. The MAC protocol, pulse sense multiple access (PSMA), is similar to carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) in narrowband systems. At low pulse rates, PSMA provides a distributed multichannel MAC that significantly reduces collisions without increasing receiver complexity or network delay. A multi-user I-UWB receiver further improves performance with moderate hardware complexity.