Pulsed frequency modulation techniques for high-precision ultra wideband ranging and positioning

In this paper a novel approach for a high precision local positioning radar using an ultra wideband technique is presented. The concept is based on the standard FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) radar principle combined with short pulses to fulfill the emission limits given by the official regulatory authorities. The system combines the advantages of FMCW radar systems and the advantages of the use of a wide bandwidth. With this concept, a high accuracy in dense multipath indoor environments can be achieved, ideally suited for 1D, 2D, and 3D localization. A prototype was fabricated which operates around the center frequency of 7.5 GHz utilizing a bandwidth of 1 GHz. With the setup presented in this paper the distance between two wireless units can be measured achieving a low standard deviation.