Fields Tests for Ranging and Localization with Time-of-Flight-Measurements Using Chirp Spread Spectrum RF-devices

Abstract

Short range wireless networks (SRWN) are an important platform for an increasing number of applications. Apart from the pure communication benefit and other added values, e.g. ease-of-installation, support of mobility, high level of redundancy and reliability, wireless networks can bring in an important additional feature: localization. In many cases, the precision of ranging and localization is based on the measurement of Received Signal Strength (RSS) and is thus quite limited. Systems with time-of-flight measurements promise better performance. However, not many systems are commercially available for applications in Short Range Wireless Networks. One of the first available products uses Chirp Spread Spectrum technology with a symmetric two way ranging. This contribution examines the results, which were achieved with these products for real-life environments. Vehicle-based applications for active safety (eSafety) play a special role in those scenarios.