Matched filter design optimisation for UWB receiver for sensor network application

Abstract

Ultra Wideband (UWB) communications is one of the possible solutions for future wireless personal area network (WPAN) applications. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in the USA, allocated 7.5 GHz of unlicensed frequency bandwidth from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz for UWB communication. It is an available spectrum which can be utilised for data communication using different technologies complying with FCC regulations. This paper presents a brief overview of the world wide regulations and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standardisation updates for UWB. It also focuses on the wireless sensor network application and the use of UWB communications in biomedical sensor networks. The paper aims at the design and implementation of an optimised pulsed matched filter (OPMF) used in the digital backend of a UWB radio. The optimisations are performed at the architectural and circuit level in order to reduce hardware complexity and reduced power. The OPMF is successfully implemented using the application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design methodology and the results are compared with those obtained in previous implementation. The OPMF implementation presented in this paper yields improved characteristics such as reduction in area, almost 25% power reduction and better timing.