We present an efficient, low-cost implementation of time-hopping impulse
radio that fulfills the spectral mask mandated by the FCC and is suitable for
high-data-rate, short-range communications. Key features are: (i) all-baseband
implementation that obviates the need for passband components, (ii) symbol-rate
(not chip rate) sampling, A/D conversion, and digital signal processing, (iii)
fast acquisition due to novel search algorithms, (iv) spectral shaping that can
be adapted to accommodate different spectrum regulations and interference
environments. Computer simulations show that this system can provide 110Mbit/s
at 7-10m distance, as well as higher data rates at shorter distances under FCC
emissions limits. Due to the spreading concept of time-hopping impulse radio,
the system can sustain multiple simultaneous users, and can suppress narrowband
interference effectively.Comment: To appear in EURASIP Journal on Applied Signal Processing (Special
Issue on UWB - State of the Art