Recent years there has been a great interest in UWB localization systems. The main reason for using UWB signal is that the range resolution in a raging system is given by the bandwidth of the signal. The main drawback of the current system, which is based on two-way communications ranging implementations (as Apples airtag) and time delay measurements, is that the range resolution/accuracy is worsened by the clock drift while waiting for the returning message from the tag (limiting accuracy to ~ 10 cm).
In this project we want to explore an alternative to the two-way communication ranging. By using a radar, which sends and listen for reflections of the signals, the two-way reflection time is not affected by the clock drift in the tag. By modulating the reflector response pattern, the active reflector tag can also be identified. This project involves design and implementation of an active reflector circuit in TSMC 65nm CMOS project.
Project plan:
- Literature study and theoretical background
- Design and simulation of UWB active reflector circuit
- Setup of measurement and characterization system
- Thesis writeup
Training:
- IC design
- Test and measurement
