Ultra-Wideband Technology for Short- or Medium-Range Wireless Communications

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is loosely defined as any wireless transmission scheme that occupies a bandwidth of more than 25% of a center frequency, or more than 1.5GHz. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently working on setting emissions limits that would allow UWB communication systems to be deployed on an unlicensed basis following the Part 15.209 rules for radiated emissions of intentional radiators, the same rules governing the radiated emissions from home computers, for example. This rule change would allow UWB-enabled devices to overlay existing narrowband systems, which is currently not allowed, and result in a much more efficient use of the available spectrum. Devices could, in essence, fill in the unused portions of the frequency spectrum in any particular location. These recent developments by the FCC give Intel a unique opportunity to develop equipment that could potentially take advantage of the vast amount of usable spectrum that exists in the wireless space, and that could provide an engine to drive the future high-rate applications that are being conceived throughout this industry. Intel Architecture Labs (IAL) is currently researching UWB technology in order to better understand its benefits, limitations, and technical challenges when used for high-rate communications. This paper introduces the reader to this technology, from potential applications to regulatory hurdles, to possible implementations and future challenges.