Definition and classification of ultra-wideband signals and devices

Abstract

One commonly used way to classify signals and devices is based on frequency coverage or bandwidth. Three somewhat similar, but significantly different, ultrawideband (UWB) classification schemes from the open literature are presented. These classification schemes differ in how they define bandwidth and categorization criteria. A comparison of the categorization criteria associated with the three schemes is followed by the authors' presentation of a partially codified classification scheme that merges the existing schemes so that the merged scheme partially satisfies the criteria of each individual scheme. The second half of the article focuses on a detailed discussion of several of the numerous bandwidth definitions in the literature. The inconsistencies inherent in the three classification schemes are illustrated by applying six of the bandwidth definitions to four test signals, and comparing the results. The article concludes by suggesting further topics of discussion that could result in a common bandwidth definition and a uniform classification scheme.