Challenges for a new integrated ultra-wideband (UWB) source

Abstract

This paper presents a description of a new method to generate a short impulse based on a counter designed on BiCMOS SiGe technology. This architecture includes a new method to modify the PRF (pulse repetition frequency) by changing the counter division ratio and an easy way to control the impulse frequency center. A pseudo-noise sequence prescaler modulates the impulses with specific modulation schemes, such as pulse position, bi-phase modulation or a combination of both. The total power consumption is 65 mA at 7GHz.

Ultra-Wideband Transceivers for Cochlear Implants

“…The pulse duration for Gaussian monocycle pulses has to be below 300 ps for the spectral requirements; therefore CMOS or SiGe BiCMOS processes are required for fast pulse generation. Gerrits [7], Kim [8], and Azakkour [9] presented fundamentals to generate different pulse shapes on integrated circuits. However, CMOS is still too slow for 250 ps pulses with an amplitude of 0.5 V pp , but this goal will be reachable soon, due to rapid advances in semiconductor technology making an ultralow-power UWB transmitter feasible.…”

A TM-UWB Prototype with Multi-User Synchronization

“…The pulse duration for Gaussian monocycle pulses has to be below 250 ps for the spectral requirements, therefore CMOS or SiGe BiCMOS processes would be desirable for fast pulse generation. Gerrits [5], Kim [6] and Azakkour [7] presented fundamentals to generate different pulse shapes on integrated circuits. Anyway CMOS is still to slow for 250 ps pulses with an amplitude of 0.5 V pp , but this goal is very soon reachable and an ultra low power UWB transmitter can be manufactured.…”