Investigation of OFDM signals for microwave ranging

Abstract

Wireless ranging and positioning plays a pivotal role across numerous applications, encompassing wireless networks, robotics, navigation, and distributed wireless systems. A common limitation encountered in many ranging algorithms relates to the requirement for waveforms with sufficiently wide bandwidth to attain precise ranging accuracy. In this study, we investigate the applicability of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signals for microwave-ranging without necessitating any modifications. OFDM, being a joint communications and sensing waveform, offers the advantage of repurposing existing communication signals for ranging purposes without additional spectrum utilization. We discuss the theoretical underpinnings of our investigation and present simulated and experimental ranging measurements employing OFDM signals, complemented by range estimation and error analyses.