Abstract: An ultra-wide band (UWB) waveform generator and encoder for use in a UWB digital communication system. The encoder multiples each data bit by an n-bit identifying code, (e.g., a user code), resulting in a stream of bits corresponding to each data bit. This stream of bits is referred to as the original codeword. The original codeword is passed onto the UWB waveform generator for generation of a UWB waveform that can be transmitted via an antenna. The UWB waveform is made up of shaped wavelets. In one embodiment, the wavelets are bi-phase wavelets, and the UWB waveform generator uses a two-stage differential mixer and a pulse generator. The first stage combines the pulses from the pulse generator with a first derivative codeword derived from the original codeword. The output of this first stage is a wavelet, which is used as input to the second differential mixer along with a second derivative codeword also derived from the original codeword and orthogonal to the first derivative codeword.

Abstract: An ultra wide bandwidth, high speed, spread spectrum communications system uses short wavelets of electromagnetic energy to transmit information through objects such as walls or earth. The communication system uses baseband codes formed from time shifted and inverted wavelets to encode data on a RF signal. Typical wavelet pulse durations are on the order of 100 to 1000 picoseconds with a bandwidth of approximately 8 GHz to 1 GHz, respectively. The combination of short duration wavelets and encoding techniques are used to spread the signal energy over an ultra wide frequency band such that the energy is not concentrated in any particular narrow band (e.g. VHF: 30-300 MHz or UHF: 300-1000 MHz) and is not detected by conventional narrow band receivers so it does not interfere with those communication systems.

Abstract: An planar ultra wide bandwidth (UWB) antenna that provides integration of electronics is disclosed. The antenna has a first balance element that is connected to a terminal at one end. A second balance element is connected to another terminal at one end. The second balance element has a shape that mirrors the shape of the first balance element such that there is a symmetry plane where any point on the symmetry plane is equidistant to all mirror points on the first and second balance elements. Each of the balance elements is made of a generally conductive material. A triangular shaped ground element is situated between the first balance element and the second balance element with an axis of symmetry on the symmetry plane, and oriented such that the base of the triangle is towards the terminals. Accordingly, the ground element and each of the balance elements form two tapered gaps which widen and converge at the apex of the ground element as the taper extends outwardly from the terminals.

Abstract: A method for conveying application data via carrierless ultra wideband wireless signals, and signals embodied in a carrierless ultra wideband waveform. Application data is encoded into wavelets that are transmitted as a carrierless ultra wideband waveform. The carrierless ultra wideband waveform is received by an antenna, and the application data is decoded from the wavelets included in the waveform. The waveforms of the signals include wavelets that have a predetermined shape that is used to modulate the data. The signals may convey, for example, Web pages and executable programs between mobile devices. The signals are low power and can penetrate obstructions making them favorable for use with a wireless node of a network.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for sharing bandwidth by a plurality of devices in a wireless personal area network or a wireless local area network. A media access control protocol frame includes a beacon signal sent from a coordinator including coordination information to each of the devices of the WPAN, an optional contention access period, and a contention free period that includes an additional shared period that is managed as a slot cycle time division multiple access period, a polling period, or as management period. The coordination information includes a device-unique start time indicator and a transmission duration defining a guaranteed time slot within the contention free period of the frame for each of the networked devices.

Abstract: An planar ultra wide bandwidth (UWB) antenna that provides integration of electronics is disclosed. The antenna has a first balance element that is connected to a terminal at one end. A second balance element is connected to another terminal at one end. The second balance element has a shape that mirrors the shape of the first balance element such that there is a symmetry plane where any point on the symmetry plane is equidistant to all mirror points on the first and second balance elements. Each of the balance elements is made of a generally conductive material. A triangular shaped ground element is situated between the first balance element and the second balance element with an axis of symmetry on the symmetry plane, and oriented such that the base of the triangle is towards the terminals. Accordingly, the ground element and each of the balance elements form two tapered gaps which widen and converge at the apex of the ground element as the taper extends outwardly from the terminals.

Abstract: An planar ultra wide bandwidth (UWB) antenna that provides integration of electronics is disclosed. The antenna has a first balance element that is connected to a terminal at one end. A second balance element is connected to another terminal at one end. The second balance element has a shape that mirrors the shape of the first balance element such that there is a symmetry plane where any point on the symmetry plane is equidistant to all mirror points on the first and second balance elements. Each of the balance elements is made of a generally conductive material. A triangular shaped ground element is situated between the first balance element and the second balance element with an axis of symmetry on the symmetry plane, and oriented such that the base of the triangle is towards the terminals. Accordingly, the ground element and each of the balance elements form two tapered gaps which widen and converge at the apex of the ground element as the taper extends outwardly from the terminals.