Abstract: A system and method for channelization and data multiplexing in ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication system is described. The spectrum allocated for UWB in a multi-bank OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplex) system is subdivided into various bands. A set of time frequency codes (TFC's) is defined, wherein each code specifies one of a plurality of unique band versus time sequences for a particular band group, for sequential data symbols of a given piconet. The combination of FDMA and TFC's provides a data complexing system supporting up to 30 simultaneously operating piconets, and a simplified interface between the MAC and PHY.

Abstract: A system and method for channelization and data multiplexing in ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication system is described. The spectrum allocated for UWB in a multi-band OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplex) system is subdivided into various bands. A set of time frequency codes (TFC's) is defined, wherein each code specifies one of a plurality of unique band versus time sequences for a particular band group, for sequential data symbols of a given piconet. The separation of data words from multiple devices or multiple simultaneously operating piconets (SOP's) is provided by a combination of FDMA and TFC's. The combination of FDMA and TFC's provides a simplified interface between the MAC and PHY.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing in the data rate of a multiple-input and/or multiple-output system that has frequency selective fading by using training sequences with both low normalized auto-correlation and low normalized cross-correlation. Both 1) the sum of the square of the normalized auto-correlation of each training sequence over an auto-correlation window and 2) the sum of the square of the normalized cross-correlation of each pair of the training sequences over a cross-correlation window, are significantly less than unity. In one embodiment of the invention the training sequences are shifted versions of each other, and the low normalized cyclic-auto-correlation of cyclic sequences is significantly less than unity, with each cyclic sequence being N?, N?=N?L+1, symbols of one of the at least two training sequences.

Abstract: This specification describes several improvements to the Multiband OFDM (MB-OFDM) Physical Layer. A new PLCP frame format that better supports interoperability between 3-band and 7-band modes is described. An expanded PHY header is described with more reserved bits for future enhancements, an even number of OFDM symbols for the PLCP header that better supports time spreading and that the information is limited to just 2 OFDM symbols. A zero prefix is used to eliminate ripe in the transmitted spectrum so there is no back off required at the transmitter. A length 160 hierarchical sequence for the packet synchronization sequence is used to help eliminate the artificial side-lobe that is created during the correlation process at the receiver with the current length 128 hierarchical packet synchronization sequence.

Abstract: A technique for generating carrier frequencies with fast hopping capability associated with multiband systems for ultra wideband applications. The technique employs a single VCO 20 that is locked in a PLL 30. The output of this VCO 20 is divided in the frequency domain. The divided frequencies thus obtained are combined in a single-sideband manner to obtain various other frequencies. The single-sideband combination requires open loop operations such as multiplication and addition or subtraction to implement, and hence is very fast. The VCO center frequency is not disturbed in the process. Since the required frequencies are generated in an open-loop fashion, instead of inside a PLL, the speed is increased by orders of magnitude.

Abstract: System and method for determining a separation between communicating devices. A preferred embodiment comprises a first device transmitting a signal over multiple subbands to a second device, the second device determining a timing for the signal by processing the signal in each subband separately. The second device then transmits a signal back to the first device along with timing information (again, over multiple subbands). The first device then determines a timing for the signal and by determining a difference in the timing information provided by the second device and timing information it determines, the first device can compute the separation between it and the second device. The use of multiple subbands can dedicate more bandwidth to the transmission of the signal, permitting greater resolution.

Abstract: Method for providing a low data rate and low power digital communications system. A preferred embodiment comprises reducing power consumption by reducing the precision (and hence complexity) of circuitry in devices in the digital communications system. This can be achieved by giving up some excess link margin. Furthermore, mixers and frequency synthesizers that support interference avoidance techniques such as time-frequency interleaving can be turned off while a transmission is taking place. Data rate can also be reduced by reducing the number of symbols actually carrying data. No signal or zero signal can replace actual data symbols when a lower data rate is desired.

Abstract: System and method for providing multiple access in a multi-band, orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (multi-band-OFDM) communications system. A preferred embodiment comprises determining a transmission bandwidth to support a performance requirement and configuring transmission bands in the multi-band-OFDM communications system based upon the transmission bandwidth, wherein the transmission bands may be made up of smaller transmission bands bonded together. Further comprising initializing communications with the configured transmission bands. The use of bonded transmission bands can provide increased data rates and/or increased range performance.

Abstract: Multi-mode wireless devices having single-mode or reduced-mode receivers. In one embodiment, a wireless device is provided with a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits with any one of multiple selectable modulation techniques, the selected modulation technique being selected to correspond to a modulation technique supported by a target wireless device. The receiver receives signals modulated in accordance any one of a subset of the selectable modulation techniques. The subset might include only one modulation technique. Also disclosed is a wireless communications method in a wireless device having a transmitter configurable to transmit in at least one modulation mode other than that receivable by the wireless device.

Abstract: A technique for generating carrier frequencies with fast hopping capability associated with multiband systems for ultra wideband applications. The technique employs a single VCO 20 that is locked in a PLL 30. The output of this VCO 20 is divided in the frequency domain. The divided frequencies thus obtained are combined in a single-sideband manner to obtain various other frequencies. The single-sideband combination requires open loop operations such as multiplication and addition or subtraction to implement, and hence is very fast. The VCO center frequency is not disturbed in the process. Since the required frequencies are generated in an open-loop fashion, instead of inside a PLL, the speed is increased by orders of magnitude.

Abstract: An efficient bit interleaving scheme for a multi-band OFDM ultra-wideband (UWB) system. The encoded bits of the multi-band OFDM system are interleaved within each OFDM symbol and across OFDM symbols. The bit interleaving scheme minimizes performance degradation due to groups of contiguous OFDM tones experiencing a poor SNR caused by the frequency selective channel, exploits the frequency diversity across sub-bands, randomizes the effect of co-channel interference from simultaneously operating un-coordinated piconets, and randomizes the impact of generic narrow-band interferers present within the UWB spectrum.

Abstract: System and method for simplifying preamble detection and reducing power consumption in receivers. A preferred embodiment comprises a preamble made up of two sequences, a first sequence that is specified in the time domain and a second sequence that is specified in the frequency domain. The first sequence which comprises multiple copies of a time domain code sequence can allow easy detection of the preamble while the second sequence comprises multiple copies of a frequency domain code sequence and allows easy determination of the frequency response of the communications channel. A hierarchical sequence can be used to allow multi-stage correlation. This can result in a less complex correlator, hence lower power consumption. Piconets can use different code sequences to allow rapid determination of the source of a transmission without requiring the receiver to decode the entire transmission.

Abstract: System and method for minimizing receiver sample timing error sensitivity. A preferred embodiment comprises matching received pulses to two pulses, a first pulse being advanced by a time offset and a second pulse being retarded by a time offset. Samples are created from the matching. The time offsets can be chosen based upon characteristics of the pulse itself. The samples can be combined to produce an output signal with less pronounced nulls that can reduce sensitivity to sample timing errors and a smoother overall profile that can enable gradient-based timing recovery scheme.

Abstract: A PHY entity for a UWB system utilizes the unlicensed 3.1-10.6 GHZ UWB band, as regulated in the United States by the Code of Federal Regulation, Title 47, Section 15. The UWB system provides a wireless pico area network (PAN) with data payload communication capabilities of 55, 80, 110, 160, 200, 320 and 480 Mb/s. The UWB system employs orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and uses a total of 122 sub-carriers that are modulated using quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK). Forward error correction coding (convolutional coding) is used with a coding rate of {fraction (11/32)}, ½, ⅝ and ¾.

Abstract: System for ultra-wideband communications providing high data rates over an extended operating range in the presence of interferers. A preferred embodiment comprises an ultra-wideband (UWB) device that makes use of a portion of the UWB frequency range to help provide good performance in the presence of interferers. Additionally, since only a portion of the UWB frequency range is used, multiple devices can simultaneously transmit and receive by using different portions of the UWB frequency range.

Abstract: A method for equalizing data and systems utilizing the method. The method of this invention for equalizing (by shortening the channel response) data includes minimizing a function of the data and a number of equalizer characteristic parameters, where the function utilizes cyclic differences of equalized data. Updated equalizer characteristic parameters are then obtained from the minimization and an initial set of equalizer characteristic parameters. Finally, the received data is processed utilizing the equalizer defined by the minimization. The method of this invention can be implemented in an equalizer and the equalizer of this invention may be included in a system for receiving data.

Abstract: A method for equalizing data and systems utilizing the method. The method of this invention for equalizing (by shortening the channel response) data includes minimizing a function of the data and a number of equalizer characteristic parameters, where the function utilizes auto-correlation data corresponding to equalized data. Updated equalizer characteristic parameters are then obtained from the minimization and an initial set of equalizer characteristic parameters. Finally, the received data is processed utilizing the equalizer defined by the minimization. The method of this invention can be implemented in an equalizer and the equalizer of this invention may be included in a system for receiving data.

Abstract: In the method of pulse shaping according to the present invention, a set of bits representing a symbol is received, and an output value is generated by adding or subtracting a received coefficient and a received value based on a first predetermined one of the set of bits. The generated output value is then supplied as either a real or imaginary output value based on at least a second predetermined one of the set of bits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing in the data rate of a multiple-input and/or multiple-output system that has frequency selective fading by using training sequences with both low normalized auto-correlation and low normalized cross-correlation. Both 1) the sum of the square of the normalized auto-correlation of each training sequence over an auto-correlation window and 2) the sum of the square of the normalized cross-correlation of each pair of the training sequences over a cross-correlation window, are significantly less than unity. In one embodiment of the invention the training sequences are shifted versions of each other, and the low normalized cyclic-auto-correlation of cyclic sequences is significantly less than unity, with each cyclic sequence being N′, N′=N−L+1, symbols of one of the at least two training sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating a timing offset signal applied to a sampling device for recovering a symbol stream from a broadcast signal by characterizing the dispersion of received signal. Preferably, the method includes steps for generating a derivative signal approximating the derivative of the symbol stream, producing a constant representative of an expected symbol stream, and multiplying the derivative signal, the constant, and a signal one of corresponding to and approximating the symbol stream to thereby generate the timing offset signal. A dispersion characterizing receiver and a digital signal processor employed therein are also described.