Evolution of Wireless Standards Imec Quadruples UWB Range

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The Belgian research center Imec has developed a narrowband receiver chip that quadruples the range of ultra-wideband signals. The technology complies with the upcoming IEEE standard and significantly stabilizes wireless communication in dense networks.

At this year’s Integrated Microwave and RF Integrated Circuits (IMS/RFIC) Symposium, the Imec Research and Innovation Center is introducing a new narrowband receiver chip. This chip is the world’s first implementation of the so-called NBA (Narrowband Assistance) mechanism, which is defined in the upcoming IEEE 802.15.4ab ultra-wideband standard. Impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) technology is already being used in smartphones, automotive platforms, and IoT devices. However, limited range and high susceptibility to interference in dense wireless networks have so far restricted its use.

The new IEEE standard is expected to overcome these hurdles before the end of the year. A central concept here is narrowband assistance. This approach combines narrowband signaling in the 5–6 GHz frequency range for device detection and synchronization with the precise distance measurement provided by ultra-wideband technology. Systems operating in this way are more efficient, scale better for multiple users, and maintain communication links over greater distances even at low signal levels.

The Architecture Filters Out Interference Signals Early on

The NBA mechanism requires a very low figure of noise to reliably detect weak signals. At the same time, the system must ensure robust operation when strong interference sources transmit in overlapping frequency bands. Imec is manufacturing the new chip design using a 22-nanometer CMOS process. The architecture uses a second-order transimpedance amplifier with precisely controlled filtering. This technique suppresses external interference signals, such as emissions from nearby Wi-Fi networks, very early in the signal chain. The actual desired signal remains completely intact.

An integrated clip detector with a wide dynamic range also continuously monitors the receiver’s current operating conditions. If severe interference occurs, the system dynamically switches to a more robust mode. In this state, additional filters and an adjusted gain control come into play to prevent signal distortion. If, on the other hand, the devices are operating in a low-interference environment, the receiver remains in power-saving mode.

Increasing Transceiver Performance

Anoop Bhat, Head of Research at Imec, assesses the performance of the new development: “These innovations represent a quantum leap in receiver performance. Our energy-efficient design—consuming less than 6 mW—achieves a 9 dB improvement in dynamic range compared to state-of-the-art implementations, maintains a low figure of noise of 3.2 dB, and tolerates Wi-Fi interference signals down to –32 dBm.” The receiver maintains its sensitivity to weak signals even in the presence of strong interference, thereby enabling a fourfold increase in range.

In addition, the research institute has demonstrated the first complete transceiver architecture based on the chip that complies with the IEEE 802.15.4ab standard. The combination of innovations in the receiver and transmitter improves range measurement performance by up to 32 times. Such systems form the basis for new applications that require precise positioning without time delays. Potential applications include the coordination of robots or environmental interaction with augmented reality glasses.

Outlook for Future Bluetooth Generations

The developers are now exploring how well the architecture can be adapted to other systems. Mitra Gilasgar, portfolio manager for low-power wireless systems at Imec, offers a preview: “As a next step, we are investigating how this NBA architecture can be extended to other low-power wireless systems, including future developments of Bluetooth—such as Bluetooth Higher Bands.” To drive technology transfer and rapidly integrate the solutions into commercial platforms, the company is working closely with industry partners. (mc)

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