Introductory Chapter: Novel Developments in UWB Technology

Abstract

Like any technology that evolves, UWB systems must reduce their complexity, power consumption, sustainability, and the possibility of reconfiguration, to achieve the highest performance compared to other competitors for implementations of high-accuracy localization systems [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Despite the advances achieved so far, UWB systems face challenges such as mitigating errors from non-line-of-sight paths and jamming signal interference in dense environments, especially in extreme conditions [1]. In addition, in the pursuit of an upgrade, UWB systems must integrate machine learning capabilities as well as sensor data fusion. The main disadvantages of UWB technology are its high cost and increased power consumption. Until now, it has been established that UWB technology presents interference with the radio frequency systems found in its surroundings and vice versa. The data capacity of UWB systems is restricted because short-duration pulse coding implies longer information synchronization times. The purpose of this chapter is to present the different alternatives that UWB technology is investigating to improve its properties using integrated circuit design as well as materials science and engineering to establish itself as an emerging strategy for its application in high-accuracy radio frequency location systems.The remainder of the chapter is divided as follows: Section 2 introduces the basic concepts associated with UWB technology. Novel approaches for the use of UWB technology are summarized in Section 3. Some new developments in UWB systems are discussed in Section 4. Finally, the conclusions of the chapter are provided. ThanksThe author wants to thank his wife and son for their support and time to edit this book. The author appreciates the support of Ana Cink working for IntechOpen as an author service manager.