Time of arrival estimation for UWB localizers in realistic environments

This paper investigates time of arrival (ToA) estimation methods for ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) propagation signals. Different algorithms are implemented in order to detect the direct path in a dense multipath environment. Different suboptimal, low-complex techniques based on peak detection are used to deal with partial overlap of signal paths. A comparison in terms of ranging accuracy, complexity, and parameters sensitivity to propagation conditions is carried out also considering a conventional technique based on threshold detection. In particular, the algorithms are tested on experimental data collected from a measurement campaign performed in a typical office building. Copyright (C) 2006 Hindawi Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved.