Comparative Analysis of some Low-Complexity Blind Synchronization Algorithms for IR-UWB Systems

Ultra wideband (UWB) radio has emerged as an attractive candidate for short-range wireless communications in recent years due to its unique features. However, implementation of UWB radios in order to utilize these features is coupled with some pronounced design challenges. To achieve precise timing synchronization is one of the most crucial task among them and is a key factor to ensure a reliable performance of such systems. In this paper, we present an overview and comparative study of three synchronization algorithms which provide efficient performance under unique signal and channel characteristics of UWB. These algorithms employ cross-correlation, PN code matching and energy detection operations respectively to achieve synchronization. The performance is then analyzed by numerical results under realistic propagation environment that takes into account the severe multipath and interframe interference (IFI). Also, hardware complexity and acquisition speeds of these algorithms are discussed.