Ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter location using time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques

Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals lend themselves to localization measurements using time difference of arrival (TDOA), or time delay estimation (TDE), techniques. However, TDOA estimation is complicated by pulse distortion due to the antenna elements, other system components, and the multipath propagation environment. This paper explores the use of cross correlation based TDOA methods in conjunction with a novel technique for combining the TDOA estimates from multiple antenna pairs to build an estimate of the transmitter position. Experiments that simulate foliage and industrial environments were performed in an anechoic chamber. Results from these measurements are presented.