A new integrated monocycle generator and transmitter for ultra-wideband (UWB) communications

In this paper, we propose a gated pulse generator incorporating two modulation schemes for use in an ultra-wideband impulse radio system. A pseudo-noise sequence prescaler modulates the impulses with specific modulation schemes, such as pulse position, bi-phase modulation or the combination of both. The resulting gated monocycle generator is designed in Jazz Semiconductor BiCMOS SiGe technology. Measurements validate the circuit operation over a supply voltage of 2.7 V and a power consumption of 243 mW. The output monocycles approximate Gaussian monocycles, having a pulse duration of 250 ps. Proper modulations in time are confirmed.