Hybrid digital-analog technique for UWB direction finding

In this letter, we propose an alternative approach for UWB direction finding using hybrid digital-analog technique. The proposed system uses an array of leading-edge pulse detection scheme in analog domain. The detection scheme is realized using tunnel diode with envelope detector and comparator latch, whose output is digital binary signal. The outputs or all array branches are then summed up to form a staircase-shaped waveform, whereby the slope of the waveform indicates the direction of impinging UWB signal. In order to detect the slope and produce the estimation of the direction, an analog differentiator joint with a peak detector is utilized. The proposed system is relatively simple and does not require high sampling rate or high speed DAC.