Challenges for a new integrated ultra-wideband (UWB) source

This paper presents a description of a new method to generate a short impulse based on a counter designed on BiCMOS SiGe technology. This architecture includes a new method to modify the PRF (pulse repetition frequency) by changing the counter division ratio and an easy way to control the impulse frequency center. A pseudo-noise sequence prescaler modulates the impulses with specific modulation schemes, such as pulse position, bi-phase modulation or a combination of both. The total power consumption is 65 mA at 7GHz.