Performance Analysis of FMCW Synchronization Techniques for Indoor Radiolocation

A high precision localization system (HPLS) operating in the 5.8 GHz ISM band is presented. The system principle is based on the sequential exchange of frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signals between identical radar stations. The round-trip time-of-flight (RToF) localization method requires exact synchronization of all involved stations. Consequently, accurate compensation of clock frequency drift is indispensible. We analyze the impact of clock deviation on synchronization accuracy and present a precise compensation method. The synchronization technique has been tested on a prototype system. Measurements showed a 3D-position accuracy of 2.8 cm under laboratory conditions.