Analysis of equalization for DS-UWB systems

In this paper, we analyze equalization for direct sequence based ultra-wideband (DS-UWB) systems using RAKE combining at the receiver. To this end, we consider the effective discrete-time impulse response at the RAKE combiner output and study the distribution of the zeros of the corresponding transfer function. Thereby, we apply the IEEE 802.15.3a standard channel model. Our findings suggest that linear equalization (LE) is well suited for the lower data rate modes of DS-UWB systems, whereas decision-feedback equalization (DFE) is favorably applied for high-data rate modes. These conclusions are confirmed by simulation results. It is also shown that LE and DFE perform relatively close to the matched filter bound limit.