Analysis of threshold-based ToA estimators in UWB channels

In this paper we analyze and compare the performance of matched filter (MF) and energy detector (ED) time-of-arrival estimators based on thresholding in ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) dense multipath channels. Closed-form expressions for the estimator bias and mean square error (MSE) are derived as a function of signal-to-noise ratio using a unified methodology. A comparison with results based on Monte Carlo simulation confirms the validity of our analytical approach. Our analysis enables us to determine the threshold value that minimizes the MSE, critical parameter for optimal estimator design. It is shown that the estimation accuracy mainly depends on large estimation errors due to peak ambiguities caused by multipath at the output of the MF or ED and on the fading statistics of the first path. The evaluation of the performance loss faced by ED estimators with respect to those based on MF is also carried out. Finally, results based on experimental measurements in an indoor residential environment are presented as well to compare the MF and ED solutions.