A low complexity tuneable pulse generator architecture for sub-GHz UWB applications

In this work we present a low-complexity, ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse generator which complies with the Sub-GHz band in FCC regulation. This pulse generator uses a simple common emitter amplifier followed by RC high-pass filter as a differentiator to generate the monocycle pulse directly. The circuit provides a monocycle pulse when activated by a ramp edge of an external trigger signal provided by a dedicated circuit exploiting also the pulse width duration tuneability by varying the edge slope. An ultra-short monocycle pulse of 1ns pulse duration up to tens of nanosends has been demonstrated with reduced ringing levels, and good symmetry. The design is versatile and may be used in a variety of integrated circuits UWB modulation schemes and systems. A discrete element board with commercial components has been implemented as prototype and good agreement between the measured and calculated results was achieved with a 50 mW power consumption from a 3.3V power supply.