More and more, wireless devices are taking over the marketplace. With the growing market for wireless applications, researchers are working on new technologies that can provide better services to particular niches within the industry to complement existing technology.

Work on ultra-wideband (UWB) began in the early 1960’s. Because of its ability to communicate over short distances with a high data rate and low power requirements, UWB has the potential to be an important player in a sector that already includes other wireless technologies like Bluetooth^® and WiFi^®. UWB has data rates up to 100 times faster than Bluetooth^® and two to three times faster than WiFi^®, meaning it could have a major impact on wireless applications in the future. Industry Canada is currently working on setting rules for the use of this technology in Canada.

While some UWB applications are already available for very specific uses such as through-the-wall and ground penetrating radar (UWB was originally developed for the military before being expanded to civilian applications), there is some concern about how UWB will be implemented more broadly. UWB is an underlay technology. It’s emissions are spread out over a very large frequency band and one of the key activities in current research is to find a way to prevent interference to other existing users of the spectrum.

To date, CRC’s UWB work has included models of possible interference by UWB devices on existing radiocommunications systems, the development of two UWB sources for use in studies to predict possible interference as well as some antenna research. The goal of this work has been to provide independent advice to the government and industry on the possible implications of UWB on current spectrum usage.

In addition to the research, CRC has worked with the Radio Advisory Board of Canada on it’s response to Industry Canada’s Consultation Paper on the Introduction of Wireless Systems Using Ultra-wideband Technology. As well, CRC has submitted contributions to the International Telecommunications Union – Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Task Group 1/8 on UWB, that worked to develop international recommendations on this technology.