Understanding HRP UWB in 802.15.4/4z and Testing

Summary

In this insightful video, Kevin Qian from Keysight Technologies introduces the High Repetition Pulse Ultra-Wideband (HRP UWB) technology detailed in the IEEE 802.15.4/4z standards. He emphasizes its superiority in accuracy over other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for indoor positioning, and its utilities in seamless access control and device-to-device communication. The evolution of UWB standards, leading to the 802.15.4z amendment, has fostered an ecosystem of chipsets and devices. The video explains how Keysight's testing solutions, like the E7760A, M9384B VXG, and 89600 VSA software, help in generating, analyzing, and ensuring HRP UWB signal quality. Detailed demonstrations show the configuration of these tools to test the UWB signals effectively, highlighting the importance of such technology in current wireless communications.

Highlights

• HRP UWB stands out with its precision in indoor positioning, eclipsing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 📍
• The technology uses impulse modulation, operating in low and high frequency bands. 📡
• UWB facilitates seamless device-to-device interactions, vital for modern connectivity. 🔗
• 802.15.4z amendments have enhanced UWB's market presence and application range. 📊
• Keysight's tools are pivotal in verifying and boosting the performance of UWB technology. 🛠️

Key Takeaways

• HRP UWB technology offers superior accuracy over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for indoor positioning. 📍
• UWB signals operate in both sub-gigahertz and high bands, using impulse modulation for precision. 📡
• HRP UWB is crucial for seamless access control and peer-to-peer communication. 🔑
• Advancements in UWB standards have led to better signal integrity and market adoption. 📈
• Keysight provides comprehensive solutions for testing and analyzing HRP UWB signals. 🔬

Overview

Kevin Qian from Keysight Technologies delves into HRP UWB, a segment of ultra-wideband technology that's becoming essential in accurate indoor positioning. He contrasts it against other technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, highlighting UWB's unmatched precision due to its unique impulse modulation technique operating over a broad frequency spectrum.

The evolution of UWB technology through different IEEE standards has paved the way for enhanced functionalities. Notably, the recent 802.15.4z standard amendment has bolstered HRP UWB's role in the market, supporting seamless access control and robust device communication. The video outlines these advancements and the growing ecosystem of compliant devices and chipsets.

Keysight Technologies showcases their comprehensive suite of tools designed for HRP UWB signal testing and analysis. From signal generation using the M9384B VXG to detailed waveform analysis through 89600 VSA software, these tools are integral for developing reliable UWB applications. The video provides a step-by-step guide to configuring these tools, underscoring their importance in modern wireless testing setups.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 01:00: Introduction to HRP UWB Technology The chapter provides an introduction to HRP (High Repetition Pulse) Ultra-Wide Band technology as defined in the attribute 802.15.4/4z. Kevin Qian, a Product Manager at Keysight Technologies, discusses the various indoor positioning technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, and UWB, highlighting differences and focusing on HRP UWB. Additionally, the chapter covers Keysight's testing solutions for HRP UWB.
• 00:30 - 02:00: Positioning Methods and UWB Features The chapter discusses various positioning methods used by different technologies, such as Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) which is used by Wi-Fi, Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD) used by Bluetooth, and Time of Flight (ToF) used by Ultra-Wideband (UWB). Additionally, it mentions remote coupling as a method used by RFID. Another focus is on the HRP UWB technology, which operates in sub-gigahertz frequencies below 6 GHz and higher bands above 6 GHz, utilizing impulse modulation. The chapter further highlights the advantages of UWB, including its long-range capabilities.
• 03:00 - 05:00: Evolution of HRP UWB Standards The chapter 'Evolution of HRP UWB Standards' explores how ultra-wideband (UWB) technology offers superior accuracy in positioning compared to other wireless technologies. It highlights the versatility of UWB, noting its applications beyond indoor positioning, such as seamless access control and peer-to-peer services. The chapter defines UWB as requiring a bandwidth of over 500 MHz or being wider than 20% of the center frequency, emphasizing its broad bandwidth capabilities.
• 04:00 - 05:00: HRP UWB Test Challenges This chapter discusses the challenges related to testing High-Resolution Protocol (HRP) Ultra-Wideband (UWB) systems. It highlights the strict power spectrum density requirement for UWB signals, which must be lower than -41.3 dBm per MHz as per the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) definitions. The chapter also mentions the introduction of impulse radio-based UWB in the IEEE 802.15.4a standard in 2007, which was primarily for indoor positioning applications.
• 05:00 - 10:00: HRP UWB Testing Solutions by Keysight The chapter explores the evolution and modifications of the 802.15.4 standard. It highlights the introduction of two distinct physical layers in 2015: the High Rate Pulse Repetition (HRP UWB) and the low rate pulse (LRP), also referred to as RFID.
• 08:00 - 12:00: Generating HRP UWB Signals with Keysight Tools The chapter discusses the advancement and market attention garnered by HRP UWB technology following the 2019 amendment 802.15.4z.
• 12:00 - 14:30: Analyzing HRP UWB Signals with 89600 VSA Software The chapter titled 'Analyzing HRP UWB Signals with 89600 VSA Software' discusses various consortiums associated with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, such as the UWB Alliance and FiRa. These consortiums include multiple chipset module and device manufacturers collaborating on conformance testing and interoperability. Additionally, the chapter touches upon the introduction of a new mode called HRP-ERDEV in the context of standard 802.15.4z.
• 14:30 - 15:00: Conclusion The chapter concludes with a discussion on the Enhanced Ranging Device, which features two operational modes: BPRF (Base Pulse Repetition Frequency) at 64 MHz and HPRF (High Pulse Repetition Frequency) at 128 or 256 MHz. The 802.15.4z standard is highlighted for its benefits in reducing air-time, promoting higher density, and achieving lower power consumption.

Understanding HRP UWB in 802.15.4/4z and Testing Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 Hi, my name is Kevin Qian, I'm a Product Manager at Keysight Technologies. In this video, I will introduce HRP (High Repetition Pulse) UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) technology defined in attribute 802.15.4/4z. Then, I will talk about Keysight HRP UWB testing solutions. Now, there are some differences in various technologies for indoor positioning, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID and UWB.
• 00:30 - 01:00 They are using different postioning methods, such as Received Signal Power (RSSi) used by Wi-Fi, and your arrival (AoA) and your departure (AoD) used by Bluetooth, Time of Flight (ToF) used by UWB, or just the remote coupling used by RFID. HRP UWB is operating in the sub-gigahertz low band below 6 GHz, or high band above 6 GHz, and it uses impulse modulation. It has some advantages as long ranging and provides
• 01:00 - 01:30 more accuracy compared with other wireless technologies' positioning. Beyond indoor positioning, UWB can also be used as seamless access control and device-to-device, or peer-to-peer services. UWB means ultra-wideband, which should be either over 500 MHz or the bandwidth, is relatively wide enough, more than 0.20 compared with the center frequency.
• 01:30 - 02:00 But there is a strict power spectrum density definition for UWB signals. As in the FCC Definition, it should be lower than -41.3 dBm per MHz. Impulse radio based UWB was first introduced in the IEEE 802.15.4a standard in 2007 for indoor positioning purposes.
• 02:00 - 02:30 Later, it evolved to the 802.15.4 standard in 2011. Then, it was modified in 2015 including two different physical layers. One as HRP, High Rate Pulse Repetition from 802.15.4c, also called HRP UWB. And another was low rate pulse (LRP) coming from 802.15.4f, and also known as RFID.
• 02:30 - 03:00 In 2019, there was an amendment as 802.15.4z which modified the UWB physical layer and MAC layer contents. Now, the HRP UWB technology has reached more marketing attention and there is a good ecosystem based on it. There are chipset modules based on HRP UWB, and devices and applications developed based on HRP UWB.
• 03:00 - 03:30 There are also several consortiums for UWB. One is the UWB Alliance, and another is FiRa. Many chipset module and device makers have joined these consortiums to contribute and work together for conformance testing and interoperability. 802.15.4z introduces a new mode known as HRP-ERDEV,
• 03:30 - 04:00 meaning Enhanced Ranging Device which includes two modes: as BPRF, Base Pulse Repetition Frequency at 64 MHz, or HPRF High Pulse Repetition Frequency as 128 or 256 MHz. 802.15.4z has the advantage to reduce air-time for higher density and lower power consumption,
• 04:00 - 04:30 and also increase the integrity and accuracy for ranging measurement timestamps. The typical ranging can be up to 100 meters. What are the HRP UWB test challenges? First, as a standard definition, it can reach high band at 6 GHz to 10 GHz frequency, and this is the mainstream of the chipsets in the market.
• 04:30 - 05:00 It also requires that wide bandwidth, as the minimum bandwidth requirement, is around 500 MHz. HRP UWB transmitters or receivers must conform to the RF requirements defined in the 802.15.4 standard in which their operating band, channel assignment, baseband impulse response, transmit mask, receiver maximum input power, LQI (Link Quality Interference), CCA (Clear Channel Assessment),
• 05:00 - 05:30 etc. measurement definitions. What can Keysight provide you for HRP UWB measurements? First, we have the HRP UWB signal generation solution based on the N7610C IoT Signal Studio. It has support for all of the HRP UWB modes such as, non-HRP-ERDV mode, or HRP ERDV-BPRF, and -HPRF modes.
• 05:30 - 06:00 You can also configure all of the channels and bandwidth as defined in the standard. Header or PSDU physical layer or upper layer parameters can also be customized. Beyond the signal itself, you can also add some Impairments like Symbol Timing Error or Frequency Offset, and also add Multi-path Channel Settings. Keysight has different hardware platforms which can meet the high band
• 06:00 - 06:30 above 6 GHz frequency and 500 MHz above bandwidth. In the E7760A is a wide band transceiver which can both generate and analyze signals with a single instrument. So, it is mostly recommended for wideband wireless technology, design verification test, or manufacturing customers. Furthermore, Keysight also has benchtop signal generators like M9383B or M9384B VXG,
• 06:30 - 07:00 or M8190A AWG plus E8267D PSG. They can also generate HRP UWB signals, and I recommend it for R&D customers. For HRP UWB signal analysis, Keysight has the flexible 89600 VSA software,
• 07:00 - 07:30 which can also support all modes and bandwidth defined in the standards. There are some RF requirements defined for HRP UWB transmitter testing, like baseband impulse response, transmit mask, frequency error, and chip clock error. And all of these are also supported and have an easy pass/fail indication shown in the 89600 VSA software.
• 07:30 - 08:00 For HRP UWB signal analysis, you can also leverage the E7760A Wideband Transceiver. Keysight also has some benchtop signal analyzers for 6 GHz above frequency and 500 MHz above bandwidth HRP UWB measurements, like X-Series signal analyzers MXA N9021B, PXA N9030B, or UXA N9040, or
• 08:00 - 08:30 N9041B UXA, and also UXR Series Infinium Oscilloscopes. All of them can work with the 89600 VSA software for HRP UWB transmitter measurements. Now, let's take a quick look at how Keysight can use software together with instruments to generate and analyze the HRP UWB signals.
• 08:30 - 09:00 N7610C Signal Studio plus the M9384B VXG are used for HRP UWB signal generation, and then, we used the 89600 VSA software plus the N9040B UXA for HRP UWB signal analysis. Now, let's see how we can generate an HRP UWB signal with a VXG instrument.
• 09:00 - 09:30 Firstly, click the System menu, and then choose Run System Configuration wizard. It will pop up a window, and we choose the M9383B and the M9384B VXG, and then click Next. Here we configure the VXG instrument with the IP address. Choose the previously configurated VXG and press the View button. Then you can see it has connected well to the VXG instrument.
• 09:30 - 10:00 Now, click the Hardware Instrument on the node tree, then, you can configure some parameters for the VXG instrument. You can specify the channel number, center frequency, RF amplitude, and other parameters. Then, let's move to the Waveform Setup node. Here you can see that N7610C IoT software supports many standards.
• 10:00 - 10:30 And here, we choose the 802.15.4 HRP UWB standard. You can also configure the Waveform Name, Number of Frames, Oversampling Ratio, and other parameters. Next, let's move to the HRP UWB node. First, we need to choose the HRP UWB mode, which can support Non-HRP-ERDV, HRP-ERDV-BPRF and -HPRF stream modes.
• 10:30 - 11:00 Here we choose the ERDV-HPRF mode. Then, you can continue to configure the STS Configuration, Channel Number, Header Settings, PSDU Settings, PHYsical Payload, STS Settings. Last, but not least, you can also configure in some Impairments such as Symbol Timing Error,
• 11:00 - 11:30 Frequency Offset, Customized Shaping Filter, and Multi-path settings for HRP UWB signals. Once you complete all of the settings, please press the download icon on the top left of the window. Then, wait a while. It will first calculate the waveform and then download it into the M9384B VXG. Now, let's connect to the M9384B VXG to see what's happened on the instrument GUI.
• 11:30 - 12:00 You can see that we have downloaded the HRP UWB Demo waveform into VXG channel 2 and load it into the memory. Then, you can see that, for channel 2 output, the center frequency and power are also set up. Modulation and RF Output are also turning on with the HRP UWB signal generation for testing now.
• 12:00 - 12:30 Now, let's move on to see how we can analyze the HRP UWB signal with 89600 VSA software and UXA instrument. Firstly, click the Utility menu to set up the hardware. Here, you can see that we connect the 89600 VSA software to an N9040B UXA for measurement.
• 12:30 - 13:00 Then, select the Measure setup menu, and then select the Measurement Type, as Wireless Connectivity and then choose the IEEE 802.15.4 HRP UWB. Once complete, click the HRP UWB Demod Properties where you can configure parameters for HRP UWB signal analysis. You can firstly configure channel number.
• 13:00 - 13:30 In this demo, we use channel number 9, and then choose the physical mode. Here we should choose the ERDEV-HPRF mode. Then, you can follow on to configure the SHR parameters, PHR/PSDU parameters, and then STS parameters. After all parameters are set correctly, you can see HRP UWB signal analysis results on the window. On the left, you can see a numerical result window in which it has the Frequency Error,
• 13:30 - 14:00 Channel Power, Chip Clock Error, Main Lobe, and Side Lobe results. You can also see the limit test for Min Main Lobe Width and Max Side Lobe results with PASS/FAIL indication, and also the power measurement results for SHR, Data and STS, each section. On the right side, there are some other trace measurement results for HRP UWB.
• 14:00 - 14:30 On the top left, you can see the Spectrum trace of HRP UWB where, at a band power measurement, you can see the result at the bottom window around -11 dBm. On the top right, is the time domain trace result for HRP UWB. You can see there are three pulse frames shown here in the time domain. On the bottom left is the HRP UWB Transmit Mask trace result with PASS/FAIL indication at the bottom window.
• 14:30 - 15:00 On the bottom right is the HRP UWB RRC Correlated results as IEEE 802.15.4 standard definition. Ideal pulse will correlate with the received pulse to get this result. Thanks for watching this HRP UWB introduction and demo video. For more information, please visit the www.keysight.com website.