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IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Volume 48 Number 6, June 2000

Table of Contents for this issue

Complete paper in PDF format

Mobile Ranging Using Low-Accuracy Clocks

Dennis D. McCrady, Senior Member, IEEE Lawrence Doyle, Howard Forstrom, Timothy Dempsey and Marc Martorana

Page 951.

Abstract:

Our position-location technique provides location information within milliseconds and is integrated in a handheld direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) communications system. We use a standard DSSS waveform, with a state-of-the-art chipping rate to provide a position location capability to an accuracy of less than 1 m in a severe multipath environment. We use a two-way time-of-arrival (TOA) measurement technique with 1-ppm clocks that eliminates the need to synchronize master and reference radio clocks. Several techniques improve TOA and, therefore, range accuracy. A loop back calibrates internal system delay. Frequency diversity orthogonalizes multipath with respect to direct path, and leading edge curve fitting of the direct path reduces the effect of multipath. Applications include location of urban war fighters, firefighters,police, and medical personnel and resources.

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