TDOA estimation using a pair of synchronized DW1000 based anchor nodes

Abstract

Nowadays, as indoor localization is getting more popular, there is a growing need for reliable and accurate techniques of position determination. Recently, UWB (Ultrawideband) based systems are gaining popularity, since they make achieving positioning errors in the range of dozens of centimeters or even single centimeters, possible. The TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) based systems are especially attractive because they allow for simplification of tags, which functionality can be limited to transmission of packets. However, one of TDOA based solution drawbacks is the need for strict synchronization between anchor nodes, which may be hard to realize in indoor environment. In the paper a method for simplifying synchronization in TDOA-based ultrawideband localization system is described. The method was experimentally verified. Obtained results are presented and discussed.