Reflection of Modulated Radio (ReMoRa): Link Analysis of Ambient Scatter Radio Using Perfect Pulses

This paper explores the range and signalling limitations of ambient scatter wireless communications. Using previously modulated and transmitted electromagnetic waves as a means of power and as the RF carrier for their own communications, Reflection of Modulated Radio (ReMoRa) systems require little to no power to establish a communication link. However, employing a carrier the ReMoRa users have no control over poses a set of signalling problems that must be addressed to ensure a functioning communication link. This paper seeks to outline these obstacles and the unique demands they place on ambient scatter systems. A novel waveform, the perfect pulse, is further characterized to better solidify their candidacy as a powerful tool for the ambient communications problem, paying specific attention to DC-nulling behaviors and synchronization benefits. Spectral Exceedance is proposed as a means to compare the depth and width of DC-nulling waveforms. A realistic RF link budget is proposed to model expected RF returns and range limitations of ReMoRa systems.