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Wireless trigger distribution with nanosecond jitter based on ultra-wideband transceiver modules
Julius Korsimaa1, Martin Weber1, Edward Hæggström1
1Electronics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O.B. 64, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
Hardwarex
|October 27, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an ultra-wideband system for precise time synchronization in wireless sensor networks, overcoming limitations of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers for indoor and underground applications.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Network Engineering
Background:
- Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) require precise time synchronization for coordinated operation.
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) offers nanosecond accuracy but has limitations like sky-view dependency and susceptibility to interference.
- Existing synchronization methods may not be suitable for all environments or applications due to infrastructure or signal constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a novel trigger signal distribution system for time synchronization in WSNs.
- To overcome the limitations of GNSS for indoor/underground WSN synchronization.
- To achieve high-accuracy time synchronization using ultra-wideband technology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the DWM1000 IEEE 802.15.4-2011 ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver module.
- Configured a network of UWB modules to wirelessly distribute trigger signals.
- Tested the system's performance in coordinating signal transmission and reception within a WSN.
Main Results:
- Achieved a typical timing jitter of less than ±4 nanoseconds for the distributed trigger signals.
- Demonstrated the system's capability to coordinate signal transmission and reception in a WSN.
- Validated the effectiveness of the UWB-based approach for high-accuracy synchronization.
Conclusions:
- The proposed UWB trigger signal distribution system provides a viable alternative to GNSS for precise time synchronization in WSNs.
- This method is suitable for applications requiring nanosecond-level accuracy, including indoor/underground environments.
- The system effectively coordinates WSN operations, showing promise for structural health monitoring and similar applications.
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