DW1000 max-range

2 What determines communications range?
2.1 Introduction
The communications range between two DW1000 ICs is determined by: -
1. the signal power that arrives from the transmitter of one DW1000 IC via the communication
channel to the receiver of the other DW1000

2. the sensitivity of the receiver in the receiving DW1000

The signal power that arrives at the receiver depends on a number of factors as seen by examining
Friis’ path loss formula: -
PR [dBm] = PT [dBm] + G [dB] – L[dB] - 20 log10(4πfcd / c)
Where: -
 PR is the received signal level;
 PT is the transmitted power.
 G includes the antenna gains of the transmitting and receiving antennas, as well as any other
gain from external amplifiers.
 L includes any PCB, cable, connector and other losses in the system
 c is the speed of light, 299792458 m/s;
 fc is the center frequency of the channel used, expressed in Hertz;
 d is the distance in meters between the transmitter and receiver

Provided PR is greater than the receiver sensitivity, the signal will be correctly received.
Friis’ formula clearly shows that: -
 For a given distance, as the signal frequency increases so does the path loss
 For a given frequency as the distance between transmitter and receiver increases so does the
path loss.
2.2 The importance of each of the individual elements in the system
To maximise range: -
 Transmit power needs to be kept at the maximum allowable limit to ensure the maximum energy
is transmitted into the channel.
 Losses due to PCB and antenna effects need to be kept to a minimum.
 The configuration with the best receiver sensitivity should be used
 The lowest channel frequency possible should be used if maximum range is the overriding
requirement.
We’ll deal with each of these in subsequent sections of this note.
3.3 PCB losses
The example in section 3.2 assumed no antenna gain and no losses on the transmitter & receiver
printed circuit boards (PCB). Let’s assume our PCB design is poor and there is 2 dB of loss (very
bad!) between the chip and the antenna. In a system context, if transmitter and receiver PCBs have
the same front-end design, that represents a 4 dB loss in link margin. We can plot the same curves as
in Figure 1 but this time based on the following parameters: -
Table 3: Representative parameter set with PCB losses

Parameter	Value	Units
TX Power	-16	dBm / 500 MHz channel
TX PCB Loss	2	dB
TX Antenna Gain	0	dBi
RX PCB Loss	2	dB
RX Antenna Gain	0	dBi
RX Sensitivity	-102	dBm / 500 MHz channel

Figure 2: Link Margin vs distance for two channel frequencies with additional losses
Figure 2 shows that the link margin in the 4 GHz channel reaches 0 dB at approximately 75 m while in
the 6.5 GHz channel it reaches 0 dB at approximately 46 m. Clearly poorly designed PCBs have a
significant impact on achievable range.
RULE 3.2: For best range performance follow the Decawave PCB layout guidelines closely and
ensure the circuit between the DW1000 and the antenna is correctly matched.
3.4 Antenna Gain
The example in section 3.2 assumed that the antennas used had a gain of 0 dBi. It is possible to
design antennas such that they have greater gain at the frequency of operation.
3.6 Data rate selection
Receiver sensitivity is dependent on the data rate being used. As can be seen in the receiver
sensitivity characteristics section of the DW1000 datasheet [1], the sensitivity improves as you go
from the highest supported data rate (6.8 Mbps) to the lowest (110 kbps). Using the lowest data rate
will therefore maximise link margin and range.
The disadvantage of a lower data rate, however, is that frames take a longer time to be transmitted
and so there is a power consumption penalty.
See section 4.3 for further implications of using short messages.
RULE 3.7: Select the data rate that gives longest range while also meeting the other
requirements of your system.
3.7 Preamble selection
The choice of preamble code and preamble length affects the ability of the receiver to detect the
incoming signal in the noise and accurately determine the first path. The minimum length preamble
receivable by the DW1000 is 64 symbols. The maximum supported by the DW1000 is 4096.
Generally speaking the preamble needs to be long enough for the receiver to detect the signal and
lock its carrier and timing recovery loops. Having a preamble that is longer than necessary takes up
air time and unnecessarily increases system power consumption for no appreciable increase in
performance.
Recommended preamble sequence lengths for different data rates are given in the operational design
choices section of the DW1000 user manual [2].
RULE 3.8: Select the preamble length that gives longest range while also meeting the other
requirements of your system.

4.4 Increasing transmit power using an external Power Amplifier where
permitted
For LAES (Location tracking Applications for Emergency Services) in Europe, an increase in transmit
power above the nominal -41.3 dBm / MHz limit is permitted when using the spectrum between 3.4
and 4.2GHz. This increase can be as much as 20 dB which has obvious implications for link budget
and range.
In order to achieve this additional transmit power an external power amplifier is required. The use of
such an external power amplifier with the DW1000 is covered in application note APS009 [7].
Some additional design considerations are as follows: -
 Adding an external PA will increase power consumption.
 The increased transmit power will affect the range bias compensation factor (see application
note APS011 [8]).
 If nodes are in close proximity, it’s possible that the additional power could cause
communication errors due to receiver saturation.
Before embarking on a development to incorporate a PA, you should satisfy yourself that the
regulations in the markets into which you intend to sell your products permit this additional transmit
power
5.4 Increasing the sensitivity of the DW1000 using an external LNA
It is possible to insert a low noise amplifier (LNA) between the antenna and the DW1000 to lower the
noise figure and improve receiver sensitivity, thereby adding directly to the link margin. This technique
is described in APS004 [5]. Typically a 2 to 3 dB reduction in noise figure can be achieved which adds
directly to the link budget.
Some additional design considerations are as follows: -
APS017: Maximising range in DW1000 based systems

 Adding an external LNA will increase power consumption.
 The increased receiver gain will affect the range bias compensation factor (see application
note APS011 [8]).
 If nodes are in close proximity, it’s possible that the additional gain could cause
communication errors due to receiver saturation.
RULE 5.3: Consider using an LNA to reduce noise figure and improve receiver sensitivity but
bear power consumption and system cost in mind.