A Study for possibility of detecting IEEE802.15.4a signals

In 2007, IEEE802.15.4a was standardized as a low-rate and low-power UWB system for sensor networks. In general, detection of the IEEE802.15.4a signal is considered to be difficult because of its low transmitting power density and low duty cycle. However, if detecting of the IEEE802.15.4a signal is available, it is possible to avoid interference issues both among the 15.4a systems and between the 15.4a and other UWB systems. This paper proposes a simple detection method using non-coherent detectors. The possibility of detecting of the 15.4a signal by proposal detection method is examined. By conducting experiments with an emulated 15.4a RF signal, the signal detection probability was examined, and 15.4a signal from the range of about 11 meters in the radius can be detected. From this observation, the CSMA/CA method with detecting the signal in 15.4a system is possible candidate for alternative access method.