Modern ultra-wideband communications: recent overview and future prospects

Regarding the modulation schemes and multiple access techniques, modern ultra-wideband (UWB) communication displays unique features in wideband, high-speed data transmission, low-power consumption and high security comparing to other wireless communication systems. We present a general review of historical development, key features and typical applications on UWB, then briefly discuss its recent progress in IEEE standards, application potentials for broadband wireless access and current benefits. Future development on UWB transmission schemes and challenges of system design, are concisely proposed in contrast to those of several other typical communication systems.