Abstract: The generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is proposed to achieve optimum detection for differential UWB signals. Under unknown channel conditions, maximum likehood estimation of the channel response is implemented, statistical detection of differential UWB signals is performed subsequently, and the receiver architecture based on the generalized likelihood ratio test is obtained. The analytical conclusion shows that the GLRT receiver of differential UWB is a correlation receiver in which the local template waveform is computed as the average of the channel responses to former symbol pulses. Based on the conclusion, the performance of bit error probability is analyzed by using a Gaussian approximation of the noise components at the output of the receiver. The GLRT receiver can serve as a performance benchmark for the conventional differential UWB receivers.

Key words: ultra-wideband, differential, generalized-likelihood-radio-test