Characterization of a UWB transceiver for mining applications

Ultra wideband (UWB) transceivers have become available relatively recently for use in high accuracy Real Time Location Systems (RTLS). They have potential for locating and tracking people and equipment in mining contexts. These devices operate in an unlicensed region of the microwave spectrum; from 3-10 GHz. Range is measured between a pair of transceivers and resolutions of the order of millimetres have been achieved. We describe the advantages of these systems and present measurements obtained with a commercially available transceiver.