Wireless distance measurement

In dynamic environments, distance measurements between mobile devices must be efficient and autonomous, even without central coordination. This challenge was addressed in a recent project with Metirionic GmbH within the EDIH Applied CPS framework. The goal was to extend Metirionic’s existing high-accuracy distance measurement protocol using Silicon Austria Labs‚ expertise in highly synchronized TDMA protocols.

A custom TDMA-based protocol was designed and implemented using the Metirionic distance measurement protocol stack. A central node coordinates the network by managing join and leave procedures, assigning time slots, and broadcasting periodic beacons for synchronization. Each node within the network receives a dedicated timeslot, ensuring collision-free communication and ranging operation for multiple devices. In situations lacking a central node, a custom delta-sigma modulation technique was implemented to minimize clock drift and enable synchronization to persist over extended periods.

The new protocol was fully integrated into the Metirionic stack and evaluated under various test conditions. By enabling synchronized, autonomous distance measurements across multiple mobile devices, this project establishes a foundation for a wide range of future use cases in industrial and Internet of Things (IoT) environments.