1041  Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for IoT

1041.1 Overview

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) has emerged as the gold standard for precise indoor positioning and secure ranging in IoT applications. With over 1 billion UWB-enabled devices shipped (including iPhones since 2019, Samsung Galaxy phones since 2020, and growing automotive deployments), UWB has transitioned from a niche technology to a mainstream IoT solution.

Unlike GPS, which tells you which building youโ€™re in, or Wi-Fi, which tells you which room, UWB can tell you which specific chair youโ€™re sitting in. This extraordinary precision has made UWB the technology of choice for indoor positioning, asset tracking, and secure access control.

NoteKey Takeaway

In one sentence: UWB provides centimeter-accurate indoor positioning using ultra-short radio pulses, enabling precise ranging where GPS cannot work and BLEโ€™s 1-3 meter accuracy is insufficient.

Remember this rule: Choose UWB when you need sub-50cm accuracy indoors (asset tracking, secure access control, spatial awareness), high update rates (>10 Hz for real-time tracking), or security-critical ranging (relay attack protection for digital car keys and access systems).

1041.2 Chapter Guide

This topic is covered across four focused chapters:

1041.2.1 UWB Technology Fundamentals

Learn the physics behind UWBโ€™s precision:

  • Wide bandwidth and time-bandwidth uncertainty principle
  • UWB spectrum allocation (3.1-10.6 GHz)
  • Impulse Radio UWB vs OFDM UWB
  • IEEE 802.15.4z HRP mode

Best for: Understanding why UWB achieves centimeter accuracy

1041.2.2 UWB Ranging Techniques

Master the ranging methods used in UWB systems:

  • Two-Way Ranging (TWR) protocol and distance calculation
  • Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) for scalable deployments
  • Angle of Arrival (AoA) for reduced anchor count
  • Technique selection based on scale and requirements

Best for: Choosing the right ranging approach for your application

1041.2.3 UWB Indoor Positioning Systems

Design complete UWB positioning infrastructure:

  • Anchor placement principles and GDOP
  • TWR vs TDoA system architectures
  • Technology comparison (GPS, Wi-Fi, BLE, UWB)
  • Commercial chipsets (Qorvo DW3000, NXP Trimension, Apple U1/U2)
  • Development platforms and custom integration

Best for: Planning and deploying UWB positioning systems

1041.2.4 UWB Applications and Security

Explore real-world applications and security features:

  • Automotive digital keys and relay attack protection
  • Asset tracking and logistics (warehouse case study)
  • Smart home, industrial safety, healthcare applications
  • IEEE 802.15.4z secure ranging (STS)
  • Common pitfalls and mitigations
  • Hands-on lab: UWB ranging simulation

Best for: Understanding applications and implementing secure systems

1041.3 Learning Path

Your Goal Recommended Path
Understand UWB basics Fundamentals โ†’ Ranging
Design a positioning system Fundamentals โ†’ Positioning Systems
Build secure access control Ranging โ†’ Applications & Security
Complete UWB knowledge All four chapters in order

1041.4 Quick Reference

Metric UWB Capability
Accuracy 10-30 cm (indoor)
Range Up to 70 m (line-of-sight)
Update Rate 10-100 Hz
Bandwidth 500 MHz - 2 GHz
Frequency 3.1-10.6 GHz
Power Medium (~60 mW active)
Security IEEE 802.15.4z STS (relay-attack proof)

1041.5 Start Learning

Ready to dive in? Start with UWB Technology Fundamentals to understand the physics that enables centimeter-level positioning.