What is Ultra-Wideband Technology (UWB)?
Ultra-wideband, or UWB for short, is a radio transmission technology. UWB is a positioning technology that was primarily developed for short-range applications. The frequency range is between 3.1 and 10.6 GHz in the USA, and 6.0 and 8.5 GHz in Germany. UWB achieves a high level of precision when determining location.
However, the required transmission power remains low. The maximum data rate is 480 megabits per second. The transmission power is usually less than one milliwatt. In recent years, an increasing number of new application areas have opened up in addition to precise localization and indoor positioning. This is also due to the fact that numerous end devices already contain UWB chips.
What is Included in a UWB System?
UWB is known as a technology for real-time localization (RTLS) at close range. Compared to other radio technologies, UWB RTLS achieves a higher positioning accuracy of up to a few centimeters. This is achieved by measuring the propagation time of the signal between the transmitter, the UWB transponder or tracker, and at least three receivers or anchors, rather than the signal strength.
The UWB transponder transmits a signal that is received by all anchor devices in the vicinity at different times, depending on the distance. The time difference is then multiplied by the constant speed of light in space to calculate the coordinates of the transmitter. This sounds complicated, but it isn’t. Especially in environments where GPS/GNSS signals are blocked, the accuracy of localization using UWB technology proves to be advantageous. This is especially true indoors.
How Does UWB Work?
Ultra-wideband (UWB) differs from other radio technologies in that it does not use modulated radio waves to transmit encoded data. Instead, UWB transmits information using weak individual pulses. The transmission power is limited to just 10 nanowatts and the pulses are sent at short intervals of a few nanoseconds, which enables real-time accuracy. Positioning is not based on measuring signal strength, but on measuring signal propagation times, which depend on the distance between the receiver and the transmitters (tags) attached to the objects.
Although UWB operates in the same frequency spectrum as many other radio technologies such as WLAN, Bluetooth, and mobile radio, its low transmission power means that it does not cause any interference within the band, and is not disturbed by other transmissions. This makes UWB a very reliable technology.
The transmission method of UWB is called “overlay” or superimposition, as the pulses of the transmitted signal are superimposed on the signals already present in the frequency band. Instead of filtering the incoming signals according to their frequency, the receiver recognizes the pulse shape. To avoid interference due to multi-path propagation, the signals are synchronized.
Products Designed with UWB
Facts & Figures
According to research institutes, sales for localization are set to more than double in the next four years. According to a report by the Indian market research institute “Markets and Markets”, sales of ultra-wideband technologies are forecast to increase from 1.1 billion USD in 2020 to 2.7 billion USD in 2025. At the same time, the global market for real time locating systems (RTLS) is expected to grow from 5.2 billion USD in 2023 to 16.2 billion USD by 2028.
Advantages of UWB Technology
- High degree of localization
- No interference
- Numerous IoT devices with UWB chip
- Robustness of the signal
- Precise positioning down to a few centimeters
In Which Industries is UWB Used?
The main area of application is indoor positioning in industrial and logistics environments. This makes it possible to locate and track goods during transportation within warehouses and production facilities. UWB partially takes over the functions of an RFID tag. Examples of the use of UWB are BMW, Skoda, and Scania. These car manufacturers use UWB both in the production line, and for industrial trucks. The aim is to avoid congestion, increase safety, and improve transparency between warehouse and production.
UWB is also used in the smart home sector to replace wired connections between computers and peripheral devices. The wireless transmission of audio or video signals between multimedia devices is also possible.
Keyword Smart Farming: UWB is also increasingly being used in the digitalization of agriculture. UWB is used to precisely monitor and control various processes. This includes measuring soil moisture, monitoring plant growth, tracking harvests, and monitoring vehicles or livestock, for example. In outdoor applications, UWB can be used to monitor herds of cattle, for example. The radio technology tracks movements and transmits sensor data such as temperature to allow conclusions to be drawn about the animals’ state of health.
However, UWB technology is particularly interesting where precise position information is relevant. Thanks to its ability to measure distances with high accuracy, UWB offers a decisive advantage for localization and communication in buildings such as hospitals. This involves the localization of medical devices.
There are numerous use cases, especially for positioning tasks where GPS is not available. On such example is the localization of first responders at the scene to ensure their safety. Another example is a UWB system that enables the localization of firefighters and the transmission of their vital data in order to provide the incident commander with a constant overview of their condition.
In Which Industries is UWB Used?
The main area of application is indoor positioning in industrial and logistics environments. This makes it possible to locate and track goods during transportation within warehouses and production facilities. UWB partially takes over the functions of an RFID tag. Examples of the use of UWB are BMW, Skoda, and Scania. These car manufacturers use UWB both in the production line, and for industrial trucks. The aim is to avoid congestion, increase safety, and improve transparency between warehouse and production.
UWB is also used in the smart home sector to replace wired connections between computers and peripheral devices. The wireless transmission of audio or video signals between multimedia devices is also possible.
Keyword Smart Farming: UWB is also increasingly being used in the digitalization of agriculture. UWB is used to precisely monitor and control various processes. This includes measuring soil moisture, monitoring plant growth, tracking harvests, and monitoring vehicles or livestock, for example. In outdoor applications, UWB can be used to monitor herds of cattle, for example. The radio technology tracks movements and transmits sensor data such as temperature to allow conclusions to be drawn about the animals’ state of health.
However, UWB technology is particularly interesting where precise position information is relevant. Thanks to its ability to measure distances with high accuracy, UWB offers a decisive advantage for localization and communication in buildings such as hospitals. This involves the localization of medical devices.
There are numerous use cases, especially for positioning tasks where GPS is not available. On such example is the localization of first responders at the scene to ensure their safety. Another example is a UWB system that enables the localization of firefighters and the transmission of their vital data in order to provide the incident commander with a constant overview of their condition.
Advantages of UWB Technology
- High degree of localization
- No interference
- Numerous IoT devices with UWB chip
- Robustness of the signal
- Precise positioning down to a few centimeters
Does UWB Cause Interference?
The article deals with various aspects of UWB technology. Advantages and disadvantages, as well as expert opinions are discussed. When asked whether UWB causes interference, Timothy Harrington from the UWB Alliance answers with a clear “no”. To explain: Since UWB pulses generate noise similar to that of a computer, they can coexist within the frequency band without any problems. The pulse method ensures that the UWB signals do not interfere with other radio technologies and resist their interference.
Ultra-wideband or UWB is a radio technology that is suitable for short-range applications and achieves a high level of precision in location determination thanks to its low transmission power. UWB is often equated with RTLS, an indoor positioning technology. This may have been true in the past, but new areas of application have emerged in recent years. An increasing number of end devices contain UWB chips.
UWB is seen as a key technology in the factory of the future. In particular, the robustness of the signal and the large number of use cases that can be implemented with this wireless technology make it extremely attractive. UWB can do far more than just precise localization. UWB will continue to spread, especially in the smart home sector.
Does UWB Cause Interference?
The article deals with various aspects of UWB technology. Advantages and disadvantages, as well as expert opinions are discussed. When asked whether UWB causes interference, Timothy Harrington from the UWB Alliance answers with a clear “no”. To explain: Since UWB pulses generate noise similar to that of a computer, they can coexist within the frequency band without any problems. The pulse method ensures that the UWB signals do not interfere with other radio technologies and resist their interference.
Ultra-wideband or UWB is a radio technology that is suitable for short-range applications and achieves a high level of precision in location determination thanks to its low transmission power. UWB is often equated with RTLS, an indoor positioning technology. This may have been true in the past, but new areas of application have emerged in recent years. An increasing number of end devices contain UWB chips.
UWB is seen as a key technology in the factory of the future. In particular, the robustness of the signal and the large number of use cases that can be implemented with this wireless technology make it extremely attractive. UWB can do far more than just precise localization. UWB will continue to spread, especially in the smart home sector.
“When the technology was first approved in the early 2000s, it was used for limited applications. Many of these applications were industrial in nature and some were used in sports. With the IEEE 802.15.4f standard, UWB was used for sports tracking in all NFL stadiums. The NFL tracks the players and the football. The ball is tracked about 2,000 times per second as it is thrown through the air, while the players are tracked about 12 times per second.”
Tim Harrington
Chairman, UWB Alliance
Warehouse Logistics: UWB in Use at TB International
Fashion wholesaler TB International has implemented a system for tracking goods and vehicle movements in real time in its 25,000 m² warehouse in Groß Gerau, Germany. The system uses UHF RFID tags and UWB sensors. Every box in the warehouse is equipped with a UHF RFID tag, while all 40 forklift trucks each carry two RFID readers and a UWB vehicle tag to transmit position data. In addition, the aisles of the distribution warehouse are equipped with UWB sensors. The result: the positions of forklift trucks and cartons can be determined in real time with an accuracy of 10 cm.
When goods are received in the warehouse, digital duplicates are created and transmitted to the SAP ERP system via an IoT platform. This IoT platform enables the generation of position data, as well as the management and visualization of the UWB sensors. Benefit: The displayed data of all digital duplicates provides a comprehensive overview of all logistics and material flows. In addition, optimum routes for the forklift trucks are calculated and displayed to the driver. The processes in the warehouse are mapped like a digital twin.
Warehouse Logistics: UWB in Use at TB International
Fashion wholesaler TB International has implemented a system for tracking goods and vehicle movements in real time in its 25,000 m² warehouse in Groß Gerau, Germany. The system uses UHF RFID tags and UWB sensors. Every box in the warehouse is equipped with a UHF RFID tag, while all 40 forklift trucks each carry two RFID readers and a UWB vehicle tag to transmit position data. In addition, the aisles of the distribution warehouse are equipped with UWB sensors. The result: the positions of forklift trucks and cartons can be determined in real time with an accuracy of 10 cm.
When goods are received in the warehouse, digital duplicates are created and transmitted to the SAP ERP system via an IoT platform. This IoT platform enables the generation of position data, as well as the management and visualization of the UWB sensors. Benefit: The displayed data of all digital duplicates provides a comprehensive overview of all logistics and material flows. In addition, optimum routes for the forklift trucks are calculated and displayed to the driver. The processes in the warehouse are mapped like a digital twin.
“The question for TB International was how we could make our goods logistics more efficient. The criteria were: Costs, process optimization, availability of goods, transparency, employee motivation, tracking & tracing, future viability of the product, and the ability to rectify errors on the product and in the system. The result of the test operation was an increase in efficiency of 40 percent in goods receipt alone. That convinced us. We now capture the boxes from the manufacturer in Asia, through the entire global supply chain, to the warehouse in Groß Gerau – only there for now – using RFID tags.”
Johannes Rudenko
Business economist, TB International
RFID and UWB Positioning at the NFL
The American National Football League (NFL) uses UWB and RFID technology to track and monitor the performance of its players. All players on the football team are equipped with two active RFID tags from Zebra Technologies. The tags are the size of a nickel and weigh 3.3 grams. These two tags are attached to the shoulder pads below the epaulettes.
A third RFID tag is located on the back of the runners. This ensures that data transmission is possible even when the players are close to the ground. Over 300 RFID tags are used in a single football match. The position data of the individual players is transmitted via the active RFID tags. Between 22 and 24 UWB sensors with antennas are distributed throughout the stadium. These are aligned with the pitch and have a maximum reading distance of around 100 meters.
The antennas receive the radio signals from the RFID tags and generate statistics known as Next Gen Stats. More than 200 statistics are generated per game. Within five seconds, the position data captured and received by the antennas is transmitted to the MotionWorks software via a shielded Ethernet cable. This software processes the data and enables real-time visualization of the position data on a dashboard. 260 data points are processed for each game. On a match day, 750 million data points are transmitted.
RFID and UWB Positioning at the NFL
The American National Football League (NFL) uses UWB and RFID technology to track and monitor the performance of its players. All players on the football team are equipped with two active RFID tags from Zebra Technologies. The tags are the size of a nickel and weigh 3.3 grams. These two tags are attached to the shoulder pads below the epaulettes.
A third RFID tag is located on the back of the runners. This ensures that data transmission is possible even when the players are close to the ground. Over 300 RFID tags are used in a single football match. The position data of the individual players is transmitted via the active RFID tags. Between 22 and 24 UWB sensors with antennas are distributed throughout the stadium. These are aligned with the pitch and have a maximum reading distance of around 100 meters.
The antennas receive the radio signals from the RFID tags and generate statistics known as Next Gen Stats. More than 200 statistics are generated per game. Within five seconds, the position data captured and received by the antennas is transmitted to the MotionWorks software via a shielded Ethernet cable. This software processes the data and enables real-time visualization of the position data on a dashboard. 260 data points are processed for each game. On a match day, 750 million data points are transmitted.
“The solution is adapted to the environment in the football stadium and to the game itself. Each player wears two active RFID tags, which are attached under the shoulder pads, and the line players wear a third tag on their backs.”
Adam Petrus
, Zebra Technologies
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End User Story
40% Efficiency Increase in Warehouse Logistics with UWB+RFID
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End User Story
Tracking with RFID and UWB in Professional Sports
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Connectivity
The combination of UWB and connectivity offers exciting possibilities in modern communication technology. UWB connectivity enables high-precision and fast data transmission, which is used in various application areas.
An important aspect of UWB is the integration with WiFi. This combination allows seamless communication between devices and improves the overall performance of the network. UWB WiFi takes advantage of both technologies and offers a high data rate and a robust connection that is particularly useful in dense urban environments.
Radio technology and radio systems play a central role in UWB technology. By using high-frequency signals and a broad carrier frequency, UWB systems can transmit data over long distances without causing interference with other transmission technologies. This wideband radio technology makes it possible to transmit large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.
UWB’s transmission technologies utilize a wide range of frequencies to ensure high bandwidth and low latency. This makes UWB an ideal solution for applications that require fast and reliable data transmission. In addition, UWB technology offers significant advantages over conventional communication technologies due to its high precision and low susceptibility to interference.
From precise location determination to high-performance wireless networks and innovative transmission technologies – UWB is a key technology that will have a major impact on the future of wireless communication.
New Vehicles with “Child Presence Detection” from 2025
With the “Child Presence Detection” function, a UWB-system recognizes whether children or infants have been left alone in the vehicle. UWB anchors in the passenger compartment use vital signs such as breathing rate and movement patterns to detect whether children or infants have been left alone in the vehicle. If this is the case, parents or guardians receive an alarm on their mobile device after just a few seconds. The aim is to prevent heatstroke and deaths caused by unattended children in parked cars. In order to receive the highest possible NCAP rating, all new vehicles in Europe and the USA must be equipped with such a system as standard from 2025.
The Smart Car Access System is also based on UWB technology. The system allows the car to be opened and closed completely hands-free. The engine can also be started without having to pick up the smartphone. The technology also protects the vehicle from relay attacks, i.e. opening the vehicle via radio extension, by means of high-precision runtime measurement.
Another example is UWB chips, which are used in a baby monitor. Together with movement and breathing sensors, this monitor measures minimal movements, or the absence of movement, and thus helps to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Similar devices can also be used to detect sleep apnea in adults.
A Chinese smartphone manufacturer offers smart home applications via the smartphone. UWB-enabled devices are immediately displayed on a control panel when the smartphone is pointed at them. This makes it easy to control devices such as televisions, loudspeakers, robot vacuum cleaners, air conditioning systems, and kitchen appliances. The UWB chip turns the smartphone into a kind of universal remote control.
Partners Spezialized in UWB Solutions
Standards: The IEEE 802.15.4z Specification
The IEEE 802.15.4z-2020 standard was developed specifically for UWB technology. This specification defines the use of UWB for the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless communication standard.
The IEEE 802.15.4z specification was developed to support the introduction of UWB in various applications and industries. This concerns the communication of wireless devices and precision positioning systems with the Internet of Things (IoT).
The specification defines protocols, operating parameters, and interfaces for the use of UWB in wireless networks and systems. It covers aspects such as modulation techniques, transmission rates, frequency ranges, access mechanisms, and security aspects.
The IEEE 802.15.4z specification plays an important role in the standardization and interoperability of UWB technology and helps to facilitate the development and introduction of UWB in various applications. It enables manufacturers to develop UWB devices and systems that comply with industry standards and are compatible with others.
Range and High Accuracy
The range of UWB is limited, as a line of sight is always required between the transmitter and receiver. Indoors, the range of UWB transponders is typically up to 20 meters, with some manufacturers up to 35 meters. Outdoors, the range is up to 200 meters. The combination of the measured values from at least three receivers makes it possible to determine the position with an accuracy of 10 to 30 centimeters. To date, UWB transponders have mainly been used for short measuring distances and as an alternative to cable connections.
The Battery Life of the UWB Transponder
The maximum power of a UWB transmission using the entire frequency band is at most 0.5 mW, but in most cases it is lower. Almost all implementations use less than a 1000 MHz bandwidth, which corresponds to a maximum power of 0.074 mW. For comparison, a 4G/LTE cell phone transmits with a power of 200 mW.
Due to this low power, the battery life of a UWB transponder can be more than three years. While tracking in a warehouse takes place at a frequency of 1 Hz, a transmission frequency of 1 kHz is required in high mobility scenarios. In this case, the battery life is drastically reduced.