UWB

In many IoT applications, it’s crucial that devices are spatially aware. We need to know their position and movement – in a two- or three-dimensional space.

Several technologies are available for this. But none beats ultra-wideband (UWB) when it comes to:

• speed and update rates
• accuracy and precision
• security against relay attacks

Ultra-wideband technology has been around for a long time. However, there is now a surge of interest in UWB because of its ideal match with advanced applications such as:

• secure access and secure keyless entry
• high-precision distance measurement
• indoor positioning and tracking
• VR/AR
• secure mobile payments

Imec also believes that UWB can beciome a strong contender for applications that require high-rate data transfer at short distances with very low energy consumption. Such as smart glasses for AR/VR, and neuroscientific research. Read the press release on imec’s UWB transmitter chip.

Want to develop a product or service that relies on compact and ultra-low power UWB technology? You’re welcome to build on imec’s ultra-wideband technology IP and support.

Work with us

Next-generation ultra-wideband

Imec is as a leading R&D hub in nano- and digital technology. It has a track record of more than fifteen years in UWB technology. We participate in various UWB standardization bodies and industry consortia, such as the, IEEE, CCC, ETSI and FCC. And we're a member of the FiRa consortium. This is dedicated to the development and adoption of user experiences using interoperable UWB technologies.

Imec builds its ultra-wideband technology on a standard CMOS platform. This results in UWB chips that can be cost-effectively mass-produced. And you can easily integrate them with other chip components.

Additionally, our UWB impulse radio (IR) technology excels because of its limited power consumption. It's ten times lower than the state of the art. Our UWB positioning and tracking algorithms achieve cm-accuracy in challenging environments.

In February 2021, imec showcased the world’s first sub-5mW, IEEE 802.15.4z ultra-wideband transmitter chip. Check out the press release.

Use our ultra-wideband IP in wireless positioning and tracking technology

Do you want to speed up the integration of advanced ultra-wideband technology in your product or service? Then imec is happy to support you in three ways:

1. design on demand – Rely on our top researchers and advanced infrastructure for your custom R&D into ultra-wideband technology.
2. insight partnership – Get previews of our latest developments via regular concept and prototype demonstrations.
3. whitebox silicon IP licensing and technology transfer – Tune our hardware and software IP to your needs, with support from our experts.

Ultra-wideband technology portfolio

We offer a wide range of hardware and software IP, such as:

• UWB positioning and tracking algorithms that achieve cm-accuracy in challenging environments
• secure distance bounding protocols for the prevention of relay attacks
• analog and digital IC designs, layout databases and test benches of wireless transceivers and building blocks
• proof-of-concept integrated circuit implementations and demonstrators
• antenna designs

Want to develop your UWB technology with us?

Get in touch