NXP Semiconductors has recently announced the launch of its new family of ultra-wideband (UWB) integrated circuits (ICs) tailored for automotive applications. The state-of-the-art Trimension NCJ29D6 solutions are expected to revolutionise various use cases in the automotive sector, such as secure car access, child presence detection, intrusion alert, and gesture recognition. These UWB chips are designed to complement NXP’s existing support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and near-field communication (NFC) in their automotive IC range.
The introduction of UWB technology presents a multitude of possibilities for automotive manufacturers. NXP’s latest offerings, the Trimension NCJ29D6B and NCJ29D6A, are poised to bring significant advancements in real-time localization and short-range radar capabilities. The NCJ29D6B, a single-chip solution, promises precision in real-time localization for secure car access. On the other hand, the pin-to-pin compatible NCJ29D6A stands out as the first monolithic UWB chip for automotive markets, combining secure localization and short-range radar with an integrated microcontroller unit (MCU). This integration will enable automotive manufacturers to utilise a single UWB system for multiple use cases, marking a significant leap in versatility and efficiency.
UWB technology, based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, enables precise positioning of objects in three-dimensional space with low power consumption. The technology utilises a wide spectrum and high frequency, distinguishing it from traditional short-range technologies. It has evolved from a high data-rate communications protocol to an impulse-based radar-imaging tech, capable of tracking objects with high precision.
By 2025, NXP’s Trimension UWB radar and ranging solutions are anticipated to be integrated into automotive manufacturing, bringing new possibilities for secure car access and other advanced features. The NCJ29D6B promises enhanced secure car access, allowing users to access their vehicles hands-free through a digital key on a UWB-enabled smartphone. This innovative technology also delivers significant performance enhancements for maximum design flexibility and future-proof secure car access capabilities.
The twin NCJ29D6A solution serves as a groundbreaking automotive device, combining UWB location and ranging features within a single chip. This integration offers automotive OEMs new opportunities to integrate in-cabin sensing, automatic trunk opening, and various smart gesture recognition features, representing a major leap forward in automotive technology.
Markus Staeblein, senior vice president and general manager for secure car access at NXP, commented on the potential impact of UWB technology, stating that it will drive new advancements in the consumer automotive experience, benefiting automotive OEMs by providing a single system capable of delivering multiple new software-defined experiences over time. NXP has been an active member of the FiRa (fine-ranging) Consortium, advocating for the standardisation and widespread adoption of UWB technology in the automotive sector, among others.
The FiRa Consortium, comprising industry leaders such as NXP, Bosch, Samsung, and STMicro, asserts that UWB technology outperforms other short-range technologies in terms of accuracy, reliability, and power consumption. Furthermore, UWB-enabled systems are resistant to interference and offer enhanced security features, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications beyond automotive, including industrial IoT and other sectors.
In conclusion, NXP’s introduction of the Trimension NCJ29D6 UWB chip solutions represents a significant milestone in the automotive industry. The potential applications of UWB technology are vast, with implications for the development of cutting-edge automotive features and capabilities. As the automotive ecosystem continues to evolve, UWB is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.
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