- Ultra-wideband (UWB) enables high-precision wireless communication.
- Its margin of error in location is only 10 centimeters, compared to the meter of Bluetooth.
- Apple and Samsung are promoting UWB in mobile devices to improve connectivity and localization.
- It is used in automotive, industrial, secure payments and access control.
In the world of wireless communications, there are technologies that have been with us for years but have gone unnoticed until large companies have decided to give them a new life. This is the case of the ultra wideband (UWB), a technology that offers a unprecedented precision in the localization of devices and a considerably high data transmission speedIts resurgence is driven by companies such as Apple, Samsung and Volkswagen, who see UWB as a ideal substitute for Bluetooth in various applications.
But what exactly is ultra-wideband? How does it work, and what advantages does it offer over other forms of wireless connectivity? Here's everything you need to know about the technology and how it could change the way we interact with our devices. everyday devices.
What is Ultra Wideband?
La ultra wide band, Also known as Ultra-Wideband (UWB), is a type of short-range wireless communication technology that uses a very wide frequency spectrum, typically greater than 500 MHzUnlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which operate in narrower bands, UWB uses a large amount of bandwidth, allowing for higher data transmission speed and a Extreme precision localization.
The first development of UWB dates back to 1897 with the transmitters Spark Gap Marconi, although its peak did not come until the 2000s. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized its use in 2002, but it has not been until recently when it has begun to be implemented consumer devices.
How does ultra-wideband work?
The operation of UWB is based on the emission and reception of extremely short radio pulses, allowing it to measure with great precision the flight time between the transmitter and the receiver. This is key for location applications, since instead of calculating the distance based on the signal strength Like Bluetooth, UWB measures the exact time it takes for a signal to travel from one device to another and back.
Thanks to this system, UWB can achieve a margin of error of just 10 centimeters in locating objects, which is significantly more accurate than Bluetooth, whose measurements can vary by a meter or more. Besides, his directionality This is another strong point, allowing you to know exactly not only the distance, but also the direction in which the device you are connected to is located.
What are the advantages of UWB?
- High accuracy: You can locate objects or devices with a Accuracy up to 10 centimeters.
- Transmission speed: UWB can reach speeds of up to 1,6 Gbps over short distances.
- Low energy consumption: Ideal for devices that run on small batteries.
- Low interference: By using such a wide frequency spectrum, the interferences are considerably reduced.
Applications of ultra-wideband
The precision and speed of UWB make it an ideal alternative for a multitude of applications, from access control to vehicle safetyThese are some of its main applications:
Mobile devices
Apple and Samsung have been two of the companies that have invested the most in this technology. Apple, for example, has introduced the U1 chip in the iPhone to improve the AirDrop function and allow a more accurate file sharing when two devices are close. It is also being used in devices such as AirTags, which allow you to locate lost objects with great accuracy.
Automotive
Companies like Volkswagen and NXP have started integrating UWB into their car models to improve the keyless entry security. This system prevents theft by signal amplification, a common problem with traditional NFC keys, allowing the vehicle to only be unlocked if the user is really close.
Industry and logistics
In industrial environments, UWB is used to track goods with millimeter precision in warehouses and factories. Its ability to determine the exact position of objects in real time makes it a key technology for optimizing logistics processes.
Payments and secure access
Ultra-wideband also has applications in the financial sector and in the access security. Thanks to its location accuracy, it can be used to authorize payments no contact or manage digital access without the need for cards or codes.
Thanks to companies like Samsung, Apple and NXP, UWB is evolving rapidly. Its combination of speed, accuracy and security makes it the Perfect alternative to Bluetooth in multiple scenarios, from consumer electronics to the automotive industry and logistics. With the growth of compatible devices and the advancement of standards, it is only a matter of time before this technology becomes a standard in modern wireless connectivity.
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