Making Leaps and Bounds with Ultra-Wideband Technology

Envision a world where GPS-like capabilities evolve into a powerhouse of high accuracy and seamless data communication for secure, real-time indoor positioning. With the LEAPS UDK1, the possibilities of ultra-wideband (UWB) can be realized like never before. From navigating the intricate pathways of a complex building to tracking assets in motion, the UDK1 has revolutionized how location-based technology can be evaluated. At its core, it addresses a critical market gap – existing UWB out-of-box demonstration solutions are neither comprehensive nor cost-effective. However, with the UDK1, this gap is seamlessly bridged with a simple, easy-to-use solution that can demonstrate the power of UWB using an App on a smartphone and a box of devices. Going further, UDK1 enables customers to quickly transition from evaluating UWB to adding it to their production designs by leveraging the existing software solution.

The foundation of this innovation lies in its comprehensive integrated components driven by Qorvo’s UWB technology and the latest generation transceiver, the QM33120W. The Qorvo QM33120W is a FiRa®-compatible UWB transceiver that is integrated with a Bluetooth system-on-chip (SoC) into a compact, fully certified UWB module to deliver a turnkey positioning solution.

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology: Precision Redefined

Qorvo’s leadership in UWB technology is reshaping industries with precision and innovation. From enhancing mobile interactions with IoT devices to revolutionizing consumer electronics and industrial operations, their UWB solutions are redefining user experiences. With applications spanning from keyless car access to industrial automation, Qorvo ensures centimeter-level accuracy and robust data communication compliant with IEEE 802.15.4 standards to offer unmatched performance indoors.

LEAPS, among Qorvo’s established UWB ecosystem partnerships, stands out as an esteemed partner that has developed comprehensive Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) featuring Qorvo UWB technology. Leveraging extensive UWB subsystem experience using Qorvo’s DW1000 and DW3000 UWB transceivers, LEAPS has integrated Qorvo’s latest generation UWB transceiver into UDK1 for improved accuracy and reduced power consumption. The integration of Qorvo’s QM33120W elevates its location tracking to exceptional 10 cm accuracy, and halves the power consumption of DW1000 based designs.

LEAPS UDK1 Features and Versatility

The LEAPS UDK1 is an all-in-one UWB demo kit that offers a comprehensive range of evaluation showcases of UWB technology, including Nearby Interaction demos with an iPhone, FiRa®-compatible Two-Way Ranging (TWR) and Angle of Arrival (AoA), tag-to-tag proximity detection sans infrastructure, and advanced RTLS navigation and asset tracking demos that utilize Downlink-TDoA and Uplink-TDoA techniques.

UDK1 Key Features

• A kit of 6 hardware devices - one device with an integrated UWB dual-antenna for AoA measurements and five devices each with an integrated UWB single antenna.
• Qorvo QM33120W, a FiRa®-compatible UWB transceiver, integrated with the popular BLE SoC nRF52840 into the Murata Type 2AB module.
• Qorvo QM14068/QM14070 external LNA/PA to provide range extension in UWB channels 5 & 9.
• Devices pre-programmed with LEAPS Ultra-Wideband Subsystem, an all-in-one advanced and versatile software stack that includes Qorvo’s FiRa® capable software library. Together with a set of tools, it forms a complete LEAPS RTLS.
• An open SDK based on Zephyr RTOS for starting development of custom applications.

Experience Convenient UWB Development with LEAPS Solutions Now Available at Symmetry Electronics

The LEAPS UDK1 synergizes advanced security features and simplicity with proven expertise to make it an ideal location-tracking tool. With a strong emphasis on user-friendly setup and seamless integration, the UDK1 offers accessibility to users and developers.

Through a wide range of real-world applications such as asset tracking, indoor navigation, and factory automation, LEAPS showcases the transformative power of Qorvo’s UWB technology in enhancing precision and efficiency.