Editing Ultra-wideband (section)

== Applications ==
=== Real-time location ===
{{Promotional tone|date=February 2024}}
Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is utilised for real-time locationing due to its precision and reliability. It plays a role in various industries such as logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. UWB's centimeter-level accuracy is valuable in applications in which using traditional methods may be unsuitable, such as in indoor environments, where GPS precision may be hindered. Its low power consumption ensures minimal interference and allows for coexistence with existing infrastructure. UWB performs well in challenging environments with its immunity to multipath interference, providing consistent and accurate positioning. In logistics, UWB increases inventory tracking efficiency, reducing losses and optimizing operations. Healthcare makes use of UWB in asset tracking, patient flow optimization, and in improving care coordination. In manufacturing, UWB is used for streamlining inventory management and enhancing production efficiency through accurate tracking of materials and tools. UWB supports route planning, fleet management, and vehicle security in transportation systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploring Ultra-Wideband Technology for Micro-Location-Based Services {{!}} 2021-06-07 {{!}} Microwave Journal |url=https://www.microwavejournal.com/articles/36143-exploring-ultra-wideband-technology-for-micro-location-based-services |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.microwavejournal.com |language=en}}</ref>

UWB uses multiple techniques for location detection:<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Coppens |first1=Dieter |last2=Shahid |first2=Adnan |last3=Lemey |first3=Sam |last4=Van Herbruggen |first4=Ben |last5=Marshall |first5=Chris |last6=De Poorter |first6=Eli |date=2022 |title=An Overview of UWB Standards and Organizations (IEEE 802.15.4, FiRa, Apple): Interoperability Aspects and Future Research Directions |journal=IEEE Access |volume=10 |pages=70219–70241 |doi=10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3187410 |issn=2169-3536|doi-access=free |arxiv=2202.02190 |bibcode=2022IEEEA..1070219C }}</ref>

* Time of flight (ToF)
* Time difference of arrival (TDoA)
* Two-way ranging (TWR)

=== Mobile devices with UWB capability ===
Apple launched the first three phones with ultra-wideband capabilities in September 2019, namely, the [[iPhone 11]], [[iPhone 11 Pro]], and iPhone 11 Pro Max.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Snell|first=Jason|title=The U1 chip in the iPhone 11 is the beginning of an Ultra Wideband revolution|url=https://sixcolors.com/post/2019/09/the-u1-chip-in-the-iphone-11-is-the-beginning-of-an-ultra-wideband-revolution/|access-date=2020-04-22|website=Six Colors|date=13 September 2019|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pocket-lint|date=2019-09-11|title=Apple U1 chip explained: What is it and what can it do?|url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/apple/149336-how-apple-s-u1-chip-adds-amazing-new-capabilities-to-the-iphone|access-date=2020-04-22|website=Pocket-lint|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=The Biggest iPhone News Is a Tiny New Chip Inside It|language=en|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/apple-u1-chip/|access-date=2020-04-22|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> Apple also launched Series 6 of Apple Watch in September 2020, which features UWB,<ref name="MR AW 1">{{Cite web|last=Rossignol|first=Joe|date=September 15, 2020|title=Apple Watch Series 6 Features U1 Chip for Ultra Wideband|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/09/15/apple-watch-series-6-u1-chip-ultra-wideband|access-date=2020-10-08|website=[[MacRumors]]|language=en-us}}</ref> and their [[AirTags]] featuring this technology were revealed at a press event on April 20, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Apple AirTag arrives for $29, uses Ultra Wideband and does Emoji|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_airtag_finally_arrives_for_29_uses_ultrawideband_and_does_emoji-news-48753.php|access-date=2021-04-21|website=GSMArena.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra also began supporting UWB,<ref>{{Cite web|last=ID|first=FCC|title=SMN985F GSM/WCDMA/LTE Phone + BT/BLE, DTS/UNII a/b/g/n/ac/ax, UWB, WPT and NFC Test Report LBE20200637_SM-N985F-DS_EMC+Test+Report_FCC_Cer_Issue+1 Samsung Electronics|url=https://fccid.io/A3LSMN985F/Test-Report/LBE20200637-SM-N985F-DS-EMC-Test-Report-FCC-Cer-Issue-1-4805593|access-date=2020-07-30|website=FCC ID|language=en}}</ref> along with the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bohn|first=Dieter|date=2021-01-14|title=Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag is a $29.99 Tile competitor|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/14/22227621/samsung-galaxy-smarttag-price-release-date-tile-locator|access-date=2021-02-16|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref>
The [[Xiaomi MIX 4]] released in August 2021 supports UWB, and offers the capability of connecting to select [[AIoT]] devices.<ref>{{cite press release|title=NXP Trimension™ Ultra-Wideband Technology Powers Xiaomi MIX4 Smartphone to Deliver New "Point to Connect" Smart Home Solution|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/09/27/2303266/0/en/NXP-Trimension-Ultra-Wideband-Technology-Powers-Xiaomi-MIX4-Smartphone-to-Deliver-New-Point-to-Connect-Smart-Home-Solution.html|website=GlobelNewswire|date=2021-09-26}}</ref>

The [[FiRa Consortium]] was founded in August 2019 to develop interoperable UWB ecosystems including mobile phones. Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo are currently members of the FiRa Consortium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firaconsortium.org/|title=FiRa Consortium|website=www.firaconsortium.org}}</ref> In November 2020, [[Android Open Source Project]] received first patches related to an upcoming UWB API; "feature-complete" UWB support (exclusively for the sole use case of ranging between supported devices) was released in version 13 of Android.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ultra-wideband|url=https://source.android.com/docs/core/connect/uwb|access-date=2023-07-03|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Industrial applications ===
* '''Automation and robotics:''' Its high data rate and low latency enable real-time communication and control between machines and systems. UWB-based communication protocols ensure reliable and secure data transmission, enabling precise coordination and synchronization of automated processes. This enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces errors, and improves overall productivity. UWB can also be integrated into robotic systems to enable precise localization, object detection, and collision avoidance, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of industrial automation.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Silva |first1=Bruno |last2=Pang |first2=Zhibo |last3=Akerberg |first3=Johan |last4=Neander |first4=Jonas |last5=Hancke |first5=Gerhard |title=IECON 2014 - 40th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society |chapter=Positioning infrastructure for industrial automation systems based on UWB wireless communication |date=October 2014   |url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7049086 |publisher=IEEE |pages=3919–3925 |doi=10.1109/IECON.2014.7049086 |isbn=978-1-4799-4032-5|s2cid=3584838 }}</ref>
* '''Worker safety and proximity sensing:''' Worker safety is a concern in industrial settings. UWB technology provides effective proximity sensing and worker safety solutions. By equipping workers with UWB-enabled devices or badges, companies can monitor their location and movement in real-time. UWB-based systems can detect potential collisions between workers and machinery, issuing timely warnings to prevent accidents. Moreover, UWB technology allows for the creation of safety zones and controlled access areas, ensuring the safe interaction of workers with hazardous equipment or restricted zones. This helps enhance workplace safety, reduce accidents, and protect employees from potential hazards.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Teizer |first1=Jochen |last2=Venugopal |first2=Manu |last3=Walia |first3=Anupreet |date=January 2008 |title=Ultrawideband for Automated Real-Time Three-Dimensional Location Sensing for Workforce, Equipment, and Material Positioning and Tracking |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3141/2081-06 |journal=Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board |language=en |volume=2081 |issue=1 |pages=56–64 |doi=10.3141/2081-06 |s2cid=109097100 |issn=0361-1981}}</ref>
* '''Asset tracking and management:''' Efficient asset tracking and management are crucial for industrial operations. UWB enables precise and real-time tracking of assets within industrial facilities. By attaching UWB tags to equipment, tools, and inventory, companies can monitor their location, movement, and utilization. This enhances inventory management, reduces asset loss, minimizes downtime, and streamlines maintenance processes. UWB-based asset tracking systems provide accurate and reliable data, empowering businesses to optimize their resource allocation and improve overall operational efficiency.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manifold |first=Steven |date=2022-10-27 |title=A Comprehensive Guide to Asset Tracking Technologies |url=https://ubisense.com/guide-asset-tracking-technologies/ |access-date=2023-07-16 |website=Ubisense |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Radar ===
Ultra-wideband gained widespread attention for its implementation in [[Synthetic-aperture radar|synthetic aperture radar (SAR)]] technology. Due to its high resolution capacities using lower frequencies, UWB SAR was heavily researched for its object-penetration ability.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Paulose|first=Abraham|date=June 1994|title=High Radar Range Resolution With the Step Frequency Waveform|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a284611.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101160026/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a284611.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=November 1, 2019|access-date=November 4, 2019|website=Defense Technical Information Center}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Frenzel|first=Louis|date=November 11, 2002|title=Ultrawideband Wireless: Not-So-New Technology Comes Into Its Own|work=Electronic Design|url=https://www.electronicdesign.com/communications/ultrawideband-wireless-not-so-new-technology-comes-its-own|access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Fowler|first1=Charles|last2=Entzminger|first2=John|last3=Corum|first3=James|date=November 1990|title=Assessment of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology|url=https://www.vtvt.ece.vt.edu/research/references/uwb/overview/REPORT.pdf|access-date=November 4, 2019|website=Virginia Tech VLSI for Telecommunications}}</ref> Starting in the early 1990s, the [[United States Army Research Laboratory|U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL)]] developed various stationary and mobile ground-, foliage-, and wall-penetrating radar platforms that served to detect and identify buried IEDs and hidden adversaries at a safe distance. Examples include the [[railSAR]], the [[boomSAR]], the [[SIRE Radar|SIRE radar]], and the [[SAFIRE radar]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ranney|first1=Kenneth|last2=Phelan|first2=Brian|last3=Sherbondy|first3=Kelly|last4=Getachew|first4=Kirose|last5=Smith|first5=Gregory|last6=Clark|first6=John|last7=Harrison|first7=Arthur|last8=Ressler|first8=Marc|last9=Nguyen|first9=Lam|last10=Narayan|first10=Ram|editor1-first=Kenneth I|editor1-last=Ranney|editor2-first=Armin|editor2-last=Doerry|date=May 1, 2017|title=Initial processing and analysis of forward- and side-looking data from the Spectrally Agile Frequency-Incrementing Reconfigurable (SAFIRE) radar|journal=Radar Sensor Technology XXI|volume=10188|pages=101881J|bibcode=2017SPIE10188E..1JR|doi=10.1117/12.2266270|s2cid=126161941}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Dogaru|first=Traian|date=March 2019|title=Imaging Study for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Mounted Ground-Penetrating Radar: Part I – Methodology and Analytic Formulation|url=https://www.arl.army.mil/arlreports/2019/ARL-TR-8654.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104144821/https://www.arl.army.mil/arlreports/2019/ARL-TR-8654.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 4, 2019|journal=CCDC Army Research Laboratory}}</ref> ARL has also investigated the feasibility of whether UWB radar technology can incorporate Doppler processing to estimate the velocity of a moving target when the platform is stationary.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Dogaru|first=Traian|date=March 2013|title=Doppler Processing with Ultra-wideband (UWB) Impulse Radar|url=https://www.arl.army.mil/arlreports/2013/technical-report.cfm?id=7015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827174042/https://www.arl.army.mil/arlreports/2013/technical-report.cfm?id=7015|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 27, 2018|journal=U.S. Army Research Laboratory}}</ref> While a 2013 report highlighted the issue with the use of UWB waveforms due to target range migration during the integration interval, more recent studies have suggested that UWB waveforms can demonstrate better performance compared to conventional Doppler processing as long as a correct [[matched filter]] is used.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Dogaru|first=Traian|date=January 1, 2018|title=Doppler Processing with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Radar Revisited|url=http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD1047118|journal=U.S. Army Research Laboratory|via=Defense Technical Information Center}}{{dead link|date=June 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Ultra-wideband pulse [[Doppler radar]]s have also been used to monitor vital signs of the human body, such as heart rate and respiration signals as well as human gait analysis and fall detection. It serves as a potential alternative to [[Continuous-wave radar|continuous-wave radar systems]] since it involves less power consumption and a high-resolution range profile. However, its low signal-to-noise ratio has made it vulnerable to errors.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ren|first1=Lingyun|last2=Wang|first2=Haofei|last3=Naishadham|first3=Krishna|last4=Kilic|first4=Ozlem|last5=Fathy|first5=Aly|date=August 18, 2016|title=Phase-Based Methods for Heart Rate Detection Using UWB Impulse Doppler Radar|journal=IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques|volume=64|issue=10|pages=3319–3331|bibcode=2016ITMTT..64.3319R|doi=10.1109/TMTT.2016.2597824|s2cid=10323361}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ren|first1=Lingyun|last2=Tran|first2=Nghia|last3=Foroughian|first3=Farnaz|last4=Naishadham|first4=Krishna|last5=Piou|first5=Jean|last6=Kilic|first6=Ozlem|date=May 8, 2018|title=Short-Time State-Space Method for Micro-Doppler Identification of Walking Subject Using UWB Impulse Doppler Radar|journal=IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques|volume=66|issue=7|pages=3521–3534|bibcode=2018ITMTT..66.3521R|doi=10.1109/TMTT.2018.2829523|s2cid=49558032}}</ref> 

Ultra-wideband is also used in "see-through-the-wall" precision radar-imaging technology,<ref name="TDC">{{cite web|title=Time Domain Corp.'s sense-through-the-wall technology|url=http://www.timedomain.com/news/wall.php|access-date=17 April 2018|website=timedomain.com}}</ref><ref name="Thales">[http://ukgrads.thalesgroup.com/Files/TRT%20UWB%20radar.pdf Thales Group's through-the-wall imaging system]</ref><ref name="ThroughWallImaging">Michal Aftanas [http://www.aftanas.sk/aftanas/publications/Disertation_Aftanas.pdf Through-Wall Imaging with UWB Radar System] Dissertation Thesis, 2009</ref> precision locating and tracking (using distance measurements between radios), and precision time-of-arrival-based localization approaches.<ref name="UWB_TOA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ecti-thailand.org/assets/papers/177_pub_15.pdf |title=Performance of Ultra-Wideband Time-of-Arrival Estimation Enhanced With Synchronization Scheme |access-date=2010-01-19 |archive-date=2011-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726013357/http://www.ecti-thailand.org/assets/papers/177_pub_15.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> UWB radar has been proposed as the active sensor component in an [[Automatic Target Recognition]] application, designed to detect humans or objects that have fallen onto subway tracks.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Mroué|first1=A.|last2=Heddebaut|first2=M.|last3=Elbahhar|first3=F.|last4=Rivenq|first4=A.|last5=Rouvaen|first5=J-M|year=2012|title=Automatic radar target recognition of objects falling on railway tracks|journal=Measurement Science and Technology|volume=23|issue=2|pages=025401|bibcode=2012MeScT..23b5401M|doi=10.1088/0957-0233/23/2/025401|s2cid=119691977 }}</ref>

=== Data transfer ===
Ultra-wideband characteristics are well-suited to short-range applications, such as [[wireless USB|PC peripherals]], [[wireless]] [[video monitor|monitors]], [[camcorder]]s, wireless [[printing]], and [[file transfer]]s to [[portable media player]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ultra-WideBand - Possible Applications|url=http://ecee.colorado.edu/~ecen4242/marko/UWB/UWB/UWB.htm|access-date=2013-11-23|archive-date=2017-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602113216/http://ecee.colorado.edu/~ecen4242/marko/UWB/UWB/UWB.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> UWB was proposed for use in [[personal area network]]s, and appeared in the IEEE 802.15.3a draft PAN standard. However, after several years of deadlock, the IEEE 802.15.3a task group<ref name="IEEE 802.15.3a website">{{cite web|title=IEEE 802.15 TG3a|url=http://www.ieee802.org/15/pub/TG3a.html|access-date=17 April 2018|website=www.ieee802.org}}</ref> was dissolved<ref name="IEEE 802.15.3a Project Authorization Request document">{{cite web|title=IEEE 802.15.3a Project Authorization Request|url=http://standards.ieee.org/board/nes/projects/802-15-3a.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030309124742/http://standards.ieee.org/board/nes/projects/802-15-3a.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2003|access-date=17 April 2018|website=[[IEEE]]}}</ref> in 2006. The work was completed by the WiMedia Alliance and the USB Implementer Forum. Slow progress in UWB standards development, the cost of initial implementation, and performance significantly lower than initially expected are several reasons for the limited use of UWB in consumer products (which caused several UWB vendors to cease operations in 2008 and 2009).<ref>[https://venturebeat.com/2009/02/12/tzero-technologies-shuts-down-thats-the-end-of-ultrawideband/ Tzero Technologies shuts down; that's the end of ultrawideband], VentureBeat</ref>

=== Autonomous vehicles ===
UWB's precise positioning and ranging capabilities enable collision avoidance and centimeter-level localization accuracy, surpassing traditional GPS systems. Moreover, its high data rate and low latency facilitate seamless vehicle-to-vehicle communication, promoting real-time information exchange and coordinated actions. UWB also enables effective vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, integrating with infrastructure elements for optimized behavior based on precise timing and synchronized data. Additionally, UWB's versatility supports innovative applications such as high-resolution radar imaging for advanced driver assistance systems, secure key less entry via biometrics or device pairing, and occupant monitoring systems, potentially enhancing convenience, security, and passenger safety.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zamora-Cadenas |first1=Leticia |last2=Velez |first2=Igone |last3=Sierra-Garcia |first3=J. Enrique |date=2021 |title=UWB-Based Safety System for Autonomous Guided Vehicles Without Hardware on the Infrastructure |journal=IEEE Access |volume=9 |pages=96430–96443 |doi=10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3094279 |s2cid=235965197 |issn=2169-3536|doi-access=free |bibcode=2021IEEEA...996430Z }}</ref>