Quarterly UWB News
A selection of key news related to the UWB trend, use cases and partnerships
1. NXP’s Wireless Battery Management System for EVs:
NXP Semiconductors has developed a UWB-enabled wireless battery management system (BMS) for electric vehicles, eliminating the need for complex wiring. This innovation simplifies EV assembly, boosts energy efficiency, and improves reliability. Available for evaluation in 2025, it represents a great innovation for the UWB automotive coverage use cases.
2. Arduino and TrueSense Partnership:
Arduino has partnered with TrueSense to integrate UWB technology into its ecosystem, offering developers accurate real-time location data and secure communication tools. The collaboration provides professional-grade UWB development kits and software, aiming to bring UWB technology to IoT and industrial applications, particularly for the open-source community.
3. Nordic Semiconductor Cancels Novelda Acquisition:
Nordic Semiconductor ASA announced it will not proceed with the acquisition of Novelda AS as observed under the Letter of Intent signed on October 16, 2024.
4. Audi and NXP partnership for UWB on the PPE vehicles:
Audi has partnered with NXP Semiconductors to integrate the Trimension NCJ29Dx UWB chip family into its Premium Platform Electric (PPE) vehicles, co-developed with Porsche. This advanced UWB technology enables secure, hands-free car access, precise location services, and protection against relay attacks. Audi’s Q6 e-tron and other models using this platform will debut in 2024. The system aligns with Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standards and supports features like child presence detection and kick-sensing trunk access.
5. Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform and UWB Integration:
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform paired with the FastConnect 7900 chip, offers integrated connectivity with Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi 7, and UWB. This all-in-one design eliminates the need for additional UWB hardware, simplifying implementation for OEMs. However, enabling UWB remains optional for manufacturers, indicating that for the UWB initial adoption, only a part of the smartphones with the Snapdragon 8 Elite will be enabled with UWB.
