UWB and Bluetooth technology in automotive - 2024 trends and insights
Exploring the Evolution and competition of key less access systems, in Vehicle Connectivity, Safety, and Autonomous Driving Innovations
Digital car key security: Enhancing Automotive Security
In 2024, the automotive industry is witnessing significant advancements in UWB digital key technology, reflecting a broader trend towards more secure and user-friendly vehicle access systems.
The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) continues to lead this innovation, integrating UWB with digital keys to enhance precision and security. UWB technology, known for its ability to accurately locate and authenticate users, is now being incorporated into the CCC's Digital Key 3.0 specification, offering robust protection against relay attacks and unauthorized access.
During 2024, key players like BYD and Continental have shown the integration of bio metric features such as facial and palm print recognition for car access. These features complement UWB digital keys by adding extra authentication, ensuring only registered users can unlock and start their vehicles without physical keys.
These developments underscore a future where digital keys, enhanced by UWB and bio metric technologies, provide not just convenience but also unparalleled security for modern vehicles.
Digital key convenience: New use cases can be enabled by OTA updates in the future
The evolution of E/E architecture in vehicles continues to advance, with UWB technology playing a pivotal role.
A notable new use case is the integration of UWB with smart car access solutions, enhancing both security and user experience.
A clear example of this type of feature comes from Forvia Hella, called: “LightOpen”, a cloud-based platform that leverages UWB technology to offer a wide range of programmable lighting features. It enables customize "Welcome Home" animations, tailored light distribution, and other personalized lighting experiences, adapting to various scenarios.
Another example of innovation related to the welcome system comes from the AITO M9 model with the UWB digital key, where the owner, while approaching the vehicle, starts welcoming guests at a distance of 8m, and accurately unlocking at a distance of 1m.
This innovation highlights the growing versatility of UWB technology in automotive applications, where it enhances both the practical and experiential aspects of vehicle ownership.
UWB chipset: from 2025 integration of UWB ranging, UWB radar capabilities and kick-sensing into one chipset
The adoption of the NXP NCJ29D6 UWB chip is set to begin with vehicles launching in 2025. This chip family, including the NCJ29D6B and the NCJ29D6A. The NCJ29D6A, in particular, is designed for in-cabin sensing applications, such as detecting child presence and monitoring seat belt usage. It also supports a kick-sensing feature for automatic trunk opening and a range of smart gesture recognition functionalities, while the NCJ29D6B chip will be dedicated to measure ranging between the digital key and the car.
Automotive manufacturers are expected to start integrating these chips into their vehicles from the 2025 model year onwards.
Alongside NXP, other UWB chip suppliers, have developed UWB radar sensing solution and UWB ranging into an all-in-one solution.
Additionally, child presence detection system is now integrated into the Driver/Occupant Monitoring System (DMS/OMS) box. This means that for full functionality and maximum scoring, DMS/OMS can no longer rely solely on a camera; it should include both a camera and an in-cabin radar, for the occupant classification and presence recognition.
UWB radar, increasing use cases: EV charging use cases
EV charging scenarios:
- Traditional EV Charging: UWB can guide drivers to the correct charging spot and enable smooth interaction with the charging infrastructure, including the automatic unlocking and locking of the socket.
- Underbody Automated Conductive Charging and Wireless EV chargers: UWB transceivers on the vehicle and charger accurately determine their positions, allowing the vehicle to park within range of a robotic charger/charger plate for automatic under body charging. (NXP and Easelink have started a project for under body automated EV charge, called “Matrix charging”.)
- Side Automated Conductive Charging: UWB sensors from car interact with a robotic arm to the vehicle’s side charging port, ensuring precise positioning for automated charging using the connector. (Marquardt has recently diffused a render video related to this use case.)
V2V Platooning and parking sensors
UWB's application in short-range radar systems demonstrates its significant potential in enhancing collision-avoidance technologies. By precisely analyzing the time of arrival of reflected signals, UWB can accurately measure the distance to nearby objects, providing critical data to alert drivers of potential hazards.
Other than platooning scenarios, UWB radar sensors could be effective as advanced parking sensors, offering far more accurate measurements of the distance between the vehicle and surrounding obstacles. This leads to safer and more efficient parking, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing overall vehicle safety.
Competition between UWB and Bluetooth Channel Sounding in digital car key
The Bluetooth SIG has finally released the Bluetooth 6.0 with Channel Sounding feature in early September, a key advancement that enhances the accuracy of wireless distance measurement. This Bluetooth new feature analyzes signal phase and time delay to calculate precise proximity between devices. It aims to revolutionize several use cases, including digital keys for locks, replacing physical keys with secure, wireless unlocking systems. Channel Sounding can measure distances up to 150 meters, offering a wide range of applications, such as smart locks and vehicle access systems.
Bluetooth Channel Sounding could act as a crucial bridge toward wider adoption of UWB in the digital key market. While UWB is currently known for its higher precision and security, Bluetooth Channel Sounding offers a more cost-effective alternative, enabling manufacturers to integrate accurate ranging features without the complexity or expense associated with UWB. This makes Bluetooth Channel Sounding an appealing entry point for digital key solutions, especially for devices where UWB might be excessive in terms of cost and energy consumption.
The competition between these two technologies could boost the development of hybrid systems that leverage the strengths of both: Bluetooth for broader accessibility and UWB for higher precision when needed. For instance, Bluetooth Channel Sounding can manage tasks like proximity detection and general unlock operations, while UWB could step in for more sensitive tasks requiring sub-centimeter accuracy, such as controlling access to high-security areas or premium vehicles.
Ultimately, this competition will benefit consumers by driving innovation towards solutions that offer high levels of security and precision at a fair price. Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900, for example, integrates Bluetooth Channel Sounding alongside Ultra-Wideband (UWB). Qualcomm's choice signals that both technologies will be key areas for further development. Similarly, Android 15 will integrate Bluetooth Channel Sounding alongside UWB, underscoring this trend.
In a nutshell, a hybrid approach would allow manufacturers to scale solutions based on specific use cases, balancing cost, battery efficiency, and precision. The eventual integration of these technologies could lead to a more standardized approach, making wireless digital keys accessible across various price points and applications, enhancing both convenience and security in smart locks. Notably, UWB is already included in the standardization of the digital car key 3.0 within the CCC, and it is likely that Bluetooth Channel Sounding will also be integrated into future standards.