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UWB technology
Empowers high-precision positioning
YXC crystal oscillator makes UWB positioning "accurate"
Figure: Anti-loss "artifact" - Apple AirTag
Behind the smooth and accurate experience provided by AirTag and digital car keys, a key high-precision positioning and space perception technology is playing a key role - UWB (Ultra-wide Band).
UWB has become an important cornerstone of high-precision positioning fusion solutions with its unique centimeter-level or even sub-centimeter-level positioning accuracy, as well as low power consumption, high security, and strong anti-interference advantages. It works in conjunction with other wireless technologies (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Beidou, etc.) to jointly build a smarter and more seamless future experience.
UWB: Precise positioning, intelligent perception
UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology: is a wireless carrier communication technology that does not use a sinusoidal carrier, but uses nanosecond non-sinusoidal narrow pulses to transmit data, so it occupies a wide spectrum range.
UWB technology has the advantages of low system complexity, low power spectrum density of transmitted signals, insensitivity to channel fading, low interception capability and high positioning accuracy. It is especially suitable for high-speed wireless access in dense multipath places such as indoors.
Figure: Comparison of positioning accuracy of UWB, Bluetooth and WIFI
＞UWB development history
The prototype of UWB can be traced back to radar technology in the 1960s, but it really entered the civilian market after the US FCC opened the relevant frequency bands in 2002.
China began to plan the UWB spectrum in 2008, and further clarified the use specifications of UWB in the 7235-8750MHz frequency band in 2023, which greatly promoted its large-scale application.
＞UWB core capabilities
✅ High-precision positioning
Based on mechanisms such as time of flight (ToF), time difference of arrival (TDoA), and angle of arrival (AoA), UWB can achieve 10 cm or even millimeter-level positioning capabilities in complex environments, providing the core micron-level timestamp and centimeter-level spatial resolution for multi-technology fusion high-precision positioning solutions.
✅ Secure short-range communication
Due to its unique working mode, UWB signals are difficult to intercept and interfere with, and are very suitable for scenarios with extremely high security requirements, such as digital keys, secure payments, etc., providing solid protection for short-range secure interactions.
✅ Micro-range radar perception
UWB has excellent penetration and micro-perception capabilities. It can penetrate non-metallic obstacles, realize fall detection, breathing and heartbeat monitoring of vital signs, and can even be used for object posture recognition, providing a unique perspective for environmental and vital sign perception.
＞UWB application scenarios
Figure: UWB indoor positioning system
Through the deployment of different forms such as UWB modules, UWB tags and UWB base stations, UWB technology is profoundly changing our lives and work:
· Consumer electronics
AirTag item tracking, TWS headset spatial audio experience and precise search, precise linkage between smart home devices.
· Automotive electronics
UWB digital key realizes non-sensing unlocking and starting, precise parking positioning, and child abandonment detection.
· Industry 4.0
AGV (automatic guided vehicle) precise navigation, precise tracking of important assets, and collision avoidance warning for personnel and equipment.
· Medical health
Precise positioning of patients and medical staff, medical asset tracking, and intelligent scheduling within the hospital based on precise positioning.
Figure: UWB downstream applications
UWB positioning accuracy, crystal oscillator is the key
The core of UWB high-precision positioning lies in the precise measurement of the flight time (ToF) of the signal, which requires the system to have an extremely accurate and stable clock reference. Even a 1 nanosecond error will result in a positioning deviation of about 30 centimeters.
In the UWB system, high-performance crystal oscillators do more than simply "provide clocks". They are directly related to whether the positioning system can operate stably and reliably:
Provide precise time base
The stability of the crystal oscillator frequency directly determines the accuracy of ToF ranging, which is the prerequisite for achieving centimeter-level or even millimeter-level positioning.
Reduce noise and jitter
It helps to improve signal clarity and timestamp extraction accuracy, thereby improving the system's anti-interference ability in complex environments.
Ensure multi-node synchronization
In multi-node positioning methods such as TDoA, crystal oscillators can ensure the high consistency of the clocks of each node and ensure the accuracy of the overall coordinated operation of the system.
UWB crystal oscillator selection guide
To ensure the best performance of the UWB system, it is crucial to choose the right crystal oscillator. Based on the characteristics of UWB application requirements, YXC Yangxing Technology recommends the following crystal oscillator selection:
＞Miniaturized crystal: YSX2012SK series
YSX2012SK series
YSX2012SK is a miniaturized chip crystal oscillator designed to meet the miniaturization and power-sensitive applications of devices such as UWB tags and UWB modules.
This crystal oscillator can effectively support low-power standby of devices and significantly extend battery life, making it an ideal choice for RTC (real-time clock) modules.
Key parameters:
✅ Standard frequency: 32.768kHz
✅ Package size: 2.0 x 1.2mm
✅ Load capacitance: 7pF, 9pF, 12.5pF, etc.
✅ Operating temperature: -40~﹢85℃
✅ Frequency deviation: ±10PPM / ±20PPM
＞Industrial-grade crystal resonator: YSX211SL series
YSX211SL series
YSX211SL is an industrial-grade, miniaturized SMD crystal resonator designed for master clock applications in UWB systems.
It provides stable and high-precision frequency output, which can fully cover the common 16MHz, 32MHz, 38.4MHz and other frequency points in UWB application design, ensuring that the UWB system obtains an accurate and stable clock reference.
With a 2.0*1.6mm miniaturized package and ±10PPM frequency deviation, the YSX211SL not only meets the stringent requirements of UWB tags/USB modules for compact design and high reliability, but also has excellent cost-effectiveness.
Key parameters:
✅ Frequency range: 16 - 54MHz
✅ Package size: 2.0 * 1.6mm
✅ Load capacitance: 8pF, 9pF, 12pF, etc.
✅ Operating temperature: -40 ~ ﹢85℃
✅ Frequency deviation: ±10PPM
＞High-precision temperature-compensated crystal oscillator: YSO510TP series
YSO510TP series
YSO510TP is an excellent high-precision temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) designed for UWB base stations and other applications with strict requirements for time synchronization and frequency stability.
It is especially recommended for use in scenarios with extremely high requirements for accuracy and environmental adaptability, such as UWB industrial positioning and UWB power inspection systems. Its excellent temperature stability ensures that accurate clocks are still provided within a wide temperature range, thereby achieving more reliable UWB positioning and data transmission performance.
Key parameters:
✅ Frequency range: 10 - 52MHz
✅ Package size: 2016 - 7050 options are available
✅ Output mode: CMOS, Clipped Sine Wave
✅ Operating temperature: -30 ~ ﹢85℃, -40 ~ ﹢85℃
✅ Frequency temperature characteristics (temperature frequency difference): ±0.28/0.5/1.5/2.5PPM
The powerful functions of UWB are inseparable from the support of the precise clock behind it. From miniaturized crystals to high-performance temperature-compensated crystal oscillators, although the crystal oscillator is small, it is the key to the UWB system's realization of "'accuracy' for high-precision positioning".
If you need to obtain samples and detailed information, please consult Xiao Yang~
