Recognising the need for emerging applications to build on a strong foundation that supports interoperability among all categories of devices, four sponsor members, ASSA ABLOY (which includes HID Global), NXP Semiconductors, Samsung Electronics and Bosch announced the launch of the FiRa Consortium.
The new coalition is designed to grow the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ecosystem so new use cases for fine ranging capabilities can thrive, ultimately setting a new standard in seamless user experiences. Sony Imaging Products & Solutions, LitePoint and the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) are the first companies to join the newly-formed organisation.
The FiRa name, which stands for ‘Fine Ranging,’ highlights UWB technology’s ability to deliver accuracy when measuring the distance or determining the relative position of a target. Especially in challenging environments, UWB technology outperforms other technologies in terms of accuracy, power consumption, robustness in RF connection, and security by a wide margin.
“As an industry consortium, we believe UWB technology can transform the way people experience connectivity, and we’re committed to the widespread adoption of interoperable UWB technologies,” says Charlie Zhang, chair of the FiRa Consortium and VP Engineering, Samsung Electronics.
The starting point for UWB technology is the IEEE standard 802.15.4/4z, which defines the essential characteristics for low-data-rate wireless connectivity and enhanced ranging. It is the aim of the FiRa Consortium to build on what the IEEE has already established, by developing an interoperability standard based on the IEEE’s profiled features, defining mechanisms that are out of scope of the IEEE standard, and pursuing activities that support rapid development of specific use cases.
The unique capabilities of UWB promise to make it an essential technology in many areas including:
• Seamless access control – UWB can identify an individual’s approach toward or away from a secured entrance, verify security credentials, and let the authorised individual pass through the entrance without physically presenting the credential.
• Location-based services – UWB offers highly precise positioning, even in congested multipath signal environments, making it easier to navigate large venues such as airports and shopping malls or find a car in a multi-storey parking garage. It also enables targeted digital marketing campaigns and foot traffic data. Retailers can present customised offers, government agencies can tailor their notifications, and entertainment venues can personalise recommendations during events.
• Device-to-device (peer-to-peer) services – By providing precise relative distance and direction between two devices, UWB lets devices find the relative location of each other even without infrastructures such as anchors or access points. This allows people to easily find one another in crowded spaces or find items even when placed in hidden areas.
Due to its low power spectral density, UWB offers little to no interference with other wireless standards, so it is well suited for use with other wireless technologies, including Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. There are also adjacent markets that leverage UWB in other ways, especially automotive. “The FiRa Consortium’s commitment to a complete ecosystem means we will work with other consortia and industry players to develop approaches and define parameters,” says Charles Dachs, vice-chair of the FiRa Consortium and GM & VP Secure Embedded Transactions, NXP Semiconductors.
FiRa Consortium members will have the chance to influence industry trends, gain early access to technical details, certify interoperable products, expand the UWB ecosystem, and share expertise. Ramesh Songukrishnasamy, director and treasurer of the FiRa Consortium, and SVP & CTO of HID Global says, “We encourage anyone, from any relevant industry area, who has a vested interest in the success of UWB to join us and contribute to the consortium’s work.”
“UWB opens up new and complementary wireless connectivity use-cases,” said Adam Smith, director of marketing at LitePoint. “We’re excited to help establish an ecosystem in which companies can utilise these new technologies by providing a fully-integrated UWB test solution, making it simple to validate the performance of UWB devices. At LitePoint, our mission is to help companies bring cutting-edge UWB products to market and that’s why we’re pleased to be part of the FiRa Consortium team.”
To learn more about the FiRa Consortium and the benefits of membership, please go to www.firaconsortium.org
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