UWB Modules

UART1 is used by the Python REPL and is set via Canvas FW running on the module.

No.  The nRF Connect SDK is not supported as the SW interface to the NXP SR040 UWB device is not publicly available. The NX040 supports command/response AT Interface or Ezurio Canvas FW with MicroPython scripting for application development.

The module works down to 1.8V and there are no technical issues with using a 1.8V power supply. However, designs may want to consider setting the lower voltage limit as 2.0V as it is possible that a UWB current spike could occur when the host or BLE radio is doing some other function which could potentially cause a brownout/reset on the UWB chip.

Windows should natively support the Sera 040 DVK using CMIS-DAP v2 interface drivers that will appear in device manager under Universal Serial Bus  devices.

If in Windows device manager you see an error with CMIS-DAP v2 interface in other devices then it may be that you are using a USB hub or dock that is preventing Windows from properly identifying the Sera 040 DVK. In which case try plugging the DVK directly into a USB port on your laptop or PC and it should be discovered automatically

At the time of writing there may be issues installing pyocd for Python 3.12. If you experience issues such as failing to build wheel for hidapi, try reverting to Python 3.10 or 3.11.

We have also seen issue where pyocd reports an error during install, requiring VS C++ build tools. Be sure to install the C++ build tools using the link in the error. If the C++ build tools install fail then try to temporarily disable virus checking (or consult with your IT department) as we have seen some antivirus block some VS scripts used during build tool installation.

Data transfer over the UWB channel is not currently supported by NXP's firmware that is loaded to Laird's Sera NX040 UWB tag.

Laird's NX040 has an accuracy of +/-10cm for two-way ranging.

The functionality of a UWB transmitter revolves around emitting billions of pulses (formerly recognized as "pulse radio") across an expansive frequency spectrum. Subsequently, a corresponding receiver deciphers these pulses into usable data by identifying a recognizable pulse sequence transmitted by the emitter. These pulses are dispatched at a rate of approximately one every two nanoseconds, contributing to UWB's capacity for real-time precision.

UWB exhibits remarkable energy efficiency, while its substantial bandwidth of 500MHz renders it well-suited for transmitting substantial amounts of data from a central device to peripheral ones, covering distances of up to around 30 feet. Nevertheless, unlike Wi-Fi, UWB does not excel in propagating through obstacles such as walls.

UWB Anchors have stationary, predetermined positions registered within the positioning system. They receive signals emitted by UWB Tags. Multiple UWB Anchors capture signals from a single UWB Tag. The system records the time it takes for the signal to travel from the Tag to the Anchor (referred to as Time-of-Flight).

GPS functions as a satellite-oriented navigation system, enabling the determination of a lost item's location over extended distances. On the other hand, UWB, a more recent wireless communication technology, utilizes an expansive bandwidth to furnish precise location details for items that have been misplaced in close proximity.

UWB offers a data-transfer capability with an effective range of up to 25 meters, outperforming its competitor Bluetooth technology, which provides an effective range of only approximately 10 meters.

The successful implementation of UWB radar technology hinges on how UWB signals propagate through walls. These signals experience not only attenuation but also distortion due to the dispersive characteristics of the walls when passing through them.

UWB's precision is restricted to short distances, imposing a limitation on its capacity to be applied across a wider range of scenarios.

UWB systems exhibit the capacity to monitor a greater quantity of tagged assets across extended distances with heightened precision in comparison to Wi-Fi-based systems. While a Wi-Fi-based Real-Time Location System (RTLS) might ascertain the presence of your assets within a designated room, UWB systems excel in providing precise location details within that room for each individual asset.

Ultra-wideband, often referred to as UWB, ultrawide band, or ultraband, constitutes a short-range wireless communication protocol that harnesses radio waves to facilitate seamless device-to-device communication. While bearing a resemblance to Bluetooth, UWB surpasses it in terms of precision, dependability, and efficiency.

UWB, an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band, functions as a concise wireless communication protocol for tracking object locations over short distances. Its operation involves pinpointing positions with ~5cm accuracy by gauging the time it takes for brief radio pulses to traverse between two devices.

fira is the industry consortium that defines the UWB ranging specification and  certifies products for the purposes of interoperability. The name stands for "fine ranging".

There are various levels of fira membership as listed at the link below

membership levels

Ezurio is an adopter member of fira.

fira membership is required to access specifications (fira intellectual property) and to certify end products.