Quectel Wireless Solutions has launched an ultra-wideband (UWB) automotive grade AU30Q module. Based on Qorvo’s DW3300Q UWB chipset, the module enables precise real-time outdoor and indoor localisation and reliable wireless communication.

The AU30Q features an embedded antenna to provide improved location capabilities, security and data transmission. The module is particularly suited for applications such as keyless entry, in-car passenger detection, personnel approaching detection, easy trunk access, wireless charging and battery swapping for electric vehicles.

The AU30Q incorporates the AEC-Q100 qualified Qorvo DW3300Q chipset and supports UWB Channels 5 (6.5 GHz) and 9 (8 GHz). It offers data rates of 850 Kbps and 6.8 Mbps. The module can be adapted with an external MCU that has CAN or Bluetooth connectivity to accommodate for any possible architecture need in the car.

AU30Q is designed to enable the newest generation of digital key and car access. UWB defeats attacks by making the vehicle aware of the true location of the owner through real-time accurate distance measurement between the vehicle and the owner’s key fob, smart phone, or smartwatch. For those applications, AU30Q conforms to the latest standards of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), making it compatible with different vehicle manufacturers and smart phone OEMs. It also conforms to the Intelligent Car Connectivity Industry Ecosystem alliance (ICCE), an organisation for digital key standardisation in China, and with FiRa PHY and MAC specifications enabling interoperability with other FiRa compliant devices.

“With the increasing availability of UWB technology in smart phones, many car OEMs are considering adopting UWB as a solution in their next generation of vehicles to offer drivers secure car access,” said Manfred Lindacher, Vice President of Global Sales, Automotive International, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “We are very excited that the AU30Q UWB module based on Qorvo’s platform will help car OEMs and Tier 1 partners develop safer and easier-to-use car access solutions. It further expands our comprehensive portfolio covering wireless and GNSS technologies, antenna and related services, and also solidifies Quectel’s leading capabilities in the automotive field.”

“We are very pleased to expand our successful collaboration with Quectel to include UWB,” said Gorden Cook, general manager for Qorvo’s Automotive Connectivity group. “We believe their choice of our low-power, single chip UWB transceiver brings simplicity, flexibility and high performance to their new automotive solution. UWB is an increasingly important technology for automotive customers, and we look forward to supporting Quectel in the launch of their AU30Q product.”

The AU30Q module can be used in Single-Sided Two-way Ranging (SS-TWR) and in Double-Sided Two-way Ranging (DS-TWR) systems to locate assets. AU30Q can quickly be used to implement Real-Time Localisation Systems (RTLS), as well as automated navigation systems in GPS-denied areas, with an accuracy of 10cm.