Mobile Phone Technology

Ultra Wide Band -UWB
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Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a radio technology that enables short-range, high-bandwidth communication using a low amount of energy. Some higher end phones, such as Samsung S25+, S25 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17, have this technology built in. It is also built into Apple's AirTag (and other tags) as it has superior positioning potential than Bluetooth.

UWB uses a wide frequency bandwidth for short range applications (6-9GHz). UWB works by directly connecting two devices. Then with pulses of data sent between them, the time taken for the transmission can be used to calculate distance. It is superior to Bluetooth or WiFi in calculating distance, and has been put to use for this specific application.

    Potential Applications:
  • Tracking - BMW are using the technology to allow automatic unlocking (and locking) of their cars. There is also potential for the car security (key) to be installed as an App on a phone.
  • Tags: Apple tags, and others, use this technology so a customer is able to locate their tags (maybe on luggage) via their phone. Although the tag must be within the are of the UWB coverage.
  • Medical: The waves can pass through human tissue without the dangers of X-Rays so in some situations UWB can be used to see inside a body. Whilst still under development UWB could be used fot At-Home medial monitoring.