Imec, Belgium, a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, presented a new impulse-radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) transmitter chip that could redefine the future of UWB technology.<\/p>\n
Fabricated in 28 nm CMOS and occupying an area of 0.155 mm\u00b2, imec\u2019s IR-UWB chip comes with a power consumption of less than 10 milliwatt (mW). It has shown to accommodate data transfer rates of 1.66 Gb\/s, which is 50 times the speed supported by today\u2019s UWB standard.<\/p>\n
Despite the record high bitrates it supports, the transmitter comes with a power consumption of less than 10 mW. And its energy efficiency of 5.8 pJ\/b is at least an order of magnitude improvement over Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n
To achieve those higher data transfer rates, the chip leverages more complex (and even combined) modulation schemes that build on imec\u2019s expertise in developing all-digital phase-locked loops (ADPLLs) and digitally-controlled power amplifiers. To enable those hybrid impulse modulation schemes at the lowest possible footprint, researchers developed a highly energy efficient and low jitter ring oscillator in combination with a low-power polar transmitter.<\/p>\n
The chip\u2019s performance strengthens researchers\u2019 belief that UWB is capable of expanding beyond its typical \u2018accurate and secure ranging\u2019 use cases. Today, ultra-wideband communication technology is commonly used to support applications such as secure keyless entry for automotive and hospitality, indoor localization, and asset tracking. Yet, experts have been claiming for some time that UWB\u2019s potential is much larger than that.<\/p>\n
\u201cBased on this firm belief, we continue to push the boundaries of UWB\u201d, says Christian Bachmann, program director of UWB at imec. \u201cIt has led us to investigate whether the technology is effectively capable of supporting low-power, higher bitrate applications, which in turn has resulted in the development of a brand-new ultra-wideband transmitter chip.\u201d<\/p>\n
These promising results prove that UWB is indeed capable of supporting a wide range of new applications that combine the need for high data transfer rates at short distances with very low energy consumption, and a small form factor.<\/p>\n
\u201cA matching use case includes the next generation of smart glasses to enable immersive AR\/VR experiences\u201d, Bachmann says. \u201cAnd neuroscientific research could benefit from these new insights as well, powering high bitrate and miniaturized wireless telemetry modules for intracortical sensing purposes. In each of these cases, UWB could become a strong contender to Wi-Fi technology \u2013 as the latter typically comes with a much larger footprint and more complexity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Further research and standardization efforts are required to mature this technology and so the world can reap its benefits. Imec welcomes partners to join its UWB R&D program and extensive partner network.<\/p>\n
Imec\u2019s new IR-UWB chip was presented and demonstrated at ISSCC \u201822.<\/p>\n
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