NXP launches next-generation automotive ultra-wideband IC combining secure ranging and short-range radar

【Lansheng Technology News】October 24, 2023 - NXP Semiconductors today announced the launch of TrimensionTM NCJ29D6, a fully integrated automotive single-chip ultra-wideband (UWB) series that combines next-generation secure and accurate real-time positioning capabilities with short-range Radar capabilities that address multiple use cases with a single system, including secure car access, child presence detection, intrusion alerts, gesture recognition, and more. The devices will be deployed by major automotive OEMs and are expected to be available in 2025 model years.

As one of the industry's broadest UWB portfolios, the new series includes the highly integrated NCJ29D6B, the next generation UWB device for secure automotive access control that delivers enhanced ranging performance, lower system cost, and higher security sex and one-stop software. The family also includes the pin-compatible NCJ29D6A, the industry’s first automotive device to combine ranging and short-range UWB radar capabilities into a single chip with an integrated MCU.

This enables OEMs to transform a single UWB-based automotive access control system into a fully flexible, multi-purpose platform that can implement multiple use cases using the same hardware. OEMs can also eliminate redundant systems, thereby reducing cost, space and reduce weight. For example, OEMs can also use their secure car access systems to provide features such as child presence detection to comply with regulations such as the US Hot Car Act and the Euro NCAP roadmap. This helps simplify development and allows OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to add additional functionality through software updates, helping to lower total cost of ownership and accelerate time to market for new features.

Markus Staeblein, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Secure Automotive Access at NXP Semiconductors, said: "UWB will bring a new consumer automotive experience, and this is just one area where UWB technology is trying its best. Utilizing the Trimension NCJ29D6 UWB IC to provide a new software-defined experience A single system will bring long-term benefits to automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. With our expertise and standardization work in bodies such as the Connected Cars Consortium (CCC) and FiRa Alliance, we are helping UWB become an important part of the automotive ecosystem .”