Core Viewpoint - Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology has been increasingly applied in various commercial fields requiring secure and precise distance measurement capabilities since the early 2000s, with applications in contactless access systems, asset tracking, and navigation support in large venues [1][4]. Group 1: UWB Technology Characteristics - UWB technology utilizes extremely short pulses in wireless signal transmission, allowing for a bandwidth significantly greater than narrowband technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth [1]. - The operational frequency range of UWB typically spans from 6 to 10 GHz, with channel bandwidths around 500 MHz or higher, enabling centimeter to millimeter-level positioning accuracy [1]. - Enhanced physical layer features of UWB, as part of the IEEE 802.15.4z standard, play a crucial role in achieving secure distance measurement capabilities [1]. Group 2: Advancements by imec - imec has made significant contributions to UWB technology by reducing power consumption, increasing bit rates, and enhancing distance measurement accuracy while ensuring resistance to interference from other wireless technologies [3]. - The development of multiple generations of UWB radio chips compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4z standard has been achieved, featuring innovative pulse shaping and modulation techniques [3]. Group 3: Applications and Future Potential - Experts believe UWB's potential extends beyond precise distance measurement to radar-like applications, detecting passive objects through the analysis of reflected signals [4]. - UWB technology can enhance safety in automotive applications by detecting the presence of occupants and monitoring gestures and vital signs [4]. - The upcoming IEEE 802.15.4ab standard, expected to be released in early 2026, will facilitate the realization of such UWB applications by introducing radar capabilities [4]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - imec's fourth-generation UWB transceiver, showcased at VLSI 2025, supports enhanced modulation and high data rates, achieving up to 124.8 Mb/s, integrated within a system-on-chip (SoC) [5]. - The UWB radar sensing technology demonstrates unique capabilities, such as extended detection ranges and high data rates, which are approximately 20 times higher than current applications [14]. Group 5: MIMO Architecture - imec's infrared UWB radar sensing system features a 2x2 MIMO architecture, allowing simultaneous operation in both transmission and reception modes without the need for RF switches [7]. - This configuration significantly reduces the effective working distance limitations previously imposed by mode-switching times, enabling operation within a range of 30 cm to 3 m [8]. Group 6: Market Opportunities - The high data rate and low power consumption of UWB technology open new application areas, including audio and video data streaming for next-generation smart glasses or VR/AR devices [14][16]. - The advanced ranging capabilities introduced by the fifth-generation UWB technology can enhance user experiences in automotive and smart building applications, potentially increasing effective working distances and improving performance in complex environments [15][16].