UWB anchor vs tag | Difference between UWB anchor and UWB tag
This page compares UWB anchor vs tag and mentions difference between UWB anchor and UWB tag with respect to their technical specifications/features.
Introduction: UWB (Ultra Wide Band) technology offers several benefits such as wide bandwidth, noise like signal, resistant against interference, good time domain resolution, lower complexity and lower cost. Hence it is used for location and tracking applications. UWB supports 16 channels across three bands viz. sub GHz, lower band (3.5-4.5 GHz) and higher band (6.5-10 GHz).
As shown, common UWB network consists of UWB anchors and UWB tags. UWB anchor and tag communicate with each other to determine location of the tag accurately. The anchor interfaced with WiFi AP compliant to relay UWB radio frequency signals. Hence anchor can relay information to the cloud via WiFi AP and gateway. UWB devices can function as anchor, tag or both. For example, two UWB compliant smartphones can communicate with each other and determine distance between them. Here both smartphones act as tag and achor alternatively as required during signal exchange.
UWB Anchor
The anchor is a fixed UWB compliant device with known location as shown in shopping mall. Anchor and tag exchange information to determine distance between them.
Following features are supported by UWB anchor.
• Supports omni-directional or directional antenna
• Offers long range
• Offers high accuracy (~ centimeters) in real time location tracking.
• Uses TDoA (Time difference of arrival) technique to allow thousands of tags in single area.
• Uses barometer to provide Z-axis information or height of tag. Barometer measures precise atmospheric pressure.
• Uses active PoE so that it can be restarted remotely in case of system shutdown or power outage
conditions.
• Supports ethernet/WiFi as backhaul connectivity for synchronization.
• Enclosure is IP65 compliant so device can withstand against harsh conditions.
UWB Tag
The tag is mobile UWB device and can be moved anywhere. The location of the tag can be determined using multiple anchors. Tag communicates with anchors installed in its range to determine distance between them which helps to find exact location of the UWB tag.
UWB tags are attached with the objects to be tracked. The UWB Tags can be used for vehicle tracking,
asset tracking, person tracking etc.
There are different types of tags based on these applications.
Following features are supported by UWB tag.
• Offers real time location information
• Offers high accuracy in centimeters scale.
• Offers long battery life in years with the help of TDoA/motion detection
• Supports various power supply options including wireless charging
• Supports various sensors such as barometer, accelerometer, magnetometer, temperature, gyroscope etc.
• Supports BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) for easy firmware upgradation
• Supports NFC for quick reconfiguration and commissioning