NXP Trimension NCJ29D6: 2-in-1 UWB & Radar Auto Chip
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The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation, shifting from traditional mechanics to software defined, hyper connected vehicles. At the heart of this shift is the need for smarter, safer and more secure ways to interact with our cars. Enter NXP Semiconductors, which has just raised the bar with its latest innovation Trimension’s NCJ29D6.
This next generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) IC isn’t just an upgrade for digital car keys. It is a dual purpose powerhouse that combines secure spatial ranging with short range radar on a single chip.
The Problem: Cluttered Car Architectures
Modern vehicles are packed with sensors. To enable seamless smartphone car access, automakers use UWB ranging chips. To implement vital safety features like Child Presence Detection (CPD) or convenience features like hands free trunk “kick” sensors, they install separate radar modules.
Using multiple, single function chips increases manufacturing complexity, drives up the Bill of Materials (BOM) costs and takes up valuable physical space within the vehicle’s architecture.
The Solution: Dual Function UWB and Radar
NXP’s Trimension NCJ29D6 brilliantly solves this problem by merging two distinct functionalities into one piece of silicon.
- Bulletproof Secure Car Access (UWB Ranging)
As a pioneer in UWB technology, NXP has designed the NCJ29D6 to deliver pinpoint accurate Time of Flight (ToF) distance measurements. This allows a vehicle to know exactly where the driver’s smartphone or digital key is located, both inside and outside the car.
UWB technology helps in defeating relay attacks by car thieves. Moreover the chip is designed to align with the stringent standards set by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) and the FiRa Consortium, ensuring interoperability with major smartphone ecosystems.
- Advanced In-Cabin and Exterior Sensing (UWB Radar)
In addition, NCJ29D6 act as a high resolution, short range radar when it isn’t authenticating a digital key.
The UWB chip helps in Child Presence Detection (CPD) and hence it also meets new global NCAP safety ratings. The radar can detect unauthorized movement inside a locked cabin, adding an extra layer of vehicle security.
Key features of Trimension® NCJ29D6
The product houses ARM Cortex core and CAN-FD Controller. It is 802.15.4z and backwards compatible. It’s dual antenna interface is ideal for antenna diversity, AoA estimation and MRC algorithm implementations. All-in-one MAC Software is available separately.
Reference
Explore UWB Ranging Vs. Sensing
Refer UWB Ranging Vs. Sensing.
Continue Learning UWB Technology
- UWB Basics Tutorial
- UWB Physical & MAC Layers
- UWB Frame Structure
- Understanding UWB Networks
- UWB Radar Tutorial
- UWB : Key Advantages & Disadvantages
- UWB Anchor Vs Tag : Key differences
- UWB Antenna Types & their benefits