Bosch Selects R&S for Cutting-Edge UWB Testing

Bosch has chosen the Rohde & Schwarz CMP200 radio communication tester to check their automotive ultra-wideband (UWB) applications during manufacturing. This is part of an ongoing collaboration between the two companies focused on wireless connectivity.

UWB is likely to become a common feature in many Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Industry 4.0 applications due to its superb ranging, low power consumption, and strong security capabilities. It’s expected to be a standard in most smartphones soon.

In the automotive field, UWB offers great convenience and safety features, such as keyless car access using a smartphone as a digital key. It could also support valet parking, detect if seats are occupied, and even monitor the well-being of babies in car seats.

Based on IEEE 802.15.4a and 802.15.4z standards, UWB can measure locations accurately within centimeters at distances up to 70 meters. Additionally, it supports secure data communication at speeds up to 27Mbit/s with minimal power use. Because UWB has a wide bandwidth of 500MHz or more and a low power spectrum density, it can share spectrum with other technologies without causing interference.

To ensure UWB devices perform well, rigorous testing is necessary both in the lab and on production lines. This ensures compliance with regulations, proper functionality, and precise positioning. Rohde & Schwarz, an expert in wireless device testing, offers a comprehensive range of UWB testers for research and development (R&D), certification, chipset characterization, and production. These testers accurately measure critical parameters like time of flight (ToF) and angle of arrival (AoA).

Rohde & Schwarz is also committed to supporting global cross-industry standards for UWB interoperability, as evidenced by their participation in the FiRa and the Car Connectivity Consortium.

The CMP200 radio communication tester from Rohde & Schwarz incorporates UWB testing features and is unique in its ability to perform R&D and production RF tests for both 5G mm-wave FR2 and UWB functions. This makes it ideal for addressing UWB testing challenges in both mass production and R&D settings. The CMP200 combines signal analysis and generation in a single device.

When paired with Rohde & Schwarz shielded chambers and the WMT automation software, the CMP200 provides a complete solution for testing transmitters, receivers, ToF, and AoA measurements, adhering to the IEEE 802.15.4a/z specifications.

Juergen Meyer, Vice President for Automotive at Rohde & Schwarz, said, “We’re thrilled to support Bosch, a leading global supplier of automotive electronics, with our wireless connectivity tester. Our R&S CMP200 radio communication tester, along with our OTA test chambers, offers the test coverage and reliability needed by the automotive industry. The system can also test 5G connectivity.”

Markus Hetzel, Manufacturing Engineer at Bosch, added, “Our collaboration helps drive industry standards like UWB for communications between vehicles and smartphones. Testing UWB devices’ performance is crucial in ensuring their compatibility and proper function both in the lab and on the production line.”