Bosch Chooses R&S for Cutting-Edge UWB Testing
Bosch has chosen the Rohde & Schwarz CMP200 radio communication tester to check the performance of ultra-wideband (UWB) applications in their manufacturing processes. This project continues the long-standing partnership between Bosch and Rohde & Schwarz in the field of wireless connectivity.
UWB technology offers impressive features like precise location tracking, low power use, and high security, making it ideal for many IoT devices and Industry 4.0 applications. It’s expected to become a common technology in most smartphones. In the automotive sector, UWB enables seamless and secure functions, such as using a smartphone as a digital key for keyless car access. It also supports other advanced features like valet parking, occupancy detection, and even monitoring if a baby is in a car seat.
UWB follows the IEEE 802.15.4a and 802.15.4z standards, allowing extremely accurate location measurements at distances up to 70 meters. It also provides secure, low-power data communication at speeds up to 27Mbit/s. With a wide bandwidth of 500MHz and more, UWB can coexist with other technologies without causing interference.
Testing UWB devices is crucial both in laboratories and during production to ensure they meet regulatory standards and function correctly, especially for location accuracy. Rohde & Schwarz, a leader in wireless device testing, offers a range of UWB testers for research, certification, chipset characterization, and production. These testers can measure important parameters like time of flight (ToF) and angle of arrival (AoA).
Additionally, Rohde & Schwarz supports global UWB interoperability standards by participating in groups like FiRa and the Car Connectivity Consortium. They have integrated UWB testing into the CMP200 radio communication tester, claiming it’s the only platform on the market that can perform RF tests for both 5G mm-wave FR2 and UWB functions. This makes it suitable for mass production and research and development.
The CMP200 combines a signal analyzer and a signal generator in one device, and when used with Rohde & Schwarz’s shielded chambers and WMT automation software, it offers a comprehensive solution for transmitter, receiver, ToF, and AoA measurements in both conducted and radiated modes, all compliant with IEEE 802.15.4a/z specifications.
“We’re pleased to support Bosch, a leader in automotive technology, with our wireless connectivity tester,” said Juergen Meyer, vice president for automotive at Rohde & Schwarz. “Our R&S CMP200 radio communication tester, together with our OTA test chambers, provides the test coverage and reliability required by the automotive industry. The system can also test 5G connectivity.”
Markus Hetzel, a manufacturing engineer at Bosch, added: “This cooperation helps establish industry-wide standards like UWB for communication between vehicles and smartphones. Testing UWB devices in the lab and during production is important to ensure compatibility and correct functioning.”
