ISP3080 miniature UWB-BLE combo module with integrated antennas

The device incorporates the latest generation of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology from Qorvo in the QM31100 UWB chip together with Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52833 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device. The next generation UWB solution offers massively improved power consumption compared with previous generations, and interoperability via conformance to the FiRa standard. This allows UWB connections both to other vendors’ FiRa compatible chipsets and UWB equipped mobile phones, such as the latest generation Apple, Google, and Samsung devices.

The module is a fully integrated device, requiring only power to create a fully functioning UWB and BLE node, with both antennas integrated into the module. Measuring only 12 x 12 x 1.5mm, this is a unique solution on the market, in terms of both its miniature size and level of integration. Ultra-low power can be achieved by using a combination of Bluetooth and the integrated accelerometer to switch on the UWB transceiver only when necessary.

Applications for the new device include secure entry, real-time location systems, ticketing and barrier control, and hands-free key solutions.

The device offers a wide range of peripherals allowing a comprehensive selection of digital and analogue connections, including UWB, SPI, UART, I2C, programmable general purpose I/Os and on-board analogue to digital converters.

Nick Wood, Sales, and Marketing Director for Insight SiP said: “We are delighted to launch this module with the next generation of UWB technology. With the FiRa standard gaining wide acceptance and the implementation of UWB on mobile phones, we believe Ultra-Wideband has truly ‘come of age’ and will become an increasingly prevalent technology.”