NXP unveils next-generation automotive ultra-wideband ics that combine safety ranging and short-range radar

NXP Semiconductors announced the introduction of TrimsionTM NCJ29D6, part of a fully integrated automotive single-chip Ultra-Wideband (UWB) family that combines next-generation secure and accurate real-time positioning with short-range radar capabilities to address multiple use cases with a single system. Including safe car access control, child presence detection, intrusion alarm, gesture recognition and so on. Major automotive Oems will deploy this family of devices, which are expected to enter service in the 2025 model year.

One of the industry's broadest UWB portfolios, the new family includes the highly integrated NCJ29D6B, the next generation UWB device for secure automotive access control that delivers enhanced ranging performance, lower system costs, increased security, and one-stop software. The family also includes the pin-compatible NCJ29D6A, the industry's first automotive device to combine ranging and short-range UWB radar capabilities into a single chip with an integrated MCU.

This enables Oems to transform a single UWB-based vehicle access control system into a fully flexible, multi-purpose platform that enables multiple use cases using the same hardware, while eliminating redundant systems, thereby reducing cost, space and weight. For example, Oems can also leverage their secure car access control systems to provide features such as child presence detection to comply with regulations such as the US Hot Car Act and the European NCAP Roadmap. This helps simplify development and allows Oems and Tier 1 suppliers to add additional features through software updates, helping to reduce total cost of ownership and speed time to market for new features.

Markus Staeblein, senior vice president and general manager of Secure automotive access at NXP Semiconductors, said: "UWB will bring a whole new consumer automotive experience, and this is just one area where UWB technology is being tested. A single system that delivers a new software-defined experience with the Trimension NCJ29D6 UWB IC will deliver long-term benefits to automotive Oems and Tier 1 suppliers. With our expertise and standardization efforts in bodies such as the Automotive Alliance (CCC) and FiRa Alliance, we are helping UWB become an important part of the automotive ecosystem."

Next generation secure car access control solutions

The new NCJ29D6B enables enhanced secure car access, allowing users to achieve hands-free car door control via a digital key on a UWB-enabled mobile phone. The NCJ29D6B offers a number of performance enhancements that give Oems maximum design flexibility and help enable future-proof, secure car access features. Higher RF sensitivity and two simultaneous operating receive chains support antenna diversity and Angle of arrival concepts, capable of detecting small changes in distance or direction of movement of other UWB-enabled devices. The NCJ29D6B focuses on system cost and features higher CPU performance, greater memory capacity, and high integration, including an integrated digital CAN transceiver. This allows developers to reduce the number of components per anchor to a single chip.

Extend UWB capabilities with radar

The pin-compatible NCJ29D6A extends the NCJ29D6B's positioning capabilities with short-range UWB radar. As the first automotive device to integrate these functions into a single chip with an integrated MCU, the NCJ29D6A is able to sense its surroundings. This enables Oems to transform a single UWB-based system into a multi-purpose platform, enabling multiple use cases with the same hardware. In addition to secure car access, automotive Oems can integrate in-car sensing for child presence detection and seat belt reminders, tap sensors that automatically open the trunk, and a variety of smart gesture recognition, allowing them to maximize the value of UWB functionality in automotive applications.

Product design incorporates safety

NXP's new UWB series has been designed with in mind that the kinds of physical and cybersecurity attacks on vehicles will increase over time, so it is expected that integrated security features will be required in the future. Both devices are designed to exceed ISO21434 network security requirements. In addition, CCC MAC and FiRa MAC offer standards-compatible UWB ranging protocols that interface directly to customer applications, enabling and simplifying the AUTOSAR architecture.

Expand product portfolio

The new Trimension IC family expands NXP's Connected Vehicle Association based portfolio of smart access control solutions, including the KW45/47 wireless MCU for Bluetooth Low Energy, the NCx332x automotive NFC front end, the NCJ37x Automotive security element and the FS24 series Automotive Security Mini CAN FD SBC.