Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology

What is UWB?

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologyFiletype/Size: PDF 146KB based on the WiMedia standard, brings the convenience and mobility of wireless communications to high-speed interconnects in devices throughout the digital home and office. Designed for low-power, short-range, wireless personal area networks (WPANs), UWB is the leading technology for freeing people from wires, enabling wireless connection of multiple devices for transmission of video, audio and other high-bandwidth data.

UWB, short-range radio technology, complements other longer range radio technologies such as Wi-Fi*, WiMAX, and cellular wide area communications. UWB's combination of broader spectrum and lower power improves speed and reduces interference with other wireless spectra. It is used to relay data from a host device to other devices in the immediate area (up to 10 meters, or 30 feet). UWB radio transmissions can legally operate in the range from 3.1 GHz up to 10.6 GHz, at a limited transmit power of -41dBm/MHz. Consequently, UWB provides dramatic channel capacity at short range that limits interference.

Intel is poised to deliver the key components needed for successful UWB solutions with the introduction of Intel® Wireless UWB Link 1480 Media Access Controller (MAC).

back to top

UWB applications

Today, most computer and consumer electronic devices-everything from a digital camcorder and DVD player to a mobile PC and a high-definition TV (HDTV)-require wires to record, play or exchange data. UWB will eliminate these wires, allowing people to "unwire" their lives in new and unexpected ways. Through UWB:

  • A digital camcorder could play a just-recorded video on a friend's HDTV without anyone having to fiddle with wires.
  • A portable MP3 player could stream audio to high-quality surround-sound speakers anywhere in the room.
  • A mobile computer user could wirelessly connect to a digital projector in a conference room to deliver a presentation.
  • Digital pictures could be transferred to a photo print kiosk for instant printing without the need of a cable.
  • An office worker could put a mobile PC on a desk and instantly be connected to a printer, scanner and Voice over IP (VoIP) headset

All information provided related to future Intel products and plans are preliminary and subject to change at any time, without notice.

back to top

Technical papers

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology: One Step Closer to Wireless FreedomFiletype/Size: PDF 146KB

System Architectures for High-rate Ultra-wideband Communication Systems: A Review of Recent DevelopmentsFiletype/Size: PDF 117KB

CMOS Radio, Expanding Moore's Law with Ubiquitous, Silicon-Based Wireless ConnectivityFiletype/Size: PDF 51KB

Ultra-Wideband / a Disruptive RF Technology?Filetype/Size: PDF 182KB

Ultra-Wideband Technology for Short- or Medium-Range Wireless CommunicationsFiletype/Size: PDF 374KB