Key Points
- STMicroelectronics launches ST64UWB chips supporting IEEE 802.15.4ab ultra-wideband standard
- New chips extend device tracking range to several hundred metres with better accuracy
- Technology enables hands-free car keys that work from bags or back pockets
STMicroelectronics has launched a new family of ultra-wideband chips that can locate and track devices at distances of several hundred metres, enabling hands-free car keys that work even when a phone is inside a bag or back pocket. The Swiss semiconductor manufacturer announced the ST64UWB chip family on Monday, claiming it is the first to fully support the upcoming IEEE 802.15.4ab wireless standard.
Ultra-wideband, commonly called UWB, is a radio technology that measures the precise distance between two devices using short pulses of radio waves. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which estimate distance based on signal strength, UWB calculates the actual time it takes for a signal to travel between devices. This makes it far more accurate for applications such as unlocking a car only when the owner is standing next to it, rather than when they are merely nearby.
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The new chips matter for Indian consumers because UWB technology is increasingly appearing in premium smartphones sold in India, including recent models from Apple and Samsung. As vehicle manufacturers adopt digital car keys and smart home devices become more common, the underlying chip technology determines how reliably these features work in real-world conditions.
What the new standard enables
The IEEE 802.15.4ab standard builds on the existing 802.15.4z specification already used in digital car keys. The key improvement is a technique called multi-millisecond ranging with narrowband assistance. In plain terms, the chip sends both a precise UWB pulse and a separate narrowband radio signal that helps devices find each other before the precise measurement begins.
This approach solves a common frustration with current hands-free car keys. Existing systems often fail to detect a phone or key fob when it is obstructed, such as inside a handbag or trouser pocket. The new standard extends operating range by more than eight times compared to current technology, according to STMicroelectronics.
Rias Al-Kadi, General Manager of the Ranging and Connectivity Division at STMicroelectronics, said the chips were designed for automotive, consumer and industrial applications. “These chips are tailored for automotive, consumer, and industrial applications, providing innovators with a powerful platform for the next wave of ultra-wideband use cases,” Al-Kadi said.
Industry adoption and automotive safety
The ST64UWB chips are now being sampled to major automotive suppliers and vehicle manufacturers, the company said. Sampling is the industry term for providing early production units to customers for testing before mass production begins.
One significant application is child presence detection in vehicles, a safety feature that alerts drivers if a child has been left in a car. Euro-NCAP, the independent European vehicle safety assessment organisation, has recommended this feature. The new chips improve the radar mode used for such detection, STMicroelectronics said.
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Daniel Siekmann, Head of Car Access Hardware Design and Development, Forvia Hella, a major automotive supplier, said the new standard would enable better key fobs. “It offers more than eight times the range of 802.15.4z and significantly better non-line-of-sight performance, which allows for key fob functionality to reliably perform from a back-pocket or inside a bag,” Siekmann said.
The chips maintain backward compatibility with the existing IEEE 802.15.4z standard. This means vehicle manufacturers can adopt the new technology without abandoning systems already deployed in current vehicles.
Market outlook for ultra-wideband chips
Andrew Zignani, Senior Research Director at ABI Research, said IEEE 802.15.4ab would become the foundation for next-generation ultra-wideband technology. “By 2030, we expect the vast majority of ultra-wideband equipped vehicles to migrate to this new standard, leveraging a rapidly growing installed base of hundreds of millions of compatible smartphones,” Zignani said.
STMicroelectronics manufactures the new chips using its 18 nanometre FD-SOI process technology, a semiconductor manufacturing method that improves power efficiency. The company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, serves customers across multiple electronics sectors globally.
The chips are expected to enter mass production following the current sampling phase with automotive suppliers. STMicroelectronics did not disclose specific pricing or volume production timelines.
Your Questions, Answered
What is ultra-wideband technology?
Ultra-wideband or UWB is a radio technology that measures precise distances between devices using short pulses of radio waves. Unlike Bluetooth, it calculates actual signal travel time rather than estimating based on signal strength, making it far more accurate for applications like car keys.
How do the new STMicroelectronics chips improve car keys?
The ST64UWB chips extend operating range by more than eight times compared to current technology. They also work reliably when a phone or key fob is obstructed, such as inside a bag or back pocket, solving a common frustration with existing hands-free systems.
When will vehicles use the new IEEE 802.15.4ab standard?
According to ABI Research, the majority of ultra-wideband equipped vehicles are expected to migrate to IEEE 802.15.4ab by 2030. The chips are currently being sampled to automotive suppliers and manufacturers for testing.
Which smartphones support ultra-wideband technology in India?
Premium smartphones from Apple and Samsung sold in India include ultra-wideband technology. The ST64UWB chips maintain backward compatibility with existing systems, ensuring they work with current UWB-enabled devices.