Global technology intelligence firm ABI Research forecasts that more than 533 million Bluetooth-based low power positioning devices will ship annually by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 28.5% from 2022 to 2030.
Channel Sounding (or High Accuracy Distance Measurement) is a radical improvement on traditional Bluetooth distance and position measurement techniques, namely received signal strength indicators (RSSI) with angle of signal arrival/departure (AoA/AoD).
The technique provides additional security and accuracy over previous generations of Bluetooth positioning and coupled with its low power profile, makes it suitable for applications such as automotive digital keys, and for general applications such as industrial/warehouse/consumer asset tracking, and real-time sport/fitness tracking.
CEVA’s implementation provides decimetre-level accuracy in complex, multi-path real-world environments and its robust, low power architecture, incorporates advanced security mechanisms to defeat distance-spoofing and ‘relay attacks’, an essential requirement for next generation digital keys and wireless payment systems.
According to Tal Shalev, VP and General Manager of the Wireless IoT BU at CEVA, “Channel Sounding for Bluetooth addresses an urgent need expressed by many of our automotive and industrial customers for a robust, low power, low-cost positioning solution.”
Beyond the demanding secure vehicle entry segment, Bluetooth-based positioning is well established as an asset tracking solution in industrial, warehouse and consumer applications.
It is also experiencing a new wave of growth in the retail location services segment, especially when coupled with the increasingly popular Bluetooth-based Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) systems. The extra level of accuracy and security now possible through Channel Sounding in Bluetooth-based positioning is expected to further accelerate the massive deployment of these types of systems.
CEVA’s Channel Sounding for Bluetooth will be available for general licensing in September 2023.
