NXP Semiconductors has recently introduced Trimension SR250 UWB radar, which NXP is calling the industry’s first single-chip solution that combines on-chip processing with short-range ultra-wideband (UWB) radar and secure UWB ranging. Operating at 6-8.5 GHz, the SR250 supports features like 3D angle-of-arrival (AoA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), and time of flight (ToF) measurements accurate to within ±5 cm.
The integrated on-chip radar processing reduces power consumption, which increases efficiency and it can work with AI/ML algorithms on host processors like NXP’s i.MX, RW61x, and MCX families. The SR250 is supported by firmware, middleware, and sample applications, simplifying development and deployment. Applications for this device include smart home automation (e.g., turning devices on/off based on presence), secure access, and safety monitoring, as well as industrial uses such as worker tracking, collision avoidance, and danger zone detection.
Trimension SR250 UWB radar specification
- 3D secure ranging
- Fully interoperable with IEEE 802.15.4z HRP UWB
- On-chip radar processing
- Support for 3D and 360-degree AoA (Angle of Arrival), TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival)
- Support for direct battery connection
- Range accuracy (LOS): ±5 cm
- Off-chip radar processing
- Based on FiRa 3.0 technical specifications
At the time of writing the company does not provide any documentation for the Trimension SR250 UWB radar chip but the features of this new chip should be very similar to the older SR150, released in 2021. The SR150 is a UWB transceiver designed for ranging and positioning applications for IoT devices.
While searching I also found that Murata has also introduced the Type2HQ UWB module which is based on the SR250 chip and Type2HQ EVK development board. The module features support UWB channels 5 & 9 and features \two-way/one-way ranging, Angle of Arrival (AoA), and UWB Radar in a compact (5.9 x 5.7 x 1.05 mm) form factor. These features make this device suitable for applications like tagging, payment, drones, smart homes, and smart retail, and is planned to be FCC/IC, ETSI, and TELEC certified.
The Type2HQ EVK starter kit on the other hand features incorporates the Type2HQ (NXP Trimension SR250) along with Type2FR (NXP RW612) Hostless Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth LE 5.3/802.15.4 tri-radio module. The EVK features USB and SWD interfaces for power, programming, and debugging along with a USB/UART conversion IC. The Type2HQ (SR250) module can be controlled through the Type2FR, which is useful for testing various UWB capabilities such as two-way ranging (ToF, 3D AoA), one-way ranging (TDOA, RTLS), and radar-based presence detection.
Previously we have written about similar UWB reader-based presence sensors including the NOVELDA presence sensor, the ESP32 UWB sensor, the NOVELDA UWB X4 (X4F103) sensor, and more. Kumpee also wrote an in-depth review of an STM32 + UWB solution using Arduino programming. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic.
At the time of writing, the Trimension SR250 UWB radar chip is not available for sale but the company mentions that it will be available through NXP’s module partners in Q4 2024. The Type2HQ module and Type2HQ EVK starter kit are also under development but Murata doesn’t mention the release date for their products. More information about the SR250 UWB radar chip can be found on the product page, NXPs press release, and the fact sheet of the SR250 module.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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