NXP Semiconductors has introduced the Trimension NCJ29D6, a single-chip Ultra-Wideband (UWB) family designed to integrate secure and precise real-time localisation with short-range radar in automotive applications.
Addressing various use cases, including secure car access, child presence detection, intrusion alert, and gesture recognition, the family is set to be featured in model year 2025 vehicles, integrated by major automotive OEMs.
The NCJ29D6 family comprises the highly integrated NCJ29D6B and the pin-to-pin compatible NCJ29D6A. The former is focused on secure car access, delivering enhanced ranging performance, reduced system costs, higher security, and turn-key software. The latter combines both ranging and short-range UWB radar into a single chip with an integrated MCU, providing a flexible, multi-purpose platform for OEMs.
This approach enables OEMs to consolidate UWB-based car access systems into a single, versatile platform, reducing redundancy and overall cost. For instance, secure car access systems can be transformed to deliver features like child presence detection, aligning with regulations such as the U.S. Hot Cars Act and European NCAP roadmap.
This flexibility streamlines development, allowing for additional features through software updates, thus reducing total ownership costs and accelerating time to market for new functionalities.
The NCJ29D6B, designed for secure car access, introduces performance enhancements, allowing hands-free access through a digital key on a UWB-enabled mobile phone. It features higher RF sensitivity, two simultaneous operating receiver chains, and increased CPU performance, reducing the number of components per anchor to a single chip. The device exceeds the ISO21434 Cyber Security Requirements to anticipate evolving cyber threats.
Markus Staeblein, Senior Vice President and General Manager Secure Car Access, NXP Semiconductors, said, 'Building on our expertise and standardization efforts in bodies such as the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) and the FiRa Consortium, we are helping UWB become an essential part of the automotive ecosystem.'
The NCJ29D6A extends the capabilities with short-range UWB radar, sensing the environment around it. This allows OEMs to create a multi-purpose platform, integrating in-cabin sensing for child presence detection, seat belt reminders, kick sensors for automatic trunk opening, and various smart gesture recognitions.
Both devices in the Trimension family are designed with integrated security capabilities to address the growing concern of physical and cyber security attacks on vehicles. The devices exceed ISO21434 Cyber Security Requirements, and CCC MAC and FiRa MAC offer standard-compatible UWB ranging protocols that simplify AUTOSAR architectures.
The Trimension IC family expands NXP's portfolio of smart access solutions, aligning with Connected Car Consortium-based technologies for comprehensive automotive applications.
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