In modern industrial environments, as automation technology rapidly advances, precise distance measurement and positioning technology have become key factors for improving production efficiency, ensuring worker safety, and optimizing resource allocation. With the further advancement of Industry 4.0, technologies such as Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), laser distance measurement, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology have emerged as core technologies for achieving refined management and intelligent operations. This article will explore the current applications, challenges, and future development trends of these technologies in industrial environments, as well as related solutions introduced by Murata.
Precise distance measurement ensures efficiency and safety in industrial systems
By utilizing precise distance measurement between M2M (machine-to-machine) and H2M (human-to-machine) interactions, safety can be enhanced in various applications, especially in industrial automation, intelligent transportation, and human-robot collaboration. Distance measurement applications typically use technologies such as ultrasonic, radar, LiDAR (light detection and ranging), or ultra-wideband (UWB). These technologies can provide sub-meter or even centimeter-level measurement accuracy. By measuring the distance between machines or people in real-time, precise location information can be generated and processed using algorithms.
In industrial environments, collision avoidance systems are crucial. Precise distance measurement between automated equipment and robots can prevent collisions and ensure safe operation. Additionally, precise distance measurement between machines can help optimize their movement paths, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and wear, thus improving system efficiency and safety.
In environments where humans collaborate with robots, safety is paramount. By using distance measurement technology to monitor the distance between humans and robots in real-time, the system can automatically slow down or stop the robot when a human is detected too close, preventing collisions. Furthermore, distance measurement can monitor hazardous areas, ensuring that human operators do not inadvertently enter dangerous work zones.
Currently, multiple safety approaches can be adopted, such as multi-sensor fusion, which combines various distance measurement technologies and sensor data (e.g., cameras, infrared sensors) to improve the reliability and accuracy of distance measurement, further enhancing safety. Alternatively, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze distance data, predict potential dangers, and issue early warnings to prevent accidents. Through these methods, the precise distance measurement function between M2M and H2M plays a critical role in ensuring safety in industrial systems and human-robot collaboration.
Real-Time Location Systems can improve workplace safety and operational efficiency
Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are technologies capable of tracking and monitoring the location of objects or people in real-time. They are widely used in safety management and worker efficiency monitoring. The key technologies of RTLS are quite varied. For example, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology can provide high-precision positioning, with an error margin usually within a few centimeters, making it ideal for applications that require precise tracking. Alternatively, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems track the location of items or people by transmitting signals between tags and readers, typically used for lower-precision positioning. Wi-Fi positioning can also be employed, based on signal strength measurements, which can be deployed over existing network infrastructures but typically offer lower accuracy.
On the other hand, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology can be used. BLE beacons communicate with devices by sending signals for positioning, providing moderate accuracy and being suitable for low-power scenarios. Global Positioning System (GPS) is suitable for outdoor environments, though it performs poorly indoors and consumes more power. Additionally, cameras and computer vision technology can be used to detect and track the location of objects or people, typically for high-precision indoor applications.
RTLS has a wide range of applications. In worker safety monitoring, RTLS can track the real-time location of workers in the workplace to ensure they do not enter dangerous areas. If workers approach hazardous equipment or areas, the system can issue warnings or automatically stop the relevant equipment. In emergency situations, RTLS can also help quickly locate workers and guide rescue teams for rapid response. Additionally, by analyzing worker activity in different areas, workflows can be evaluated for efficiency, task allocation can be optimized, time waste reduced, and productivity improved.
RTLS can also be used to track and manage tools, equipment, and materials, reducing the chances of loss or misplacement and ensuring the effective utilization of equipment. In warehouses and logistics centers, RTLS can optimize inventory management, reduce order processing times, and improve overall supply chain efficiency. In hospital environments, RTLS can track the location of healthcare personnel, patients, and critical medical equipment, ensuring timely responses and efficient use of resources.
Ultra-Wideband technology enables secure and precise distance measurement
UWB technology utilizes Time of Flight (ToF) technology based on radio waves to perform secure and precise distance measurement. Murata manufactures and develops UWB modules based on NXP, as well as UWB modules using Qorvo and Nordic chips.
Murata's Type 2BP is an ultra-compact UWB module, including NXP’s Trimension SR150 UWB chipset, clock, filters, and peripheral components, making it ideal for general IoT devices. This small-sized UWB module supports UWB channels 5 and 9, with SPI interface and 3 antenna support (3D AoA or 2D AoA). And has passed FCC/CE reference certifications. It is made with a resin-molded structure combined with conformal shielding, with dimensions of only 6.6 × 5.8 × 1.2 mm. It supports power calibration and crystal calibration.
Murata also launched the evaluation board LBUA0VG2BP-EVK-P paired with Type 2BP. The evaluation board features Type 2BP and NXP QN9090 (a BLE chip), a USB-UART converter IC, and can be powered via a USB cable. The QN9090 can control Type 2BP via the COM port of a PC. This development kit has been approved by Apple® for evaluating UWB-enabled accessories, which interact with Apple products containing the U1 chip using Apple’s Nearby Interaction framework.
Another Murata UWB module based on NXP UWB chipsets is Type 2DK. This is an all-in-one UWB-Bluetooth® LE combo module that includes NXP’s Trimension™ SR040 UWB chipset, NXP’s QN9090 Bluetooth® LE and MCU chipset, onboard antennas, and peripheral components, making it ideal for UWB tags/trackers powered by coin cell batteries, as well as general IoT devices. And has passed FCC/CE reference certifications.
Murata also offers the LBUA2ZZ2DK-EVK evaluation kit paired with Type 2DK. This evaluation kit includes Type 2DK, a UART-USB IC, an SWD port, and a coin cell battery holder.
Murata’s Type 2AB module is designed as an ultra-compact, high-quality, and low-power consumption UWB module, making it ideal for small battery-powered IoT devices and applications. Type 2AB uses the Qorvo QM33120W UWB chipset, supports channels 5 and 9, and has passed FCC/IC/TELEC reference certification. It integrates a Nordic IC—nRF52840, making it a host-less module. It also features Bluetooth Low Energy for waking up UWB and firmware updates. The integrated 3-axis sensor helps save battery power, and the reference clock for UWB and MCU are embedded. Type 2AB is the smallest, highly integrated UWB module in the market, reducing the area by 75% compared to CoB solutions. Each device is calibrated for frequency, transmit power, and antenna delay and can support multi-antenna design and evaluation.
The LBUA5QJ2AB-828EVB evaluation kit is an evaluation board for Murata's UWB/Bluetooth Low Energy module Type 2AB. It can be powered by connecting the Type-C USB terminal on the board to a PC through a USB interface, and it has a serial port. Customers can input AT commands via a serial terminal to evaluate RF performance. If customers reprogram the demo firmware into the module, they can also evaluate simple TWR and PDoA functions.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules for ranging and positioning applications
In addition to UWB technology, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies can also be used for ranging and positioning applications. When combined, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth also allow direct connection to the Internet, making it the most flexible wireless technology for IoT products. Currently, Murata offers a variety of Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth modules supporting IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, and 11ac 2×2 MIMO standards, as well as 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, suitable for WLAN and Bluetooth® 4.1/4.2/5.0/5.1 BR/EDR/LE communication.
Murata’s Type 2AE is a compact, high-performance module based on Infineon’s CYW4373E combo chipset, supporting Wi-Fi® 802.11a/b/g/n/ac combined with Bluetooth® 5.2 BR/EDR/LE. The PHY data rate on Wi-Fi® is up to 433Mbps, and Bluetooth® supports a 3Mbps PHY data rate. The WLAN section supports an SDIO v3.0 DDR50 interface, and the Bluetooth® section supports a high-speed 4-wire UART interface and PCM for audio data. Both the WLAN and Bluetooth® sections also support USB 2.0 interfaces.
For system development, software can be developed on NXP i.MX (Linux/FreeRTOS). For RTOS development, Infineon’s WICED™ development system can be used, significantly reducing the workload of adding wireless connectivity to embedded devices. The SDK allows developers to quickly create networked applications for resource-constrained microcontrollers. In terms of evaluation tools, Embedded Artists’ 2AE M.2 module can be used on Linux systems.
Murata’s Type 2EA is another compact, high-performance module based on Infineon’s CYW55573 combo chipset. It supports Wi-Fi® 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2×2 MIMO and Bluetooth® 5.3 BR/EDR/LE. Wi-Fi® supports a PHY data rate of up to 1.2 Gbps, and Bluetooth® supports a PHY data rate of 3Mbps on Legacy Bluetooth (EDR) and 2Mbps on Bluetooth® LE. The WLAN section supports PCIe v3.0 Gen 2 and SDIO 3.0 interfaces, while the Bluetooth® section supports a high-speed 4-wire UART interface and PCM for audio data.
Type 2EA also features software configurations supported on NXP i.MX Linux and Linux drivers/firmware for the NXP i.MX platform. The recommended evaluation hardware by Murata is the Embedded Artists’ 2EA M.2 module.
Type 1XL is a compact, high-performance module based on NXP’s 88W9098 combo chipset, supporting Wi-Fi® 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2×2 MIMO and Bluetooth® 5.3 BR/EDR/LE, with a PHY data rate of 1200Mbps on Wi-Fi® and 3Mbps on Bluetooth®. The WLAN section supports the PCIe 2.0 interface, with optional SDIO 3.0 support. The Bluetooth® section supports a high-speed 4-wire UART interface (optional SDIO support) and PCM for audio data.
Software development is also supported for configurations on NXP i.MX Linux. Murata recommends the Embedded Artists’ 1XL M.2 module for evaluation hardware.
Murata’s Type 2DL is a compact, high-performance module based on NXP’s IW611 combo chipset, supporting Wi-Fi® 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax and Bluetooth® 5.3 BR/EDR/LE. Wi-Fi® offers a PHY data rate of up to 601Mbps, while Bluetooth® provides a 2Mbps PHY data rate. The WLAN section supports an SDIO v3.0 DDR50 interface, and the Bluetooth® section supports a high-speed 4-wire UART interface and PCM for audio data.
The development software for Type 2DL, with configurations supported on NXP i.MX Linux, is still pending. Murata’s recommended evaluation hardware is the Embedded Artists’ 2DL M.2 module.
Conclusion
As industrial environments become more complex and the demand for automation increases, precise ranging and positioning technologies are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring safety, improving production efficiency, and optimizing resource management. By implementing advanced ranging and positioning solutions, such as Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), laser ranging technology, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, companies can not only significantly enhance operational efficiency but also gain a competitive edge in intelligent management. Murata produces a variety of UWB and WiFi/Bluetooth modules, and while ranging and positioning use cases fall under the "systems/solutions" business rather than the module business, industrial RTLS applications are expected to be a growing market. Given the need for customization and limited scalability, Murata can collaborate with third-party software and manufacturers in the market to actively enter this field.