Quectel Communications Launches CCC and ICCE Compliant Automotive-Grade UWB Modules to Provide Higher Positioning Accuracy and Security for Next-Generation Digital Keys

Quectel Communications , a global leader in IoT and connected car solutions, today announced the official launch of the AU30Q automotive-grade module that supports ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. The module is based on the Qorvo DW3300Q platform and provides indoor and outdoor real-time accurate positioning and reliable wireless communication functions for scenarios such as the next-generation automotive digital key.

The AU30Q module has a built-in antenna that provides better positioning capabilities, enhanced security, and reliable data transmission, making it particularly suitable for smart car access control applications such as keyless entry, passenger detection , person proximity detection, contactless trunk opening, electric vehicle wireless charging, and car battery replacement.

Wang Min, General Manager of Quectel Automotive Business Unit, said: "With the increasing application of UWB technology in smartphones , many automakers are considering introducing UWB solutions in their next-generation models. The AU30Q UWB module developed based on the Qorvo platform will help automakers and Tier partners develop a new generation of car access solutions that are more secure and easy to use. The launch of AU30Q will not only further expand Quectel's rich automotive product portfolio based on wireless communication, GNSS positioning, antennas and services, but will also consolidate Quectel's comprehensive and leading service capabilities in the automotive field."

Gorden Cook, general manager of Qorvo's automotive business unit, said: "We are pleased to see our successful collaboration with Quectel expand into the UWB space. We believe Quectel's selection of our low-power, single- chip UWB transceiver will bring simplicity, flexibility and high performance to its new automotive solutions. UWB technology is becoming increasingly important to automotive customers, and we look forward to supporting Quectel in the launch of its AU30Q module."

AU30Q uses the AEC-Q100-compliant Qorvo DW3300Q platform, supports UWB channel 5 (6.5 GHz) and channel 9 (8 GHz), and provides data transmission rates of 850 Kbps and 6.8 Mbps. This module can be flexibly adapted to an external MCU with CAN or Bluetooth connectivity to adapt to any possible architectural requirements in the car. Compared with direct chip solutions, the module-based UWB solution can help automotive customers deploy their solutions more efficiently, save development resources, eliminate complex RF and antenna design barriers for customers, and significantly shorten time to market.

AU30Q supports the next generation of digital keys and car access, using UWB technology to protect the vehicle from attacks by measuring the real-time ultra-precise distance between the vehicle and the owner's key fob, smartphone or smartwatch, allowing the vehicle to know the owner's true location. For these applications, AU30Q fully complies with the latest standards set by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), a global digital key standardization organization, and is compatible with products from different car manufacturers and smartphone OEMs. It also fully complies with the requirements of the "Intelligent Car Connectivity Industry Ecosystem Alliance" (ICCE), China's leading digital car key standardization organization. In addition, the module also complies with FiRa™ PHY and MAC specifications, supporting interoperability with other FiRa™ compatible devices.

The AU30Q module can be used in single-side two-way ranging (SS-TWR) and double-side two-way ranging (DS-TWR) systems to locate assets. The AU30Q can be quickly used to implement real-time location systems (RTLS) and perform automatic navigation in GPS-dead environments with an accuracy of up to 10 cm.

In terms of appearance, AU30Q adopts a compact design, only 12.0 mm × 25.0 mm × 2.4 mm, which is an ideal UWB solution for size-sensitive application scenarios, helping automotive customers effectively reduce product size and optimize design costs. In addition, it also has a series of comprehensive advantages, including higher robustness, two reliable S PI interfaces connected to the host processor, and a built-in antenna, which will greatly improve the design flexibility of terminal products and reduce development time and effort.

The Quectel AU30Q UWB module is currently in the engineering sample stage. For more information about the product, please visit Quectel booth #5A20 in Hall 5 at MWC Barcelona.