Qorvo® Solution Enables Interoperability with Apple* U1 Chip

Qorvo® Solution Interoperates with Apple* U1 Chip, Enabling New Ultra-Wideband Experiences

Complete BETA development kit and module interoperate out of the box with iPhone and Apple Watch models equipped with the U1 chip, enabling accessory developers to evaluate the capabilities of ultra-wideband technology

BEIJING, China, June 10, 2021 – Qorvo®, a leading provider of innovative RF solutions that connect the world, today announced that its DW3000 family of products supports interoperability with the Apple U1 chip used in iPhone and Apple Watch models*, in compliance with the new Nearby Interaction protocol draft specification announced at the 2021 Worldwide Developers Conference. This compatibility enables developers to easily evaluate new app experiences based on the location, distance and orientation of an iPhone or Apple Watch equipped with a U1 chip. DW3000 is Qorvo's next-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) chipset family, which will be launched in four models, as well as multiple modules and beta development kits, and will be fully put into mass production.

Qorvo UWB hardware and software solutions are developed in accordance with the FiRa Alliance PHY and MAC specifications and are compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4z standard. As a sponsor and board member of FiRa, Qorvo is committed to developing the UWB ecosystem and using its technology and application expertise to help define specifications to ensure interoperability between different end products, bringing new seamless experiences to consumers.

ABI Research, a global technology market consulting firm, predicts that shipments of UWB devices will reach 300 million units in 2021. Stephanie Tomsett, research analyst at ABI Research, said: "Smartphones will further increase UWB integration, allowing users to accurately locate other UWB-enabled devices, open doors or unlock vehicles, and automatically pay for purchases wirelessly."

Eric Creviston, president of Qorvo's Mobile Products business unit, said: "We are very pleased that Qorvo's broad portfolio of UWB solutions can interoperate with Apple. We have seen the rapid adoption of UWB technology in many mobile, automotive and IoT applications to provide superior positioning and secure communications capabilities. This provides an opportunity to provide new user experiences. Over the past 10 years, Qorvo's UWB team has been at the forefront of innovation in this field, supporting many customers to design breakthrough products and solutions in 40 different vertical markets."

Qorvo UWB products compatible with iPhone and Apple Watch models powered by U1

Qorvo UWB Development Kit

DWM3000EVB

Based on the Qorvo DWM3000 module, this Arduino Shield development kit provides developers with the flexibility to evaluate Qorvo UWB technology using a Nordic Semiconductor development kit (nRF52832DK, nRF52833DK or nRF52840DK).

DWM3001CDK

Based on the DWM3001C module, this kit is designed to provide developers with a rapid prototyping solution, offering JLINK-OB debugging capabilities via USB and a license-free professional-grade IDE.

Qorvo UWB Software Suite

Compatible with all Qorvo UWB products, from drivers to MAC, GUI and logging tools. Embedded software complies with Apple Nearby Interaction protocol and FiRa PHY/MAC specifications.

Qorvo UWB Modules

DWM3000

Pure RF module, integrating DW3110 chipset, antenna and power management. Optimized RF layout simplifies design integration. DWM3000 can be easily connected to various microcontrollers via SPI.

DWM3001C

Combining the Qorvo DW3110 UWB chipset, the Nordic nRF52833 BLE SoC and an accelerometer creates an excellent platform for quickly prototyping applications such as tags and door access.

Qorvo UWB Chipsets

DW3000

The second generation of four UWB chipsets (DW3110, DW3120, DW3210, DW3220) are optimized for low-power battery-powered applications. They provide global support for UWB channel 5 (6.5 GHz) and channel 9 (8 GHz) with data rates up to 6.8 Mbps while providing precise positioning with an accuracy of within 10 cm and an angle measurement accuracy of +/-5°. The chipsets are available in QFN and CSP packages.

Qorvo's evaluation kits and modules are sampling now, and all UWB chipsets will enter full production.

*U1-enabled iPhone models include: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Apple Watch Series 6 uses the U1 chip.

About Qorvo

Qorvo (NASDAQ: QRVO) is committed to providing innovative Radio Frequency (RF) solutions for a better connected world. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers' most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves global markets, including advanced wireless devices, wired and wireless networks and defense radar and communications systems. We continue to lead in these high-growth areas. We also leverage our unique competitive advantages to advance 5G networks, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and other emerging applications that enable the global connection of people, places and things.