NXP Semiconductors is launching a radar solution capable of detecting ultra-fine motions with a single chip, which is expected to facilitate the development of IoT and automotive applications at a cost-effective rate.

NXP Semiconductors today announced the addition of the industry's first single-chip solution combining UWB radar and fine ranging capabilities to its Trimension portfolio.

Integrating UWB radar allows the device to not only sense its environment but also range to other UWB-enabled devices.

This enables easy and cost-effective provision of motion sensitivity, including presence detection, vital signs monitoring, and gesture recognition, to mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and automotive applications.

Ultra-fine motion detection enabled by UWB radar helps improve the safety and convenience of smart homes and automobiles.

For example, a smart baby monitor equipped with UWB radar can detect a sleeping baby's breathing and send an alarm to parents if the pattern changes.

It also prevents children from being left in overheated vehicles, a problem addressed by the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) guidelines and the US Hot Car Act, by sending a safety alert if a child is left in the back seat.

Rafael Sotomayor, NXP Semiconductors Connectivity“The ultra-subtle motion detection enabled by UWB radar can bring a new level of safety and convenience to a wide range of use cases, from critical situations like alerting drivers of an unattended child in the back seat to simple things like changing the TV channel with a flick of a finger,” said David H. Hoffman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the T&S Business Unit at Trimension. “The expanded Trimension portfolio includes a single-chip solution that combines UWB radar and ranging capabilities, enabling developers in the IoT, mobile and automotive markets to quickly integrate highly accurate, high-precision motion detection.”