RFUWB vs Enocean: Key Differences Explained
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This page compares UWB vs Enocean and mentions the difference between UWB and Enocean with respect to various comparison parameters.
What is UWB?
UWB (Ultra Wide Band) technology uses a spectrum larger than 500 MHz. In 2002, the FCC approved the use of unlicensed spectrum within 3.1 to 10.6 GHz for UWB applications.
It uses short duration EM (Electro-Magnetic) pulses for high-speed data transfer over a wide bandwidth (BW). UWB follows the IEEE standard 802.15.4a/z.
Due to its wide bandwidth, it can be used for high data rate (~27 Mbps) communication. It’s also popular due to its lower latency, low power consumption, and high immunity to various interferences.
The figure depicts a UWB network consisting of UWB anchors installed at various places. These anchors communicate with UWB tags and UWB smartphones, UWB lights, and WiFi APs. The WiFi AP or router is interfaced with the cloud via a gateway.
UWB technology is used for target sensor data collection from motion sensors, temperature sensors, light sensors, etc. It can be used for precise location and tracking applications.
What is Enocean?
This wireless technology offers a high data rate at very low energy consumption. It is compliant with energy harvesting techniques.
It uses sub-1GHz frequencies across the world due to its robust transmission through walls and minimal interference. It has numerous M2M/IoT applications, including smart home automation, building automation, lighting control, HVAC M&C, etc.
The figure depicts an Enocean system that does not require a battery for its operation. It derives energy using an energy harvesting technique with the help of an energy converter and energy management devices.
EnOcean devices and sensors from different manufacturers are interoperable. EnOcean devices are identified by unique 32-bit IDs. The EnOcean protocol uses extremely short telegrams (~1 ms) or data overhead, and hence the risk of data collision is very low.
Difference between UWB and Enocean
The following table mentions the difference between UWB and Enocean with respect to various parameters.
| Features | UWB | Enocean |
|---|---|---|
| Data Rate | 110 Mbps | 120 Kbps |
| Operating Frequency band | 3.1 to 10.6 GHz | Sub 1 GHz bands (315 MHz, 868 MHz, 902 MHz, 928 MHz), 2.4 GHz |
| Bandwidth | 500 MHz | 280 KHz |
| Modulation type | BPSK, QPSK | ASK |
| Spread spectrum | DS-UWB, MB-OFDM | Not used |
| Range (Indoor) | 300 meters | 30 meters |
| Security | AES | Basic |
| Number of nodes | 8 | 232 |
| Energy consumption | High | Extremely Low |
| References | IEEE 802.15.4a/z | ISO/IEC 14543-3-1X |
Summary
UWB is used for precise location determination and tracking and high data rate/low latency applications. Enocean is used for IoT applications in smart homes/buildings with the help of self-powered sensors and wireless links.
