RFUWB vs GPS: Understanding the Key Differences
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This page compares UWB vs GPS and mentions the difference between UWB and GPS with respect to various comparison parameters.
What is UWB?
UWB (Ultra Wide Band) technology utilizes a spectrum larger than 500 MHz. In 2002, the FCC approved the use of unlicensed spectrum within the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz range for UWB applications.
It employs short-duration EM (Electro-Magnetic) pulses for high-speed data transfer over a wide bandwidth (BW). UWB adheres to 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 GPS?
GPS was initially used by US defense forces. Later, it gained popularity in many commercial applications. The initial spacecraft designed for GPS application was launched in 1978. A full constellation of 24 satellites was operational in 1993.
GPS technology uses a GPS satellite constellation installed around Earth, which communicates with GPS receiver units on the Earth. It’s used for various applications such as determining position, navigation, tracking people and things, road surveying systems, mapping the world, calculating precise timing, boating, hiking, GPS-based drones, GPS-based smartwatches, etc.
There are three major components of GPS: space segment, control segment, and user segment.
In the future, GPS will find applications in smart homes, crime prevention, robotics, intelligent traffic systems, disaster control, integration with other wireless technologies, etc. The figure depicts a GPS tracking system.
Difference between UWB and GPS
The following table mentions the difference between UWB and GPS with respect to various parameters.
| Features | UWB | GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | IEEE 802.15.4 (802.15.4a/802.15.4z) | U.S. GPS Standard Positioning Service (SPS) |
| Frequency | sub GHz (500 MHz), lower band (3.5 to 4.5 GHz) and higher band (6.5 GHz to 10 GHz) | L1 band (1575.42 MHz), L2 band (1227.6 MHz), L3 band (1381.05 MHz) , L5 band (1176.45 MHz) |
| Carrier frequencies | - | - |
| Range/Coverage | 70 meters (Typical), 250 meters (Max.) | Not Applicable |
| Data rate | Upto 27 Mbps | Not Applicable |
| Accuracy | in centimeters | 5-20 meters |
| Security (Physical layer) | Very secure (Distance Time Bounded Protocol) | Not Applicable |
| Reliability | Strong immunity to multi-path and interference | Very sensitive to obstructions |
| Location service latency | Less than 1 ms (Typically) to get XYZ | 100 ms (Typically) to get XYZ |
| Scalability or density | > 10’s of thousands of tags | Unlimited |
| Infrastructure, tag and maintenance cost | Less | More |
Summary
UWB is ideal for accurate position tracking, low latency multimedia, and high data rate applications. GPS is used for location tracking with the help of satellites.
