The Ultimate UWB Module Comparison: Prices, Specs, and Use Cases

Choosing the right UWB module is critical for ensuring pinpoint accuracy and reliable performance in your enterprise tracking and automation systems. To simplify your procurement process, Nextwaves Industries has created a comprehensive breakdown of the market's top options, comparing their prices, technical specs, and ideal use cases. Dive into our ultimate guide to discover which UWB hardware will deliver the best results and ROI for your specific industrial applications.

Introduction to UWB Modules

Understanding Ultra Wideband Technology

Ultra Wideband technology provides precise indoor positioning, secure ranging, and short range communication. UWB operates across a wide radio frequency spectrum. This technology delivers location accuracy down to 10 centimeters. Logistics and manufacturing facilities rely on this precision for asset tracking. Nextwaves Industries integrates high performance UWB hardware with intelligent software to give you end to end visibility.

Choosing the correct UWB module dictates project success. Different modules offer distinct specifications, power requirements, and price points. A poor selection causes excessive battery drain or inadequate range. The correct choice ensures reliable performance and cost efficiency. Improve your operational efficiency with Nextwaves RFID solutions.

Key UWB Module Specifications

The UWB market features multiple hardware options. Unit prices range from $3.96 for volume ICs to $46.58 for integrated modules. Precision, data rates, and range differ between chipsets. You must evaluate specific criteria before selecting a module for your inventory systems.

• Core Chipsets: Options include Qorvo Decawave DW1000, DW3000, and NXP Trimension series.
• Precision and Range: Standard modules achieve 10 centimeter accuracy while advanced configurations reach distances up to 500 meters with power amplifiers.
• Angle of Arrival Support: Specific modules like the NXP Trimension SR150 calculate 3D spatial positioning.
• Power Consumption: Battery operated IoT devices require low power ICs like the NXP SR040.
• Interoperability: Modern modules support FiRa MAC and Apple U1 integration.

Baseline UWB Module Comparison

Module Type	Core Chipset	Approximate Unit Price	Target Application
Qorvo DWM1000	Decawave DW1000	$12.61 to $36.50	General RTLS
Makerfabs MaUWB ESP32S3	Decawave DW3000	$46.58	Indoor Positioning
NXP Trimension SR150	Trimension SR150	$3.96	Access Control

Review these baseline specifications to understand market variance. Nextwaves Industries evaluates these metrics to select the exact hardware for your project.

Impact on Logistics and Supply Chain

Your operational efficiency depends on accurate spatial data. Manufacturing plants use UWB for real time location systems. Retail environments track high value inventory. Cold chain operations monitor secure access points. Nextwaves Industries designs solutions using the correct UWB module for your specific environment. We build systems to optimize your supply chain.

Qorvo DWM1000 vs. DWM3000

Qorvo offers two Ultra-Wideband (UWB) modules for indoor positioning and secure ranging. You must choose between the DWM1000 and the DWM3000 based on your project requirements. Nextwaves Industries integrates these modules into inventory systems to improve your operational efficiency.

Specification	Qorvo DWM1000	Qorvo DWM3000
Core Chipset	Decawave DW1000	Decawave DW3000
Approximate Price	$12.61 to $36.50	$17.18 to $23.62
Precision	10 centimeters	10 centimeters
Supported Data Rates	110 kb/s, 850 kb/s, 6.8 Mb/s	850 kb/s, 6.8 Mb/s
Interoperability	IEEE 802.15.4a	IEEE 802.15.4a/z BPRF

Range and Data Rates

The DWM1000 achieves a maximum range of 120 meters. It supports 110 kb/s, 850 kb/s, and 6.8 Mb/s data rates. The DWM3000 drops the 110 kb/s data rate. Qorvo optimized the DWM3000 for 850 kb/s and 6.8 Mb/s to align with modern standards. Both modules deliver 10-centimeter precision. You need this precision for Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS). Nextwaves Industries uses these modules to track assets across manufacturing floors.

Power Consumption and Standards

The DWM3000 consumes less power than the DWM1000. Engineers designed the DWM3000 for battery-operated IoT devices. The DWM3000 supports the IEEE 802.15.4z standard. This standard enables secure ranging. The DWM3000 integrates with the Apple U1 chip. The DWM1000 relies on IEEE 802.15.4a standards. You must select the DWM3000 for smartphone interoperability.

Pricing and Use Cases

The DWM1000 costs between $12.61 and $36.50 per unit. The DWM3000 costs between $17.18 and $23.62 per unit. Prices fluctuate based on supplier volume.

• Asset Tracking: Select the DWM1000 for asset tracking in closed ecosystems.
• Access Control: Select the DWM3000 for secure access control systems.
• Smartphone Integration: Deploy the DWM3000 to interact with smartphones.
• Legacy Support: Implement the DWM1000 to minimize hardware costs on legacy systems.

Evaluate your project requirements before purchasing hardware. Nextwaves Industries builds logistics technology around these UWB modules. Improve your operational efficiency with Nextwaves RFID solutions.

NXP Trimension Series Overview

NXP Trimension Series Overview

The NXP Trimension SR150 delivers precise indoor localization and secure ranging. NXP designed this Ultra Wideband integrated circuit for large infrastructures. You integrate the SR150 with microcontrollers to enable access control systems. The SR150 supports 3D Angle of Arrival using dual receivers. This feature allows you to determine exact device positions in three dimensional space.

The SR150 provides cryptographic security for ranging operations. You protect physical access points against relay attacks using these security protocols. NXP prices the SR150 at $3.96 per unit for orders of 1,000 units.

NXP Trimension SR040 Specifications

The NXP Trimension SR040 targets battery operated IoT devices. NXP optimized this UWB component for low power consumption. You deploy the SR040 in smart home trackers and small connected tags. The SR040 lacks Angle of Arrival support. It maintains high precision for basic ranging tasks.

You integrate the SR040 with Bluetooth Low Energy controllers. This combination allows you to wake the UWB system only when required. This strategy extends the battery life of your tags. NXP prices the SR040 at an estimated $10.00 per unit.

Interoperability and Ecosystem Integration

Both Trimension chips support the FiRa MAC standard. NXP ensures compatibility with the Apple U1 chip running firmware version 3.14.0. You build Apple MFi certified products using the SR150. This interoperability lets you connect your devices to major mobile ecosystems.

Trimension Series Comparison

Specification	NXP Trimension SR150	NXP Trimension SR040
Approximate Unit Price	$3.96 at 1,000 units	$10.00 estimated
Angle of Arrival Support	Yes	No
Target Application	Access control and indoor localization	Trackers and battery operated IoT
Power Profile	Standard operation	Low power optimization

Practical Use Cases

Improve your operational efficiency with Nextwaves RFID solutions. Nextwaves Industries combines high performance RFID hardware with intelligent inventory software. We deliver end to end visibility for your supply chain. You apply NXP Trimension modules across specific smart home and industrial environments to achieve these results.

• Secure Access Control: You install SR150 components in smart locks to authenticate users via smartphone proximity.
• Asset Tracking: You attach SR040 tags to inventory for real time location tracking.
• Indoor Navigation: You deploy SR150 anchors throughout warehouses to guide autonomous vehicles.
• Personal Item Finders: You embed SR040 chips in consumer keychains to locate lost items via mobile apps.

Side-by-Side Specs and Pricing Comparison

Side-by-Side UWB Module Comparison

Selecting the correct Ultra-Wideband module dictates the performance of your indoor positioning system. You must evaluate price, precision, data rates, and features like Angle-of-Arrival. The table below compares top UWB modules from Qorvo, NXP, and Makerfabs.

Module	Price	Precision	Data Rates	Key Feature
Qorvo DWM1000	$12.61 to $36.50	10cm	110 kb/s, 850 kb/s, 6.8 Mb/s	Cost-effective RTLS
Qorvo DWM3000	$17.18 to $23.62	10cm	850 kb/s, 6.8 Mb/s	IEEE 802.15.4a/z BPRF
Makerfabs MaUWB_ESP32S3	$46.58	Sub-10cm	Not Specified	500m Range
NXP Trimension SR150	$3.96 (1K units)	High Precision	High Performance	3D Angle-of-Arrival
NXP Trimension SR040	$10.00	High Precision	Reliable	Low Power IoT

Hardware Specifications

The Qorvo DWM1000 offers a cost-effective entry point for basic asset tracking. You pay between $12.61 and $36.50 per unit. The module delivers 10cm precision. It supports data rates of 110 kb/s, 850 kb/s, and 6.8 Mb/s. Nextwaves Industries recommends this module for standard Real-Time Location Systems.

The Qorvo DWM3000 provides lower power consumption and IEEE 802.15.4a/z BPRF compliance. Prices range from $17.18 to $23.62. Qorvo dropped the 110 kb/s data rate for this iteration. You get 850 kb/s and 6.8 Mb/s options. This module suits secure ranging applications.

The NXP Trimension SR150 targets access control and secure ranging. NXP prices the IC around $3.96 for 1,000-unit orders. The SR150 includes Dual-RX 3D Angle-of-Arrival support. It integrates with the Apple U1 chip via FiRa MAC.

The NXP Trimension SR040 optimizes power for battery-operated IoT devices. You pay approximately $10 per unit. The IC lacks Angle-of-Arrival support. It maintains FiRa MAC and Apple U1 compatibility. Use the SR040 for UWB trackers and low-power tags.

The Makerfabs MaUWB_ESP32S3 combines the DW3000 chipset with an STM32 microcontroller and an ESP32S3 processor. The module costs $46.58. It handles complex UWB positioning logic onboard. You achieve sub-10cm precision after calibration. The integrated power amplifier pushes the range to 500 meters.

Feature Evaluation For Your Supply Chain

Your specific logistics application determines the optimal UWB hardware.

• Budget constraints: The NXP Trimension SR150 minimizes large-scale deployment costs at $3.96 per unit.
• Long-range tracking: The Makerfabs module achieves 500-meter range for large warehouse facilities.
• Battery limits: The NXP Trimension SR040 extends the operational life of active RFID tags.
• Spatial orientation: The NXP Trimension SR150 enables 3D Angle-of-Arrival tracking for precise tool positioning.

Nextwaves Industries integrates these modules into comprehensive inventory systems. You achieve end-to-end visibility across your manufacturing floor. Evaluate your precision requirements against your deployment budget to select the appropriate UWB hardware. Improve your operational efficiency with Nextwaves RFID solutions.

How to Choose the Right UWB Module for Your Needs

Match Modules to Specific Applications

Select your Ultra-Wideband (UWB) module based on your use case. Different chipsets prioritize different features.

• Asset Tracking: Choose the Qorvo DWM1000 for Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) and asset tracking. The $12.61 to $36.50 price point fits high-volume deployments. Nextwaves Industries integrates these modules into warehouse inventory systems for 10cm accuracy.
• Secure Access Control: Specify the NXP Trimension SR150 for smart locks and secure access points. This module supports 3D Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) and integrates with the Apple U1 chip. The dual-RX capability ensures directional tracking.
• Indoor Navigation: Deploy the Makerfabs MaUWB_ESP32S3 for indoor navigation and multi-anchor setups. This board combines the Decawave DW3000 with WiFi and BLE5. The 500m maximum range suits manufacturing facilities and logistics centers.
• Battery-Operated IoT Tags: Implement the NXP Trimension SR040 for low-power trackers. The estimated $10 unit cost and power-optimized architecture support cold chain monitoring devices.

Evaluate Budget Constraints

Hardware costs scale in enterprise deployments. Analyze unit pricing against required features.

• High-Volume Deployments: The NXP SR150 costs $3.96 per unit at 1,000-unit volumes. This pricing supports large-scale infrastructure rollouts.
• Mid-Range Versatility: The Qorvo DWM3000 ranges from $17.18 to $23.62 per module. This option provides IEEE 802.15.4a/z BPRF compliance and lower power consumption.
• Premium Integrated Solutions: The Makerfabs MaUWB_ESP32S3 costs $46.58 per unit. You pay a premium for the integrated STM32 microcontroller and ESP32S3 processor.

Assess Development Timelines

Your engineering resources dictate the optimal hardware choice. Pre-certified modules reduce time to market.

• Rapid Prototyping: Select integrated boards like the Makerfabs MaUWB_ESP32S3. The included WiFi and BLE5 eliminate custom PCB routing tasks.
• Custom Hardware Design: Choose raw ICs like the NXP SR040 or DW3110 if you possess in-house RF engineering teams. Designing custom antennas requires testing and certification.
• Standard Module Integration: Use the Qorvo DWM1000 or DWM3000 modules to balance cost and engineering effort. These modules include integrated antennas and basic certification.

UWB Module Selection Summary

Primary Application	Recommended Module	Key Advantage
General RTLS	Qorvo DWM1000	Base module pricing
Secure Access Control	NXP Trimension SR150	3D AoA tracking
Low-Power IoT Tags	NXP Trimension SR040	Battery optimization
Indoor Navigation	Makerfabs MaUWB_ESP32S3	Integrated processing

Integrate Nextwaves RFID Solutions

Improve your operational efficiency with Nextwaves RFID solutions. We combine high-performance hardware with intelligent inventory systems to provide end-to-end visibility. Our engineering team assists you in selecting the UWB module for your logistics technology stack. We integrate edge devices with your central supply chain modernization software.