NXP Launches Trimension SR040 & SR150 UWB ICs for Ultra‑Accurate IoT Positioning

Introducing Trimension SR040 & SR150: Ultra‑Wideband ICs for Precise IoT Positioning

NXP Semiconductors has launched two new ultra‑wideband (UWB) ICs – the SR040 and SR150 – that provide sub‑centimeter relative positioning for IoT sensors, tags, smart locks and other connected devices.

As part of the Trimension portfolio, these chips are engineered to deliver secure, high‑accuracy UWB solutions that complement NXP’s existing automotive access and mobile ranging products.

The chips enable a range of future‑ready scenarios – from doors that unlock only when the owner is present, to hands‑free vehicle access, to smart‑home systems that follow occupants through rooms, to rapid tracking of misplaced items.

Industry Perspective
Ramesh Songukrishnasamy, Senior VP and CTO of HID Global, remarked that UWB’s superior positioning accuracy and enhanced security over other RF technologies will transform hands‑free access control in offices, hospitals, schools and homes. He added that UWB’s fine‑range capability unlocks new location‑based services and device‑to‑device IoT applications across consumer and industrial markets.

Trimension SR150
The SR150 adds angle‑of‑arrival (AoA) capability, delivering even higher precision for large‑scale installations such as access control, indoor localization and contactless payments. Multiple SR150 ICs can be deployed as UWB anchors within a room to track people and objects in real time. The device is coupled with NXP’s EdgeLock secure element for tamper‑resistant ranging and supports RTOS and Linux for seamless IoT integration.

Trimension SR040
Optimised for ultra‑low power, the SR040 is ideal for battery‑operated IoT tags and trackers. It can be integrated with Bluetooth Low Energy or other controllers in a single package. As a time‑difference‑of‑arrival (TDoA) real‑time location systems (RTLS) tag, it transmits minimal “blink” packets and features on‑chip flash firmware for zero‑boot overhead. An integrated Tx/Rx switch further reduces power draw.

Both ARM Cortex‑based devices are IEEE 802.15.4z compliant and ship with NXP’s pre‑developed FiRa MAC, ensuring rapid time‑to‑market and full interoperability with existing UWB ecosystems. The complementary Trimension OL23D0 provides an open, fully programmable UWB controller for bespoke IoT solutions.

Modules and development kits for the SR150 and SR040 are available through NXP partners such as Amotech, Mobile Knowledge and Sunway Communication. Mobile Knowledge – a Barcelona‑based embedded‑systems consultancy – released a UWB kit alongside the Trimension launch, offering hardware, software tools and comprehensive documentation to accelerate prototyping.

“UWB technology is one of the most exciting wireless solutions in the connectivity landscape,” said Ramesh Songukrishnasamy during a panel at NXP Connects. “Its fine‑ranging capabilities will enable seamless experiences in both consumer products and industrial environments, and we’re excited about its potential for managing access to physical and digital spaces.”

To view the full panel discussion featuring Google, HID Global, Samsung and NXP, watch the recording.