Ultra-Wideband Supports Digital Access and Vehicle Presence Detection

NXP Semiconductors’ automotive ultra-wideband technology will be used by BMW Group to support multiple vehicle functions through a common hardware platform. The implementation combines secure ranging for smartphone-based vehicle access with short-range radar capabilities for detecting occupants or animals inside a parked vehicle.

The deployment begins with selected BMW Group vehicle programs in 2026 and demonstrates how ultra-wideband, or UWB, can support both access control and in-cabin sensing without requiring separate technology platforms for each function.

Secure Digital Vehicle Access
BMW Group uses UWB for its Digital Key Plus functionality, which enables compatible smartphones and smart watches to act as vehicle keys. Rather than relying only on device proximity, UWB uses fine-ranging measurements to determine the relative position of an authorized device.

This allows the vehicle to identify when an authorized user approaches and automatically perform functions such as unlocking or locking. The positioning capability can also trigger vehicle-specific functions, including personalized lighting and welcome sequences.

Accurate ranging is particularly relevant to digital vehicle access because the system must distinguish between an authorized device located near the vehicle and one that is farther away.

Combining Ranging and Radar Functions
The implementation is based on NXP Semiconductors’ NCJ29D6 family, a monolithic automotive UWB solution integrating secure fine-ranging and short-range radar capabilities.

Using the radar function, the system can identify subtle motion patterns associated with the presence of a living being inside the passenger compartment. When the vehicle is parked, the in-cabin presence detection system can indicate the possible presence of a person or animal and initiate a warning to vehicle users.

This capability is intended to address situations in which vulnerable occupants could remain inside a vehicle as cabin temperatures reach unsafe levels. Presence detection is also relevant to developing NCAP protocols and potential regulatory requirements in Europe and China.

One Platform for Multiple Vehicle Functions
Combining ranging and sensing functions on the same UWB architecture allows vehicle manufacturers to reuse installed hardware for several applications rather than implementing independent systems for individual functions.

“NXP’s proven Trimension UWB platform maximizes value for OEMs, using a single system to deliver multiple new and differentiating features for drivers. Digital key and presence detection are just the beginning. OEMs will be able to deliver additional UWB-based features, such as kick sensing, intrusion alert or automatic charging, as they establish the secure hardware platform in their vehicles.”

Markus Staeblein, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Secure Car Access, NXP Semiconductors
The same hardware architecture could therefore support additional UWB-based functions where secure ranging or short-range sensing is required, including intrusion detection, contactless interaction and positioning for automated charging systems.

Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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