Challenges in Ultra-Wide Band Worldwide Radio Homologation

Ultra-Wide Band has found increasing use case in Indoor and Outdoor location tracking systems. An interesting application of UWB lies in preventing vehicle thefts that use relay attacks on conventional passive entry passive start electronic systems. Due to very large bandwidth ranging from 3 GHz to 10 GHz in case of UWB, the worldwide radio homologation authorities are challenged to come out with appropriate test and approval processes to limit the growing interference and ensure unified and compatible systems throughout the globe. Having worked on global RF regulatory approval processes for over five years in Short Range Devices (SRD) namely for Car Access and Passive Entry (CAPE) products, the authors have gained important insights about the peculiar needs of the industry, regulatory bodies and test laboratories. The paper discusses challenges faced by the authors while working with global and national regulatory agencies of multiple countries in terms of available standard, test infrastructure, interpretation of regulations, validity of homologation certificates in a way to guide new Tier-1 suppliers as well as OEMs. The viewpoint is that of a product developer than that of a regulatory body. There is no comprehensive literature that exists as guidance for emerging suppliers wishing to sell their RF products globally. This paper shall serve as easy to use reference and concise guidelines to develop and sell RF products globally whilst meeting the challenging UWB radio homologation requirements.