Swiss technology company u-blox has introduced the XPLR-AOA-1 explorer kit, a comprehensive solution for evaluating and experimenting with Bluetooth 5.1 direction-finding technology using angle-of-arrival (AoA). The kit includes an antenna board (C211), a tag (C209), and the u-connectLocate software with an optimized direction-finding algorithm, enabling users to explore and implement this cutting-edge technology in various applications.
Key features of the XPLR-AOA-1 explorer kit include:
- Evaluation of Bluetooth 5.1 Direction Finding: The kit allows users to assess the capabilities of Bluetooth 5.1 direction finding by leveraging angle-of-arrival technology.
- Antenna Board and Tag: The kit comprises the C211 antenna board and the C209 tag, providing the necessary hardware components for experimenting with AoA technology.
- u-connectLocate Software: Equipped with the u-connectLocate software, the kit incorporates an optimized direction-finding algorithm for high-resolution angle calculations in two dimensions.
- Bluetooth 5.1 Technology: The C209 tag, based on the NINA-B406 Bluetooth LE module, transmits Bluetooth 5.1 advertisement messages, while the C211 antenna board, equipped with a NINA-B411 Bluetooth LE module, receives and calculates the angles using the embedded MCU.
- No additional processing is required: The u-connectLocate software running on the embedded MCU in NINA-B411 performs angle calculations, and the results are delivered directly from the USB port of the C211 board, eliminating the need for additional processing.
The AoA technology functions by using an anchor point with an antenna array connected to a Bluetooth receiver to detect the direction or angle of a moving tag transmitting a signal with a constant tone extension (CTE).
Applications of the XPLR-AOA-1 kit are diverse, ranging from detecting objects approaching a door, tracking goods passing through a gate, preventing collisions between automated guided vehicles, and enabling a camera to follow a moving asset within a room. Furthermore, by combining multiple XPLR-AOA-1 kits, users can create a positioning system by triangulating directions from three or more C211 boards.
The XPLR-AOA-1 explorer kit marks u-blox's commitment to providing innovative solutions for IoT and connectivity applications, offering a versatile tool for developers and engineers to explore and implement Bluetooth 5.1 direction-finding technology in real-world scenarios.
Click here to learn more about the XPLR-AOA-1 Explorer kit from u-blox.
Click here to learn more about Bluetooth direction-finding.
Click here to learn more about Angle of Arrival (AoA) with Bluetooth Technology.
