Project Details

BU03-Kit Development Board (Hardware Section 1)

——AndyL

1. Hardware Overview

1.1 About BU03-Kit

The BU03-Kit is a UWB development board based on the BU03 (DW3000) module and powered by an STM32F103C8T6 MCU. The BU03 module integrates an onboard antenna, RF circuitry, and power management.

It supports Two-Way Ranging (TWR) and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) positioning with up to 10 cm accuracy and a maximum data rate of 6.8 Mbps. Applications include IoT, mobile devices, wearables, and smart home solutions.

1.2 Key Features of BU03

• SMD-40 pin package
• Compliant with IEEE 802.15.4-2015 UWB and 802.15.4z (BPRF mode) standards
• Supports channels 5 and 9
• Integrated MAC layer for extended communication range
• Data rates: 850 Kbps and 6.8 Mbps
• Supports TWR, TDOA, and PDOA positioning
• 10 cm positioning accuracy
• High tag density support
• Integrated hardware AES 256 encryption
• SPI interface and 9 configurable GPIOs
• Programmable transmit power
• Sleep mode current <1 µA, ideal for coin cell battery solutions
• High-precision positioning
• Strong security
• Low interference with other communication technologies
• Low power consumption

Typical Power Consumption (@3.3V, 25°C):

1.3 Pin Definitions

Note : All GPIOs except SPICSn have internal pull-down resistors. SPICSn has an internal pull-up for safe operation when un-driven. Resistance varies with VDD (10kΩ at 1.8V to 30kΩ).

2. About the BU03 Module

The BU03 is an ultra-wideband (UWB) module based on Decawave’s DW3000 chip.

2.1 What is UWB?

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is a wireless technology that transmits data via very short pulses instead of traditional carriers. The shorter the pulse in the time domain, the wider its bandwidth in the frequency domain — often reaching GHz levels.

Key advantages of UWB:

UWB systems typically follow the IEEE 802.15.4z standard, using Impulse Radio techniques.

2.2 UWB Positioning Methods

Distance-based methods:

• TOA (Time of Arrival): Measures the signal’s travel time to compute distance; requires synchronization among devices.
• TWR (Two-Way Ranging):
  • SS-TWR (Single-Sided): One device measures the round-trip time; requires clock sync.
  • DS-TWR (Double-Sided): Both devices measure and exchange timing information; compensates clock offsets for ±2cm accuracy.
• TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival): Uses the arrival time differences at multiple anchors for hyperbolic positioning; only anchors need synchronization.
• AoA (Angle of Arrival): Measures the signal’s angle via antenna arrays.
• PDOA (Phase Difference of Arrival): Uses phase differences; higher accuracy (±1°–5°).
• ADOA (Amplitude Difference of Arrival): Uses signal strength differences; lower cost but less accurate.

Angle-based methods:

2.3 Comparison with Other Positioning Technologies