Bluetooth® Channel Sounding Provides Sub-Meter Accuracy to Drive Secure Fine Ranging

Bluetooth® Channel Sounding is a new protocol stack designed to enable secure and precise distance measurement between two Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) connected devices. By offering true distance awareness, Bluetooth® Channel Sounding enhances the accuracy and security of Bluetooth device-ranging capabilities.

By helping to estimate the distance between two devices, Bluetooth Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) opened the door for a new wave of applications. From solutions to help locate devices like phones or tablets to digital security enhancements like geofencing, Bluetooth technology has enhanced the convenience and simplicity of everyday tasks. The challenge, however, is that Bluetooth RSSI has relied on estimations to determine location. RSSI is also susceptible to issues like multipath and obstruction which can significantly reduce accuracy. Bluetooth® Channel Sounding addresses this by improving the accuracy to sub-meter and enhancing the security of Bluetooth device ranging capabilities.

Silicon Labs’ new xG24 Radio Board and Pro Kit, available to order now, provides a fast and efficient way to create and prototype products using Bluetooth® Channel Sounding for precise distance estimation. The kit includes a BRD4198A EFR32xG24 2.4 GHz +10dBm Radio Board, a Sleeve Dipole Antenna, and reference designs.