??What is UWB?

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Vehicles now use 4G LTE for real-time data, improving navigation accuracy and efficiency, and helping electric vehicle (EV) drivers locate charging stations.

Infotainment systems connect via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi for personalized experiences, such as music streaming and smartphone app mirroring.

UWB leverages Time of Flight (ToF), which is a method for measuring the distance between two radio transceivers by multiplying the Time of Flight of the signal by the speed of light. From this basic principle, UWB technology can be implemented in different ways based on the target applications needs: Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA), Two Way Ranging, or Phase Difference of Arrival (PDoA).

In terms of data rates, UWB vs. other protocols

Source1, Source2, Source3, Source4

Ultra wide band(UWB) technology offers more secure, fast, and efficient connectivity. Some applications include: Secure Smart Key Access, In-Cabin Occupant Detection, Gesture Recognition, Parking Assistance.

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is considered more secure than other wireless protocols for several key reasons:

1. Precise Distance Measurement: UWB technology measures the "time of flight" (ToF) of signals with high accuracy, allowing it to determine the exact distance between devices. This precision makes it difficult for attackers to spoof signals and trick systems into believing a legitimate device (such as a car key) is nearby when it is not.
2. Low Susceptibility to Relay Attacks: Unlike traditional wireless technologies like Bluetooth or RFID, which can be vulnerable to relay attacks (where signals are intercepted and relayed to fool a system), UWB's precise distance measurement and rapid signal exchange make such attacks much harder to execute. Any delay introduced by an attacker is easily detectable, making relay attacks less feasible.
3. High Signal Resolution: UWB operates across a wide range of frequencies (typically 6-8 GHz for automotive applications), which enables it to detect and distinguish between very small movements or changes in signals. This capability makes it difficult for unauthorized devices to mimic or interfere with the legitimate UWB signal.

Researchers from GoGoByte showed a way to attack Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology called “UWB accurate deafening.” They tested whether they could disrupt communication by recording the signals between two devices, like an iPhone and an AirTag, and then sending fake signals at the right moment. In their tests, they successfully messed up the connection between the iPhone and AirTag. One way to mitigate such attack is to introducer a random time delay on both ends so it becomes impossible for the attacker to predict the response time of messages.

Slides from GoGoByte research:

Source

1. From Key Fob to UWB: Explaining and Securing Ultra-Wideband in Vehicles
2. NXP Semiconductors: How Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology Can Protect Your Vehicle From Theft
3. Qorvo: UWB-Based Secure Access and Precision Ranging Technology
4. TechTarget: Ultra-Wideband: The Next Generation of Wireless Connectivity?
5. Autotrader: Why UWB Technology is Safer for Your Car Key
6. Digi-Key: Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Explained: Benefits and Uses
7. EE Times: The Security Advantages of Ultra-Wideband Technology