Arduino ASX00074 Portenta UWB Shield

The Arduino ASX00074 Portenta UWB Shield is a compact, double-sided 70.1 mm × 37.5 mm board designed to interface directly with the Portenta C33 and operate as a UWB base station for ranging and real-time location services. It integrates the Truesense DCU150 module, which is built around the NXP Trimension SR150 UWB transceiver supporting IEEE 802.15.4z HRP operation across channels 5, 6, 8, and 9 in the 6.24 GHz to 8.24 GHz band.

The module includes three embedded PCB antennas, onboard power management, clocking, filtering, and a shielding can to reduce interference. It supports one-way and two-way ranging (TDoA), Angle of Arrival measurements, and up to 14.1 dBm EIRP at channel 9. With 1.8 VDC to 3.3 VDC level shifters and the dual high-density board-to-board connectors, ASX00074 plugs directly into the Portenta C33 board. The low-power modes and an operating range from −30 °C to +85 °C support continuous or duty-cycled positioning deployments.

Features of Arduino ASX00074 Portenta UWB Shield

The ASX00074 Portenta UWB Shield extends Portenta platforms with ultra-wideband ranging, positioning, and timing capabilities for real-time location systems and spatial measurements. Let’s go through its features in detail:

Board Architecture and System Integration

The ASX00074 is a double-sided UWB shield measuring 70.1 mm × 37.5 mm, designed to interface directly with the Portenta C33 through dual high-density board-to-board connectors. The Truesense DCU150 UWB module overhangs the bottom edge of the board, while signal and power routing are handled on the top side. Integrated 1.8 V to 3.3 V level shifters allow direct electrical compatibility, and an external 3.3 V supply is delivered through the connectors for stable operation.

UWB Transceiver and RF Capabilities

The DCU150 module is the central component of the shield, which integrates the NXP Trimension SR150 UWB transceiver. It operates under the IEEE 802.15.4z HRP UWB standard across channels 5, 6, 8, and 9 in the 6.24 GHz to 8.24 GHz band. The design supports one-way and two-way ranging (TDoA), Angle of Arrival measurements, and up to 14.1 dBm EIRP output power at channel 9. Three embedded PCB antennas provide integrated RF connectivity.

Processing, Timing, and Signal Handling

The module integrates an Arm Cortex-M33 32-bit processor running at 125 MHz with dedicated code, data, and ROM memory. Security and data movement are supported through Arm TrustZone technology and S-DMA. The onboard programmable BSP32 CoolFlux DSP core, with separate code and data memory, enables UWB signal processing. An integrated real-time clock supports the precise time synchronization required for RTLS applications.

Power Management, Shielding, and Environmental Range

Onboard power management, clock control, filtering, and peripheral components support efficient operation across different modes. Typical current consumption is approximately 5 mA during normal operation with a 200-ms ranging interval, dropping to around 30 µA in UWB deep power-down mode. Shielding can be positioned over the DCU150 module to reduce interference and improve RF stability. The shield is specified for operation across a −30 °C to +85 °C temperature range, supporting industrial and embedded deployments.

Applications

The Arduino ASX00074 Portenta UWB Shield is used in applications that require accurate distance, position, and timing measurements using ultra-wideband radio. In smart logistics, this module enables asset tracking, pallet localization, and automated warehouse navigation using two-way ranging and TDoA. The precision proximity sensing supports collision avoidance, geofencing, and human–machine interaction in industrial environments. 

High-precision RTLS systems leverage UWB ranging and Angle of Arrival data for sub-meter localization in factories, hospitals, and campuses. In industrial applications, the shield supports equipment tracking, tool positioning, and process optimization. For access control and secure payments, UWB-based ranging provides spatial authentication, distance bounding, and resistance to relay attacks, compared to conventional RF technologies.