The RTLS chip: Why CHIRP excels

What is an RTLS chip?

Real-time location System (RTLS) chips are key components in RTLS technology. They enable the tracking and location of assets, people, or objects in real time.

RTLS chips are small electronic devices that serve as tags or transponders in RTLS systems. Their primary function is to transmit signals that allow the system to determine the precise location of the tagged item or person.

RTLS tags find applications across various industries, such as manufacturing and warehousing. The business cases include tracking equipment, materials, and work orders to optimize production processes, enhance inventory management, and optimize picking routes.

Technologies used in an RTLS chip

RTLS chips can utilize various wireless technologies, such as Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, active RFID, and GNSS. Each technology has advantages and strengths and optimally fits certain business cases:

• UWB: High accuracy (10-30cm) and robustness in challenging environments
• BLE: Good accuracy and low power consumption
• Wi-Fi: Leverages existing Wi-Fi infrastructure for location tracking
• Active RFID: Uses battery-powered tags for longer-range tracking
• GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System): For outdoor tracking applications.

Key features like accuracy, power consumption, update rates and size differentiate the above-mentioned technologies:

• Accuracy: Depending on the technology used, RTLS chips can provide location data with accuracy ranging from a few centimetres to several meters.
• Power Consumption: Many RTLS chips are designed for low power consumption to extend battery life, which is especially important for long-term deployments.
• Update Rate: RTLS chips can provide location updates at varying frequencies, from continuous real-time tracking to periodic updates.
• Size: RTLS chips are typically small and compact, allowing for easy attachment to assets or integration into wearable devices.

The main components of an RTLS chip

RTLS chips are sophisticated electronic components that form the core of Real-Time Location System devices. An RTLS chip typically consists of a microprocessor or microcontroller, a wireless communication module, an antenna, a power source (battery for active tags, or energy harvesting for passive tags), and sensors (optional, for additional data collection). Let's go a bit more into the details here to understand the performance parameters fully:

• Microprocessor/Microcontroller: The microprocessor or microcontroller serves as the brain of the RTLS chip. It processes incoming signals and data, controls the timing of signal transmissions, manages power consumption, and executes algorithms for location calculation.
• Wireless Communication Module: This component enables the chip to transmit and receive signals. It can support various wireless technologies like UWB, BLE, Wi-Fi, or RFID; additionally, it handles signal modulation and demodulation and may include multiple antennas for improved performance.
• Antenna: The antenna is crucial for transmitting and receiving signals. The design varies based on the wireless technology used. The antenna may be integrated into the chip package or external, and multiple antennas can be used for improved accuracy and range.
• Power Management Unit: This component manages the chip's power consumption as it regulates voltage for different chip components. The PMU implements power-saving modes to extend battery life and controls wake-up and sleep cycles.
• Memory: RTLS chips include various types of memory: ROM for storing firmware, RAM for temporary data storage and processing, and Flash memory for configuration settings and data logging.
• Sensors: Many RTLS chips incorporate additional sensors like accelerometers for motion detection, gyroscopes for orientation sensing, and temperature sensors for environmental monitoring.
• Clock: A precise clock is essential for timing operations because it synchronizes transmissions and receptions of signals. It is critical for time-based localization techniques like Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA).
• Security Module:  As RTLS chips handle sensitive location data, security is vital. The security module implements encryption for data transmission, provides secure storage for cryptographic keys, and may include tamper detection mechanisms.
• Interfaces: RTLS chips often include interfaces for external connections. One type are serial interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C) for communication with other devices, another GPIO that pins for additional functionality. Additionally, there are programming and debugging interfaces.

The specific components and their capabilities can vary depending on the intended application, the wireless technology used, and the level of integration required.

CHIRP as an alternative RTLS chip

Besides the above-mentioned technologies, there is CHIRP. CHIRP (Chirp Spread Spectrum) is an advanced radio frequency technology used in RTLS and wireless communication. So, what is CHIRP chip technology? In brief, it uses spread spectrum technique where frequency increases or decreases over time, operates on the 2.45 GHz ISM band, provides long-range communication capabilities, and offers strong resistance to interference and multipath fading.

The advantages of CHIRP are a long transmission range compared to traditional modulation methods, high receiving sensitivity (up to -129 dBm), strong anti-interference capabilities, low power consumption, especially in receiving mode, adjustable bandwidth and spread spectrum factor.

In fact, CHIRP is not an unknown RTLS chip alternative. Besides RTLS, it is used in applications such as asset tracking and management, industrial automation and control, smart buildings and home automation, agricultural monitoring, underground mining operations, and even livestock tracking.

The key components are very similar to other RTLS chips (Microprocessor for signal processing, wireless communication module supporting CHIRP modulation, antenna system, and a power management unit).

How does CHIRP compare to traditional RF technologies?

CHIRP technology offers several key advantages over traditional RF technologies. Here is a short overview:

• Range and Penetration: CHIRP provides longer transmission range compared to traditional modulation methods, with some implementations achieving ranges up to 570 meters between devices. Additionally, it offers better penetration through obstacles due to its spread spectrum nature.
• Interference Resistance: CHIRP has strong anti-interference capabilities, making it more robust in noisy RF environments. It's resistant to multipath fading, which is beneficial in complex indoor environments.
• Power Efficiency: CHIRP offers low power consumption, especially in receiving mode. This makes it suitable for battery-powered devices and long-term deployments.
• Doppler Tolerance: CHIRP is resistant to the Doppler effect, making it effective for applications involving high-speed movement.
• Flexibility: CHIRP allows for adjustable bandwidth and spread spectrum factor, providing flexibility for different applications.
• Licensing: CHIRP operates on the 2.45 GHz ISM band, requiring no spectrum license for outdoor use, unlike some other RF technologies.
• Data Rate and Accuracy: While CHIRP typically offers lower data rates (up to 2 Mbit/s in some implementations) compared to some high-speed RF technologies, it provides sufficient bandwidth for many IoT and industrial applications. CHIRP can achieve location accuracy of 1-2 meters, which is suitable for tracking various industrial assets and vehicles.
• Versatility: CHIRP can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications, making it versatile for various scenarios like underground mining, railway operations, and livestock monitoring.

These characteristics make CHIRP particularly well-suited for applications requiring long-range, low-power communication and precise location tracking in challenging environments. However, for applications requiring very high data rates or extreme precision, other RF technologies might be more appropriate.

“Identec can provide the best possible location accuracy and reliability even in harsh environments full of metal installations. We could achieve this outstanding performance by combining our Identec Solutions’ Position Engine with Inpixon’s fantastic Chirp Radio Technology. With Asset Agent, factories become Smarter Factories. ”

Christian Aadal, Product Manager and VP Sales Smart Manufacturing at Identec Solutions

Future Trends

The RTLS market is expected to grow significantly, with advancements focusing on improved accuracy and range, lower power consumption for extended battery life, miniaturization of chips for more versatile applications, and integration with other IoT technologies for enhanced functionality. RTLS chips continually evolve, offering businesses powerful tools for real-time asset tracking and management across various industries. We can expect to see even more innovative applications and improved performance as technology advances.

FAQs

What is an RTLS chip, and how does it work?

An RTLS (Real-Time Location System) chip is a small electronic device that enables the real-time tracking and location of assets, people, or objects. These chips serve as tags or transponders, transmitting signals that allow an RTLS system to determine the precise location of the tagged item or person. They are used across various industries, such as manufacturing, warehousing, and healthcare, to optimize processes like inventory management, equipment tracking, and workflow monitoring.

What technologies do RTLS chips use, and what are their benefits?

RTLS chips utilize various wireless technologies, including Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, active RFID, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Each technology offers unique benefits: UWB provides high accuracy and is robust in challenging environments, BLE is known for low power consumption, Wi-Fi leverages existing infrastructure, active RFID allows for long-range tracking, and GNSS is ideal for outdoor applications. CHIRP (Chirp Spread Spectrum) is an emerging alternative, offering long-range communication, strong resistance to interference, and low power consumption.

How does CHIRP technology compare to traditional RF technologies in RTLS applications?

CHIRP technology offers several advantages over traditional RF technologies. It provides a longer transmission range (up to 570 meters) and better penetration through obstacles, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. CHIRP is also resistant to interference and multipath fading, which is beneficial in complex environments, such as industrial settings. Additionally, it features low power consumption, ideal for battery-powered devices, and offers flexibility with adjustable bandwidth and spread spectrum factors, making it versatile for various use cases, including underground mining, livestock monitoring, and asset tracking.

Takeaway

RTLS chips, particularly those based on advanced technologies like CHIRP, offer significant advantages for real-time asset tracking, including long-range communication, low power consumption, and strong resistance to interference. As industries seek more efficient ways to manage assets and improve operational workflows, leveraging cutting-edge RTLS solutions becomes essential.

Discover how our RTLS solution, Asset Agent, powered by CHIRP technology, can transform your asset management with precise location tracking, enhanced performance, and adaptability to any environment. Contact us today to learn more and see how Asset Agent can elevate your operations to the next level.

Delve deeper into one of our core topics: Real time location systems

Sources:

(1) Jocelyn Edinio Zacko Gbadoubissa, Ado Adamou Abba Ari, Emanuel Radoi, Abdelhak Mourad Gueroui. M-Ary Direct Modulation Chirp Spread Spectrum for Spectrally Efficient Communications. Information, 2023, 14 (6), pp.323.  10.3390/info14060323 .  https://hal.science/hal-04126099/document

(2) https://www.top-electronics.com/en/blog-suppliers/the-history-evolution-utility-of-chirp-spread-spectrum-inpixon