Japan's UWB Finally Takes Off With Upcoming UWB-enabled Devices

Aug 3, 2006 15:11 Hiroki Yomogita, Nikkei Electronics

The radio technique using ultra wideband "UWB" has been finally approved in Japan. The news was announced in the official gazette of the Japanese government dated August 1, 2006.

Japan follows the US where the regulations on UWB have been eased since February 2002. In the wake of the approval, UWB-enabled devices are allowed for sale in Japan. Such devices are expected to debut on the Japanese market as early as the end of 2006 to early 2007.

The announcement relates to "radio transmission equipment of radio station using ultra wideband radio system." The allocated frequency bands are from 3.4 to 4.8 GHz and from 7.25 to 10.25 GHz. As for the 3.4-4.8 GHz band, it is required to use a technology to reduce interference with other radio services, although temporary measures are taken until the end of December 2008 to permit the use of the 4.2-4.8 GHz band without an interference reduction technology.

The average transmission power is limited to -41.3 dBm/MHz or lower (the peak value is set to 0dBm/50MHz or lower) on both bands. As for the devices without an interference technology that uses the 3.4-4.8 GHz band, however, the average transmission power is limited to -70 dBm/MHz or lower (the peak value is set to -30dBm/50MHz or lower). Communication and modulation methods are not specified. Transmission speed of 50 Mbps or higher is required for the radio equipment, although lower speeds are permitted in order to avoid interference of noise.

Commenting on the future plans, an official of Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications explains as follows. "First, we will promote discussions to define the interference reduction technology. Then, we will discuss approval of sensor applications, for example, distance measurement. Although the latest announcement was limited to the approval of indoor usage, outdoor usage must also be discussed. In addition, we plan to set up a working group to discuss regulations on the 24 GHz band for use in automotive radars."

24 Hours | 7 Days