DWM3001CDK AoA capabilities and MCU integration

Wireless Connectivity Ultra-Wideband
1

Hello,
I’m new to UWB ranging systems, and I’m trying to determine which module or development kit is the most suitable for evaluating and implementing AoA while being able to interface with an external MCU such as an ESP32.

From what I understand, some modules (like the DWM3000) support standard ranging but not AoA, and others (such as the DWM3001CDK) seem to support AoA only through specific hardware add-ons.

Could you please clarify which current Qorvo module or devkit is recommended for:

  1. Performing AoA measurements, and
  2. Allowing direct integration with an external MCU over SPI or another serial interface?

I’d appreciate any guidance on this topic,
Thank you!

2

Hello,

We have 2 kits that could be useful:

  1. QM33120WDK1 - Qorvo - this has our QM33120W on an arduino shield compatible board connected to an nRF52840 DK. Antennas are included with the EVB and connected via SMA.
  2. Type 2AB | UWB Modules | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - this board has the Murata Type 2 AB module which contains the QM33120W and nRF52840. Antennas are printed on the PCB of the EVB.
3

to do AoA, the device needs two antenna.. the DWM3001CDK only has 1 antenna.. so it can do distance, but not AoA.. a dual antenna device can provide AoA from the 3001CDK signal.

connecting to an MCU is different
the FIRA CLI/UCI support USB connections. currently connected thru a python script.
the QANI support (Apple Nearby) is signal receiver only and uses BLE from the phone to send the commands to start the ranging session with the Apple Ux chip in the phone. the 3001CDK board has the pin headers and can connect thru the raspberry pi header.. but neither of the current ranging SW work thru the header.