Build a Indoor UWB Positioning System with ESP32 and DWM3000

Traditional GPS struggles indoors due to signal attenuation by walls and ceilings. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology overcomes this by measuring the time it takes for radio pulses to travel between devices, achieving centimeter-level accuracy. This UWB Indoor Positioning System using ESP32 demonstrates how to build a UWB indoor positioning system using the Qorvo DWM3000 UWB module and ESP32 microcontrollers, capable of tracking devices with 10 cm precision.

Components Required

• Qorvo DWM3000 UWB Module: Provides high-accuracy location and ranging capabilities.
• ESP32-WROOM Development Board: Handles SPI communication and processing.
• Micro-USB Cables: For programming and powering each ESP32.
• Breadboard / PCB: For mounting and connecting the DWM3000 with ESP32.
• 5V USB Power Source / Power Bank: To power each ESP32 module.

How It Works

• Anchor Placement: Position 3 or more UWB anchors at known locations in your environment to ensure optimal coverage.
• Tag Initialization: The mobile UWB positioning device (tag) initiates ranging with the anchors.
• Distance Measurement: Using Double-Sided Two-Way Ranging (DS-TWR), distances between the tag and anchors are measured.
• Trilateration: With distances to at least three anchors, the tag's position is determined using trilateration.
• Data Transmission: The tag sends distance or raw timing data over Wi-Fi or serial to a computer.
• Position Calculation: A Python script processes the data to compute and visualize the tag's position in real-time.

Future Upgrades

• Extended Range: Implementing more anchors to cover larger areas.
• Enhanced Visualization: Developing more sophisticated visualization tools for better user experience.
• Integration with Other Systems: Connecting the positioning system with other IoT devices for automation purposes.

For more indepth tuttorial : DIY UWB Indoor Positioning System using ESP32 and Qorvo DWM3000