MARS

After 25-years, the ever-evolving innovation of Bluetooth® technology is once more on display with recent updates to the Bluetooth Core Specification, specifically Bluetooth 6.0. Among the most noteworthy advancements is the inclusion of Channel Sounding, a feature poised to revolutionize how devices characterize the propagation path between themselves and a connected peer to deliver secure fine ranging and correspondingly precise location. However, while this feature holds immense potential, it comes with its own set of challenges at the algorithmic level—challenges that Metirionic’s Advanced Ranging Stack (MARS) is uniquely positioned to address.

Bluetooth® 6.0 and Channel Sounding: A powerful specification requiring an equally powerful algorithm

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has introduced Channel Sounding as a pivotal feature in the Bluetooth 6.0 specification, aiming to enhance the accuracy of positioning and distance estimation in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices. This feature allows devices to gather detailed data about the signal’s journey between them, providing critical information for applications requiring precise location services.

However, it is essential to clarify a crucial point highlighted by the Bluetooth SIG: the new Channel Sounding feature does not, on its own, provide distance results. Instead, the onus is on application developers and Bluetooth integrators to process the channel sounding data—specifically the Phase Correction Term (PCT) data, which includes In-phase and Quadrature-phase (I/Q) values—and derive accurate distance measurements from it. This leaves developers facing the daunting task of creating complex algorithms to interpret these results. For more information, you can refer to the Bluetooth SIG’s Channel Sounding overview.

MARS bridges the gap between Channel Sounding data and precise distance measurement

Metirionic recognizes the opportunity posed by the new Bluetooth 6.0 specification and from its founding in 2013, has been developing a comprehensive solution for secure fine ranging. Introducing MARS, a highly configurable middleware designed and optimized to support Channel Sounding using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

MARS takes the raw data provided by the Bluetooth Channel Sounding procedure and transforms it into actionable insights with minimal data computational requirements. By processing the PCT data containing I/Q values, MARS enables devices to accurately estimate distances and determine the angle of arrival, paving the way for advanced applications in digital key systems, precise positioning, proximity sensing, and navigation.

For a detailed look into the features introduced in Bluetooth 6.0, including Channel Sounding, please visit the Bluetooth Core Specification 6 Feature Overview.

Real-World Performance Results

At Metirionic, we are committed to ensuring that our solutions meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. To that end, we’ve conducted extensive testing with BLE modules from MinewSemi, based on InPlay’s BLE device IN612LE. Our tests have shown that, under optimal conditions, MARS can achieve an accuracy of 10 to 20 cm in distance measurements. However, it’s important to note that these results can vary depending on the RF environment, as the physics of RF radio wave propagation cannot be cheated.

Stay tuned for more revealing performance results in our upcoming article where we will dive deeper into the achievable accuracy of MARS in different environments, providing valuable insights for developers and integrators. Want to know more now, great, we are ready to share our results, just reach out. We also make it easy to run our ranging software with your hardware.

Why MARS is of high interest to developers and integrators

The flexibility of MARS makes it an indispensable tool for developers aiming to integrate advanced localization technologies into their products. Whether you’re developing applications for consumer electronics, industrial automation, or smart infrastructure, MARS provides a powerful platform that simplifies the implementation of precise positioning and navigation features.

In complex environments where traditional methods of localization often fall short, MARS stands out as a robust solution. Its ability to accurately interpret the results of the Bluetooth Channel Sounding procedure means that developers can now focus on innovation, confident in the knowledge that their distance estimation and positioning functionalities are built on a solid foundation.

Unlock the full potential of Bluetooth® 6.0 with MARS

As the Bluetooth® ecosystem continues to expand, marching quickly towards 7B+ device annual shipments, the need for precise and reliable positioning solutions has never been greater. With the introduction of Channel Sounding the possibilities are vast—but only if developers have the right implementation. MARS offers an easy to integrate algorithm that converts complex channel sounding data into precise distance and positioning information.

For companies looking to stay ahead in the competitive field of location-based services, MARS is not just an option; it’s the solution. Explore how MARS can transform your Bluetooth®-enabled products and position your company at the forefront of innovation.

Learn more about Metirionic’s MARS and how it can empower your next Bluetooth® development project and contact us.