How does Bluetooth Channel Sounding differ from UWB ranging?
Bluetooth Channel Sounding, added in Core 6.0 in September 2024, is a secure ranging feature built mainly on phase-based ranging: it measures phase difference across up to 72 channels spaced 1 MHz apart, with round-trip timing as a cross-check against relay attacks. Published accuracy is in the centimetre class — early implementations around ±20 cm, with industry figures of about ±0.3 m within 5 m and ±0.5 m beyond. UWB uses nanosecond pulses to measure time of flight and angle of arrival, giving centimetre ranging plus direction. Channel Sounding works on the existing Bluetooth radio; UWB needs dedicated hardware but delivers higher accuracy and true direction finding.
Key points
- Channel Sounding uses phase-based ranging across up to 72 channels
- Round-trip timing cross-check defends against relay attacks
- Accuracy in the centimetre class, roughly ±0.3 m within 5 m
- UWB measures time of flight and angle of arrival with dedicated hardware
- Channel Sounding reuses the Bluetooth radio, so no second antenna system
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