DWM1001C - UWB Transceiver Module with nRF52832 | Qorvo
MPN: DWM1001C ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $64.55 | $64.55 |
| 10 | $62.5 | $625.00 |
| 100 | $59 | $5,900.00 |
| 500 | $55.5 | $27,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $52 | $52,000.00 |
DWM1001C Overview
An ultra-wideband transceiver module is a complete wireless subsystem that integrates an RF transceiver IC, antenna, timing references and often a host microcontroller into a single certified package. Within the wireless hierarchy, it sits above bare transceiver ICs (such as the DW1000) and below finished IoT devices, providing IEEE 802.15.4a UWB communication with centimeter-class ranging for real-time location systems (RTLS).
Key features include the DW1000 UWB transceiver IC implementing IEEE 802.15.4a on UWB Channel 5 (centered at 6.5 GHz), an integrated UWB antenna plus a Bluetooth antenna with all RF circuitry on-board, the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52832 SoC combining an ARM Cortex-M4 CPU with 512 kB flash and 64 kB RAM, and an integrated motion sensor. Production calibration is stored permanently in the DW1000 OTP memory, with the module calibrated to meet the regulatory power spectral density limit of -41.3 dBm/MHz.
The architecture pairs the DW1000 UWB PHY with the nRF52832 2.4 GHz wireless SoC over an internal interface, so a single module handles both precise two-way-ranging UWB positioning and low-power BLE connectivity. The supplied PANS firmware stack provides a two-way-ranging RTLS implementation supporting anchor, tag and gateway roles out of the box, significantly shortening time to market.
Typical applications include indoor asset tracking, RTLS anchors and tags, warehouse and logistics localization, and IoT sensor nodes that need both precise location and BLE backhaul. The certified module form factor (FCC compliant variant) removes the RF design and regulatory burden from the host PCB.
Design consideration: because the module is factory calibrated in production, avoid reworking or reflowing the module more times than the datasheet profile allows, and route no high-speed signals directly beneath the integrated UWB antenna keep-out area.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified Qorvo module family comparisons and practical RTLS design guidance not found in a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DWM1001C — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with DWM1001C (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Product Type, UWB Frequency Range, UWB Transceiver IC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DWM1001
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DWM1004C
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DWM3001C
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DWM1001C Specifications
| Product Type | UWB Transceiver Module with MCU and Motion Sensor |
| UWB Transceiver IC | DW1000 (IEEE 802.15.4a) |
| UWB Channel | Channel 5 (6.5 GHz) |
| UWB Frequency Range | 6240 MHz to 6739.2 MHz |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth v4.0 (BLE, 2.4 GHz) |
| Protocol Standards | IEEE 802.15.4 (UWB), Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Host MCU | Nordic nRF52832, ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Flash Memory | 512 kB |
| RAM | 64 kB |
| Motion Sensor | Integrated accelerometer |
| Antennas | Integrated UWB antenna and Bluetooth antenna |
| Power Spectral Density (calibrated) | less than -41.3 dBm/MHz |
| Calibration | Production calibrated; values stored in DW1000 OTP |
| Regulatory Certification | FCC compliant variant available |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
DWM1001C standard Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DWM1001C (standard package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for DWM1001C.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DWM1001C is suitable for 6 applications: Indoor Asset Tracking (RTLS Tags and Anchors), Warehouse and Logistics Localization, Healthcare Equipment and Patient/Asset Tracking, Smart Building and Occupancy Sensing (IoT), Robotics and Autonomous Navigation, Sports and Athlete Performance Tracking.
Indoor Asset Tracking (RTLS Tags and Anchors)
The DWM1001C is purpose-built for indoor real-time location systems: its DW1000 UWB transceiver provides centimeter-class two-way ranging under IEEE 802.15.4a on Channel 5 (6.5 GHz), far exceeding the meter-level accuracy of BLE AoA or Wi-Fi RSSI approaches. In tag applications, the integrated accelerometer wakes the module only when movement is detected, extending battery life, while BLE 4.0 handles provisioning and data offload. In anchor applications, the nRF52832 (512 kB flash, 64 kB RAM) runs the PANS RTLS stack and a backhaul interface simultaneously. Placed on a powered anchor PCB or a coin-cell tag, the module's factory calibration stored in DW1000 OTP guarantees consistent ranging performance across the whole deployment without per-unit RF tuning.
Recommended
Warehouse and Logistics Localization
In warehouse and logistics environments, the DWM1001C enables pallet and forklift tracking at zone-or-shelf level accuracy. The module's two-way-ranging capability penetrates metallic racking better than optical or 2.4 GHz-only systems, and the integrated dual antennas (UWB Channel 5 plus BLE) mean one certified component covers both positioning and connectivity. Using PANS gateway nodes, position data streams over BLE or the nRF52832's interfaces to warehouse management systems. The FCC-compliant module certification simplifies deployment across multiple sites, and the -41.3 dBm/MHz calibrated power spectral density ensures regulatory compliance without extra RF design. Battery-powered tags benefit from the motion sensor for duty-cycled operation, while fixed anchors use the same footprint for a single spare-part inventory.
Recommended
Healthcare Equipment and Patient/Asset Tracking
Hospitals track infusion pumps, wheelchairs and mobile diagnostic equipment using DWM1001C-based tags and room-level anchors. UWB's centimeter-class ranging at 6.5 GHz allows separation of equipment in adjacent rooms, which RSSI-based BLE systems cannot achieve reliably. The BLE 4.0 radio lets tags report status and sensor data to smartphones for workflows such as maintenance checks, while the accelerometer detects movement or drops. Because the module is a certified, factory-calibrated unit with PSD below -41.3 dBm/MHz, medical device manufacturers avoid in-house RF qualification for each product revision. The nRF52832's 512 kB flash leaves room for device-specific firmware, and UWB's very low power spectral density coexists with hospital telemetry equipment without meaningful interference.
Recommended
Smart Building and Occupancy Sensing (IoT)
For smart buildings, the DWM1001C functions as both a precise presence/localization node and a BLE IoT endpoint. The nRF52832 runs the application and BLE stack while the DW1000 provides zone-accurate occupancy detection for HVAC control, space utilization analytics and access zoning. The integrated accelerometer adds vibration/tamper sensing without extra BOM. Modules flash-programmed as PANS anchors form a positioning infrastructure, and BLE beacons from the same modules serve asset tags simultaneously. Because every unit ships factory calibrated with values in DW1000 OTP, large multi-floor installations achieve uniform ranging accuracy. The surface-mount castellated module supports standard reflow assembly, letting building-sensor manufacturers treat UWB as a drop-in subsystem rather than an RF design effort.
Recommended
Robotics and Autonomous Navigation
Autonomous mobile robots and AGVs use DWM1001C-based UWB anchors installed along the facility and tag modules on the vehicles for absolute indoor positioning where GPS is unavailable. The DW1000's two-way ranging on Channel 5 supplies repeatable position fixes that complement wheel odometry and lidar SLAM, correcting drift over long runs. The module's BLE link streams position and telemetry to fleet software, and the motion sensor supports safety functions such as impact detection. With the PANS firmware providing anchor, tag and gateway roles out of the box, integrators can build a positioning layer without developing UWB MAC software. Factory calibration in DW1000 OTP ensures the vehicle-mounted and fixed modules exchange symmetric ranging performance.
Recommended
Sports and Athlete Performance Tracking
Wearable sports trackers leverage the DWM1001C to measure athlete position, speed and distance with decimeter-class accuracy around pitches and tracks, where GPS multipath degrades data quality. The UWB tag on the athlete ranges against perimeter anchors via the DW1000 on Channel 5, while the nRF52832 fuses the integrated accelerometer data for gait and impact analytics and streams results over BLE 4.0 to coach tablets. The module's small surface-mount footprint and castellated pads fit low-profile wearable enclosures, and its motion sensor enables sleep/wake power gating that stretches coin-cell runtime across multiple sessions. Factory calibration and FCC-compliant module certification let wearable manufacturers ship globally without per-design radio certification.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DWM1001C — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DWM1001 | DWM1004C | DWM3001C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | Surface-mount castellated UWB module | Same family surface-mount module footprint | Same family surface-mount module footprint | DWM3001 family surface-mount module footprint (review required) |
| Brand | Qorvo (DecaWave) | Qorvo (DecaWave) | Qorvo (DecaWave) | Qorvo (DecaWave ScenSor) |
| UWB Standard | IEEE 802.15.4a (Ch 5, 6.5 GHz) | IEEE 802.15.4a (Ch 5, 6.5 GHz) | IEEE 802.15.4a (Ch 5, 6.5 GHz) | IEEE 802.15.4z (ScenSor generation) |
| Supplied Firmware Stack | PANS (TWR RTLS stack: anchor/tag/gateway) | PANS (TWR RTLS stack) | TDoA tag firmware | ScenSor/802.15.4z stack |
| Regulatory Certification | FCC compliant module, PSD < -41.3 dBm/MHz | Certified module | Certified module | Certified module |
Key Differentiators
- Complete RTLS subsystem with certified BLE + UWB in one module (vs DW1000)
- Two-way-ranging RTLS firmware supplied (PANS) (vs DWM1004C)
- NFC antenna integrated for touch-to-provision (vs DWM1001)
Design Notes
Keep the module's antenna keep-out areas (UWB Channel 5 antenna and BLE antenna) free of copper, ground plane and plastic hardware on the host PCB. Per the DWM1001 datasheet the module is factory calibrated to meet the -41.3 dBm/MHz PSD regulatory limit; mounting near metal or ground pour under the antennas detunes them and can push the deployed product out of compliance. Follow the Qorvo recommended host-PCB land pattern and reflow profile exactly, and limit reflow cycles since OTP calibration data cannot be re-verified in the field.
Provide a clean, well-decoupled supply rail at the module's VDD pins; UWB transmission draws short, high peak currents during ranging frames, and supply droop directly degrades DW1000 timestamp accuracy, which translates into ranging error. Place bulk and high-frequency ceramic decoupling close to the module supply pads. For battery tags, exploit the integrated motion sensor to keep the module in deep sleep and range only on movement, matching the power strategy used in the PANS tag firmware.
Do not assume PANS two-way-ranging firmware behavior carries over unchanged to other module family members: DWM1004C ships with TDoA tag code and DWM3001C uses the 802.15.4z ScenSor stack, so anchor/tag infrastructures are not interchangeable across these modules. Also verify regional regulations beyond FCC - UWB PSD limits differ by region, and the FCC-compliant DWM1001C variant must be re-evaluated for other markets. Use the DWM1001-DEV and MDEK1001 kit to validate the full anchor/tag network topology before committing to production PCBs.
Compliance Information
FCC-compliant module variant confirmed by DigiKey/Mouser listings; module calibrated to PSD < -41.3 dBm/MHz per datasheet. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not stated in provided data.
