Infineon Supercharges Connectivity with 3db Access UWB Mastery

On October 17, 2023, Infineon Technologies made a significant announcement of its acquisition of the Swiss-based tech startup, 3db Access AG (3db). Renowned for its pioneering role in the realm of secure and low-power Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, 3db has emerged as the primary IP supplier of choice for leading automotive brands. This strategic acquisition serves to bolster Infineon's semiconductor product portfolio, enhancing its capabilities in the fields of secure smart access, precise positioning, and advanced sensing technologies.

Infineon will seamlessly integrate UWB into its existing range of connectivity products, which include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth/Low Energy Bluetooth, and NFC solutions. The initial applications for this technology will span across the Internet of Things (IoT) spectrum, encompassing secure access and authentication, precise location tracking, indoor navigation, and presence detection using UWB radar.

Notably, Infineon has acquired 100% of 3db's shares, with the financial terms of the transaction remaining confidential.

Mr. Thomas Rosteck, President of Infineon Technologies' Secure Connectivity Systems Division, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "3db's deep expertise in UWB technology is set to accelerate Infineon's trajectory within the IoT sector, fully capitalizing on the burgeoning market opportunities for secure interconnected devices. The synergy between the two companies will expedite the widespread adoption of UWB technology, addressing the diverse needs of IoT applications in the automotive, industrial, and consumer sectors."

An interesting forecast from ABI Research projects a robust 13% annual growth rate for the UWB semiconductor chipset market, with an estimated market value of approximately $31 billion by the year 2028. Mr. Rosteck also pointed out, "Now, we can offer complete system solutions with unique attributes, such as low power consumption, enhanced physical layer security, feature-rich RF front-end configurations, and location-optimized hardware architecture."

Mr. Boris Danev, Co-founder and CEO of 3db Access AG, commented on the acquisition, saying, "As smartphone manufacturers embrace UWB functionality in their latest and forthcoming product generations, the demand for UWB-enabled devices is poised for substantial growth. Our mission is to enable smartphones and automobiles to harness the potential of this technology, integrating it seamlessly into low-power IoT devices. As a member of the Infineon family, we are committed to enhancing secure positioning and sensing capabilities to serve major IoT and automotive applications. We are evolving from an IP provider into a specialized team offering in-house wafer fabrication solutions."

In the dynamic and rapidly expanding UWB market, where manufacturers' demands are on the rise, suppliers are actively pursuing differentiation through their research endeavors. Infineon and 3db, by combining their specialized expertise, are poised to bring increased value to their customer base.

3db Access AG, originally an offshoot of the Zurich Federal Institute of Technology, maintains a strategic partnership with the institution. In addition to enhancing collaboration with relevant standardization bodies in the secure positioning and sensing domains, Infineon plans to further strengthen this relationship.

Moreover, Infineon's significant market presence is supported by a robust commitment to research and development. With 59 global research and development centers, over 31,000 patents, and a dedication to reinvesting 13% of annual revenue into R&D activities, the company is well-positioned to drive innovation in the field.