Ultra Wideband in Europe

The European Commision has issued an EC Decision which specifies the technical conditions under which UWB devices can operate in Europe. The Decision covers the use of UWB devices in mass-market consumer electronics applications.

UWB devices can use the 6.0 - 8.5 GHz band with a maximum mean power density of -41.3 dBm/MHz EIRP. This is the same level as used in the U.S. UWB signals must have a minimum bandwidth of 50 MHz.

The band 3.4 - 4.8 GHz may also be used with a maximum mean power density of -41.3 dBm/MHz EIRP, provided that a low duty cycle restriction is applied. The low duty cycle restriction is defined as a maximum transmission time of 5% of the time each second and a maximum of 0.5% of the time each hour. Individual UWB transmission bursts may not exceed 5 milliseconds.

The band 4.2 - 4.8 GHz may be used without a low duty cycle restriction until December 31^st, 2010.

A complete definition of the maximum mean power density (eirp) is given in the graph below.

Maximum mean EIRP for UWB in Europe.

For automotive Short Range Radar, there are 2 frequency bands available (24 GHz and 79 GHz). See further SRR.

Specific regulations for other types of UWB, such as for ground penetrating radar and building material analysis are still being considered.