FAQ’s - Frequently Asked Questions

Company

Does Pozyx work with (local) partners?

Yes we do. Pozyx has a global eco-system of trusted preferred partners that each have their expertise and proven skills in specific industries, solutions and applications and geographies. The certified and authorized partners know the Pozyx products and offering through and through, they have a trained staff and have experience to implement Pozyx RTLS projects and use cases.

Why Pozyx?

Pozyx is a hardware/software solution that provides accurate positioning and motion information to fuel RTLS (real-time location system) based on UWB technology. Pozyx offers RTLS UWB Enterprise kits and solutions for permanent installations. The Creator kit remains available for hobbyists and small scale university test projects. Pozyx has been in business since 2015 and has over 10 years of UWB experience. Pozyx helps to shape the industry through membership and active participation in standardization initiatives such as Omlox.

Enterprise

How many tags does a Pozyx Enterprise system support?

Enterprise anchors support a virtually unlimited number of tags. The Enterprise product line is developed for scalability and robustness. The Pozyx anchors designed on well-engineered hardware for superior UWB signal processing and reception work well in even the most demanding environments and are easy to install.

What do I need for positioning in the Enterprise system?

An Enterprise RTLS exists of 3 components: Tags, which are devices of which the position will be tracked. They send out a signal which will be used to calculate their position. A network of anchors, which are devices mounted on fixed locations. They capture the signal from the tags and forward these signals to the gateway. A gateway: The brains of the RTLS. This device will calculate a position based on the input it receives from the anchors.

Creator

What do I need for positioning in the Creator kit?

A Creator RTLS exists of 3 components: Tags, which are devices of which the position will be tracked. A network of anchors, which are devices mounted on fixed locations. They communicate with the tags and allow them to calculate their position. A computer / Raspberry Pi / Arduino: This device will control the RTLS.

How many tags does a Creator Pozyx system support?

The answer depends on whether you have Creator or Enterprise anchors. With a Creator kit, you can also easily track multiple tags at the same time. One factor to keep in mind though, is that in a Creator system, more tags means a lower update rate per tag. In the Creator kits’ wireless TWR protocol, the update rate of max 60 Hz is divided between all tags equally. For Creator setups we thus advise the use of maximum 5 tags for high update rate applications and 10 tags for low update rate applications.

Technology

On which Arduino boards can the developer tag shield?

Pozyx developer tags are standalone hardware and do not need an Arduino to operate, nor are they based in any way on Arduino. For the majority of applications the best practice is to use our MQTT API rather than a library. However for some cases, the use of an Arduino with our Arduino library provides the ability for advanced customization. Pozyx developer tags therefore shield to the Arduino Uno and Mega, and also work on the Arduino Nano.

Does Pozyx work with Raspberry Pi?

Yes, in two ways. Pozyx developer tags connect to the raspberry pi via the included micro USB cable. On Raspberry Pi Creator setups, you can simply use our Python library to read out the tag’s position or for advanced custom development. Another alternative in both Creator and Enterprise setups is to simply use a micro USB cable from the Raspberry Pi to power the tag and access the tag’s position via our local cloud MQTT API. A Raspberry Pi can also be used to customize the payload of the UWB message and custom sensor data so other data could be sent from a tag to the positioning server.

What positioning techniques does Pozyx support?

The Pozyx Creator system only supports wireless TWR (two-way ranging). The Enterprise system supports TDOA. In addition the development of a high performance wired TWR, inverse TDOA, AOA, hybrids and more is ongoing. Contact sales@pozyx.io if you are looking for specific information on this topic.

What batteries does the Pozyx system use?

The developer tags used in both the Creator and Enterprise systems come delivered with a 1200 mAh powerbank. In Creator mode, developer tags use 180 mAh. In Enterprise mode they use between 0.1 and 10 mAh. Creator kit tags and anchors both use about 180 mA at max update rate, regardless of voltage. You can connect a battery of 3.3 to 9 V to the DC jack, 5 V pin or micro USB port to power your Pozyx device (tag or anchor – but anchors do not have a 5 V pin). Alternatively, you can also connect a 3.3 V battery to the VDD pin. Do NOT power Pozyx products directly on the VDD pin with over 3.3 V as this pin as well as the 3.3 V pin bypass the voltage regulator and your device will break if a voltage over 3.3 V is supplied here. When the tag is connected to an Arduino Uno board as a shield you can power the Uno board with a 5 to 12 V battery. Enterprise anchors are powered with PoE+ and cannot be battery powered. Custom tags for Enterprise setups can last years on single charges and are built for power efficiency. Contact the sales team for more info.

Is Pozyx related to Arduino?

No, but our developer tags are all designed to be able to shield unto an Arduino Uno/Mega. Both Creator and Enterprise systems have applications where Arduino can be used to develop custom solutions and integrations. However Pozyx is in no way based on Arduino and you NEVER require the use of an Arduino.

Is Pozyx FCC certified?

Our Creator kits are currently not FCC certified. They were designed with maximum flexibility in mind. The user can change all the settings. Because certification depends on certain settings the Creator kits can not be certified. They are therefore not meant for permanent set-ups. The Enterprise system is certifiable. Pozyx guides customers through the certification process if non-standard UWB settings would be required.

Can the tag be made smaller?

The tags included in all our kits are our developer headered and headerless tags and are bankcard sized. These tags come delivered with an external 1200 mAh battery and are ideal for prototyping as they can also be powered by any power source between 3.3 V and 9 V via DC, USB or pins. Developer tags can (optionally) be shielded to an Arduino or interfaced via USB to read out positions locally or create custom UWB packages (on bi-directional UWB protocols). In Enterprise setups, our tag configuration software allows you to set the update rate for each individual tag and create sleep patterns based on accelerometer data. Depending on these settings, Pozyx tags in TDOA mode can last from weeks to years on a single charge. When you want to expand with smaller or custom tags, contact our sales team with your specific tag, battery and casing needs and together we will configure the mini-tag suited for your case.

What is the update rate of Pozyx?

The update rate mostly depends on the anchor hardware. Our Creator kits support an update rate of up to 60 Hz divided by the number of tags. Our Enterprise system is built for performance and supports a total (over all tags) update rate of up to a 1000 Hz.

What is the accuracy of UWB?

The accuracy of Pozyx is 10 cm in line-of-sight (LOS) conditions. In non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions, the accuracy tends to vary between 10 and 30 cm, depending on the material and density that is obstructing the signal. The accuracy is not influenced by range nor is it influenced by the number of anchors you use, though a minimum of 4 anchors is required for 2D positioning. The use of at least 6 anchors placed at varying heights is recommended for 3D positioning. More anchors will increase the range and robustness of the system in case of obstruction.

What is the range of the Pozyx system?

The maximal theoretical range of the UWB signal is more than 100 m. In reality the range of the system depends on a lot of factors such as line of sight conditions (LOS) and the signal strength available on the channel. Pozyx setups usually require one anchor per 100 – 250 m² and can be expanded by adding more anchors.

Does Pozyx interfere with Bluetooth or other RF technologies?

No. UWB technology transmits very short pulses between 3.5 GHz and 6.5 GHz. Because of the very large bandwidth the transmit power is strictly regulated and very low. UWB will always be less than the noise level of other RF technologies in the same spectrum.

What technology does Pozyx use?

Pozyx uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. UWB is a technology specifically designed for transmitting information spread over a large bandwidth. This makes the signal very robust and makes UWB especially well suited for ultra-accurate positioning (precision op to 10cm).

What are anchors? What are tags?

Pozyx positioning solutions always consist of at least two parts: anchors and tags. Anchors are modules with a fixed and known position. The anchors have the same role as satellites in GPS positioning. The tags by the same analogy can be thought of as the GPS system in your car although their exact relation varies on the used protocol (TWR/TDOA or RTDOA). One thing that is always consistent however, is that anchors are always static (their relative position towards other anchors stays the same) and tags are dynamic. The tags’ positions are computed based on time of flight measurements between anchors (of which the position is known) and tag.

What do I need for positioning?

Positioning is always defined relative to fixed infrastructure elements (anchors). Pozyx offers both wireless and wired anchors. Any setup needs a minimum of 4 anchors to do accurate positioning. Tags are placed on the objects to be tracked and positioned. Enterprise kits contain all elements required to kick off an RTLS solution, uncluding a pre-configured positioning server.

Does Pozyx work indoor and outdoors?

The Pozyx RTLS works both indoor and outdoors. However, ultra-wideband (UWB) is focused on indoor applications. In most countries UWB is not regulated for outdoor use, but special exemptions may be granted. Contact us for more information about ultra-wideband regulations: https://pozyx-new.webflow.io/company/contact

Webshop

Under what HS code does Pozyx needs to be cleared for customs?

Pozyx hardware should be cleared as an electronic integrated circuit using the harmonized code: 8542.31.9000

Does Pozyx grant discounts for educational projects?

The Pozyx Creator kits are already priced at a very attractive price-point. We therefore don't provide any discounts. Contact sales@pozyx.io if you are looking for reseller prices and/or volume discounts.

Which payment terms are provided?

The standard payment is at order. We do not provide any payment terms to new clients. Please contact sales@pozyx.io if you are a returning client and are looking for specific payment terms.

What payment options are supported?

We support the following payment options: Wire transfer: Select wire transfer during the payment process. You will receive a quote with payment instructions. Transfer the amount due from your bank to ours: POZYX NV IBAN: BE40 7360 1689 7363 BIC: KREDBEBB After the money is transferred (which usually takes a few days) we send you a confirmation email and will proceed with the fulfillment of your order. Credit card: We accept credit card payments from all the major credit card companies. All your credit card information is encrypted and securely processed with Stripe, a major payment processor. Your credit card information never touches our servers. As soon as Stripe has processed your payment we will ship your order. PayPal Checkout can be performed with PayPal. Selecting this option redirects you to the PayPal website where you can enter your PayPal credentials OR enter your credit card information. As soon as PayPal has processed your payment we will ship your order.

How does Pozyx support price quotes and purchase orders (POs)?

If you are looking for a quote select "pay with wire transfer" as your payment option. You will receive a price quote in your e-mail inbox. A quote is non-binding. Alternatively you can fill in a PO-number in the appropriate field in the check-out process. Your PO number will be printed on your invoice. You are free to select your preferred payment option.

Can you ship my order in express?

We generally don't ship in express as we have outbound shipments every week (Wednesday). Express shipment is possible though if you are willing to pay more and depending on the cut-off times of our shipping carrier. Please contact sales@pozyx.io for more information.

How do you ship my order?

We use TNT/UPS & DHL as our global shipping carriers which allows us to ship to nearly any country in the world. We try to ship any new orders within 5 working days. Upon Shipment you will receive a link by email to track your shipment. Your parcel will be delivered on business days during the day. Shipping can take 2-5 working days. Please note that the receiver is responsible for paying import duties that apply.

Which tax rules apply?

Inside Europe Inside the European Union our goods are subject to value added tax (VAT). The VAT rate is equal to the rate in the exporting country (i.e. 21% because Pozyx NV is located in Belgium). Companies outside Belgium with a valid VAT number are not charged VAT. Your applicable VAT rate is calculated during check-out. Belgian companies are charged VAT which they can deduct. For more information please check cross-border VAT. Outside Europe Outside the European Union, no value added tax is due (VAT). However, at the point of import the goods may be subject to local import taxes and import duties. In most countries the duties on electronic goods are zero-rated (0%). Please check with your local authorities for specific information.