CTA launches open API standard to support contactless applications with radar • NFCW

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has published an open API standard to support and facilitate the development and implementation of interoperable radar detection systems which, like NFC-enabled technologies, can be used to add contactless and hands-free functionality to devices across a wide range of use cases.

The standard – known as Ripple – aims to “enable interoperability between radar hardware and software with standardized APIs for the development of radar systems” and “reduce barriers to entry for working with radar and accelerate the growth of radar applications,” says CTA.

Potential use cases for these radar applications include non-contact healthcare and fitness monitoring, home security and detection systems based on human activity recognition, and hands-free interaction with cars, mobile devices, home appliances and other consumer electronics.

“Radar detection systems have always been designed for unique applications, with hardware and software custom-developed for each purpose. This means that traditional product solutions – from hardware to end-user experience – are tailor-made,” explains CTA.

“This new standard will enable general purpose radar interoperability by developing both specifications for open and standardized APIs and a collaborative plan to drive industry adoption of the standard.”

“With an open API standard, it is easier for integrators to start, develop and distribute radar solutions. This reduction in barriers to entry will lead to new products and services for consumers,” the association adds.

“Ripple will allow developers to create specialized extensions so that they can build on the standard to support their own differentiated use cases. These extensions may be incorporated as official interfaces in future versions of the standard.

The standard will also “simplify experimentation, making radar more accessible to students, startups, academics, and researchers.”

CTA developed Ripple in collaboration with technology providers and other industry partners, including Aptiv, Blumio, Ford, Google, Infineon, NXP and Texas Instruments.

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