Localization System

The localization system used at our competition venue is built using MDEK1001 devices (MDEK1001), which can be reproduced in each team’s testing environment. A full kit of 12 boards can typically be found for ~300 USD.

Each MDEK1001 module can be configured as an:

  • Anchor

  • Tag

  • Gateway

All configuration is done through Qorvo’s mobile application via BLE.

System Architecture

One important characteristic of our setup is that we do not obtain the location data from the Gateway. Instead:

  1. The Tag outputs its position directly over serial communication.

  2. A small device is connected via UART to the MDEK Tag.

  3. That device sends the location wirelessly to the TrafficCommunicationServer.

  4. The TrafficCommunicationServer provides location updates to the interested cars.

This approach ensures low latency, simpler integration, and independence from the MDEK’s built-in network positioning messages.

Recommendation for Teams

To best simulate how localization data is gathered and distributed in the official environment, we encourage you to:

  • Base your implementation on this architecture

  • Use the TrafficCommunicationServer (described in the Computer section) as your starting point

  • Read UWB Tag data via serial/UART, not via the Gateway

By mirroring this structure, your system will behave consistently with the one used during the competition.