Calibration

Configuring and fine-tuning RTLS to ensure accurate position measurements matching real-world coordinates. Involves anchor surveying, environment characterization, reference point measurement, algorithm tuning, and verification testing. Industrial calibration addresses challenges from metal structures, changing layouts, and temperature variations. Modern systems employ self-calibration using machine learning for continuous refinement.

Process of improving RTLS accuracy through measurement and adjustment of system parameters. Industrial RTLS calibration addresses multiple aspects: time synchronization calibration (critical for TDoA systems, achieving nanosecond-level synchronization between anchors), antenna delay calibration (compensating for signal processing delays in hardware, typically 5-20 nanoseconds), power calibration (ensuring consistent transmission power across tags for RSSI systems), and position calibration (refining positioning algorithms using known reference points). For UWB systems, calibration typically involves placing tags at surveyed reference positions and measuring reported vs. actual positions to develop correction factors. Calibration frequency depends on system type: TDoA synchronization checked daily/weekly, position calibration after infrastructure changes, and antenna delay at installation only. Well-calibrated UWB systems achieve 10-20 cm accuracy; uncalibrated systems may have 50-100 cm errors. Environmental changes (temperature, new obstacles) can degrade calibration over time, requiring periodic recalibration (typically every 6-12 months in stable environments).