Makerfabs MaUWB for Home Assistant is an ESP32-S3-based Ultra-Wideband (UWB) module designed for indoor positioning and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS). It runs ESPHome for Home Assistant integration, enabling it to be used as part of a UWB-based positioning system to track tagged devices in homes, offices, and other indoor environments.
The module combines an ESP32-S3 with a MaUWB UWB module based on the Qorvo DW3000, featuring a PA/LNA for long-range ranging. Compared to the earlier ESP32-S3 version, it drops the OLED and adds a WIZnet W5500 Ethernet controller that supports PoE. The module also supports Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0, and comes in an enclosure for fixed installations.
Makerfabs MaUWB for Home Assistant specifications:
- Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1
- SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
- CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 up to 240 MHz with vector extension for AI/ML workloads
- RAM – 512KB SRAM; 8MB PSRAM
- Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth LE 5
- Storage – 16MB flash
- Antenna – PCB antenna
- SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Connectivity
- Makerfabs MaUWB module integrating an STM32 microcontroller and Qorvo DW3000 series UWB transceiver
- Integrated Power Amplifier (PA) and Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA)
- Up to 500 meters maximum range
- Supports secure, reliable ranging, precision sensing, and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)
- Antenna – External antenna support via SMA connector
- Wired Networking – 10/100Mbps Ethernet RJ45 port via WIZnet W5500 controller
- USB – USB Type-C port for power and programming
- Misc – Reset and configuration buttons
- Power
- Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- 5V via USB Type-C port
- Dimensions – TBD
Though the device is specifically designed for Home Assistant, it can still be programmed using the Arduino IDE or the ESP-IDF framework for custom applications; however, as the name implies, the primary focus here is Home Assistant integration. Makerfabs provides a detailed guide for setting up a local positioning system with ESPHome. Further technical details, including the ESPHome custom components and hardware design files, can be found on their GitHub repository.
A typical RTLS setup requires four modules, as one is configured as a tag, two as anchors, and one as the main Home Assistant anchor. You can configure the device roles (Tag or Anchor) and IDs using a provided Windows utility (uwbtools.exe) over a USB-C connection. After assigning roles, the main anchor is integrated into ESPHome by uploading Makerfabs’ custom C++ components and YAML configuration files. Once the firmware is compiled and flashed onto the ESP32-S3, Home Assistant will auto-discover the device. By using the Plotly Graph Card extension, users can visualize the tag’s physical location on a 2D map in real-time.
We have previously written about other similar UWB boards like the Challenger RP2040 UWB board and Makerfabs’ own ESP32 UWB board, and we also saw STMicroelectronics recently release the ST64UWB Arm Cortex-M85 UWB SoC, which also supports EEE 802.15.4z and the upcoming IEEE 802.15.4ab standards.
The Makerfabs MaUWB for Home Assistant is available now on the company’s store for $59.80 plus shipping.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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