In urban life, lost pets have become a significant social problem. According to the "2025 China Pet Industry White Paper," over one million pets go missing annually, with a recovery rate of less than 15%. The tragedy of "Hei Zai," a rescue dog in Sichuan, vividly illustrates the pain that lost pets inflict on families. Traditional pet tracking solutions, such as GPS collars and Bluetooth anti-loss devices, have many limitations and cannot meet pet owners' needs for precise location tracking.
The emergence of the EWM550-7G9T10SP ultra-wideband UWB wireless ranging and positioning module offers a completely new solution for pet tracking. The EWM550 series UWB ranging and positioning module uses the domestically produced MK8000 chip, operating at a center frequency of 7987.2MHz, and boasts advantages such as high precision, long range, and low power consumption. It effectively addresses the pain points of traditional solutions, providing reliable protection for pet safety.
I. Limitations of Traditional Pet Tracking Solutions
1. GPS Tracking Collars
GPS tracking collars offer the advantage of a wide range, displaying the pet's location on a map. However, they also have significant drawbacks. In indoor environments, GPS signals cannot penetrate walls, causing tracking failure; positioning accuracy is low, generally between 10-50 meters, making it difficult to pinpoint the pet's exact location; high power consumption requires frequent charging; and the need for a SIM card and monthly fees increases operating costs.
2. Bluetooth Anti-Loss Devices
Bluetooth anti-loss devices offer the advantages of low power consumption and low cost. However, their effective range is short, generally less than 50 meters, and tracking fails once the pet exceeds this range; they are susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, leading to inaccurate positioning; and they lack directional guidance, meaning pet owners can only know the pet is nearby but cannot determine its specific direction.
II. Technical Advantages of the EWM550-7G9T10SP
1. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology Features
The EWM550-7G9T10SP utilizes ultra-wideband technology, boasting the following significant technical features:
* **High-Precision Ranging:** Ranging accuracy reaches 10-30 cm, pinpointing the pet's exact location, such as "behind which tree" or "around which corner," allowing pet owners to quickly locate their pets.
* **Long-Distance Coverage:** In open environments, the maximum ranging distance reaches 130 meters, covering everyday scenarios such as residential areas, parks, and courtyards, meeting the positioning needs of pet owners in various environments.
* **Real-Time Response:** Response time is less than 100 milliseconds, enabling real-time tracking of pet movement and immediate location updates after movement, allowing pet owners to stay informed about their pet's activities.
* **Low-Power Design:** With a receiving current of only 6.6 mA and a transmitting current of 43.3 mA, the collar can last for days to weeks, reducing charging frequency and improving ease of use.
• Strong Anti-interference Capability: Utilizing frequency hopping + broadband signal technology, it is unaffected by interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microwave ovens, and other signals, ensuring accurate and stable positioning.
2. Two Operating Modes
The EWM550-7G9T10SP offers two positioning modes depending on the firmware version to meet the needs of different users:
**One-to-One Precise Tracking Mode (Firmware V1.x):** Configured with one master device (handheld by the owner) and one slave device (pet collar), achieving accuracy up to 10 cm. Suitable for everyday dog walking, yard guarding, and indoor positioning. In this mode, pet owners can monitor the distance and direction of their pets in real time, easily locating them.
**One-to-Many Area Monitoring Mode (Firmware V2.x):** Configured with one master device and multiple slave devices, it can simultaneously monitor multiple pets, displaying the distance and relative position of each pet. Suitable for families with multiple pets, pet shops, animal shelters, etc. Pet owners can view the location information of each pet at any time through a handheld device or mobile app, enabling effective management of multiple pets.
Users can check the firmware version using the AT command AT+VERSION and select the appropriate working mode according to their needs.
III. System Design Scheme
1. Hardware System Architecture
This system mainly consists of three parts: a pet collar slave unit, a handheld master unit, and a smartphone APP. The pet collar slave unit integrates an EWM550-7G9T10SP module, responsible for collecting the pet's location information. The handheld master unit also integrates an EWM550-7G9T10SP module, acting as the master unit to communicate with the pet collar slave unit, receive the pet's location information, and connect to the smartphone APP via Bluetooth 5.0. The smartphone APP is responsible for displaying the pet's distance, direction, and alarm information, enabling remote monitoring and management.
2. Detailed Device Specifications
① Pet Collar Slave Unit
· Core Module: EWM550-7G9T10SP (slave configuration), ensuring stable communication with the handheld master unit.
· Shell Design: Made of silicone material, with an IP67 waterproof rating, capable of withstanding various harsh environments, such as rain and snow.
* **Battery System:** Equipped with a 500mAh lithium battery, providing 7-15 days of battery life, meeting daily usage needs.
* **Charging Method:** Magnetic charging, fully charged in 2 hours, convenient and quick.
* **Weight Control:** Weighing less than 50 grams, suitable for small dogs and cats, without placing excessive burden on pets.
* **Safety Design:** Features an anti-escape buckle and a retractable release design to ensure pet safety.
* **Status Indicator:** Equipped with LED indicators to display battery level and connection status, allowing pet owners to monitor the device's operation.
② Handheld Master Station Device
* **Core Module:** EWM550-7G9T10SP (Master Module), responsible for communicating with the pet collar slave unit and receiving the pet's location information.
* **Display Interface:** Equipped with a 1.3-inch OLED screen to display the pet's distance and direction information, allowing pet owners to intuitively understand the pet's location.
* **Interaction Design:** Features a three-button design, including power, mode, and backlight buttons, making operation simple and convenient.
• Connectivity: Connects to a mobile app via Bluetooth 5.0 for data transmission and remote control.
• Battery Life: Equipped with a 2000mAh battery, providing up to 8 hours of continuous use, meeting the needs of extended use.
• Design: Handheld design with a wrist strap to prevent slipping, convenient for pet owners to carry.
③ Fixed Base Station (Optional Expansion) Users can choose to install a fixed base station as needed, deployed at fixed points in the home, such as the doorway or balcony. The main function of the fixed base station is to set up an electronic fence, promptly issuing an alarm when a pet goes beyond the safe area. The fixed base station can be powered by a USB power supply or a high-capacity battery, and connects to a mobile phone via Wi-Fi or 4G for remote alarms.
3 Quick Configuration Guide
① Module Initialization
• Check Firmware Version: Send the AT command AT+VERSION to confirm the device's firmware version, determining whether it is a one-to-one or one-to-many mode. For example, a return value of VER:2.1.5 indicates a one-to-many version.
• **Set Role:** Send the AT command AT+ROLE=0 from the collar to set it as the slave device; send the AT command AT+ROLE=1 from the handheld device to set it as the master device.
• **Set Address:** Assign a unique address to each device. For example, send the AT command AT+SRCADDR=0001 from the collar to set the collar address to 0001; send the AT command AT+DSTADDR=0001 from the handheld device to set the target address to the collar address.
• **Set Distance Measurement Mode:** Send the AT command AT+MODE=2 to set the device to distance measurement mode.
② **Distance Calibration:** In an open area, place the master and slave devices at a known distance (e.g., 10 meters) and observe the deviation between the displayed distance and the actual distance. If necessary, fine-tune the distance using software to ensure accuracy.
③ **Electronic Fence Settings:**
• **Set Safety Radius:** Send the AT command AT+SAFERAD=20 to set the safety radius to 20 meters. This will trigger an alarm if the pet exceeds a 20-meter radius. • Set Alarm Mode: Send the AT command AT+ALERT=1 to set the immediate alarm mode for out-of-bounds movement. An alarm will be issued immediately when the pet goes out of the safe zone.
IV. Practical Application Scenarios
1. Daily Dog Walking Scenarios
During daily dog walking, dogs may suddenly run away and disappear into bushes or behind crowds. Using the EWM550-7G9T10SP pet positioning solution, pet owners can view their pet's distance and direction in real time via a handheld device. The handheld device displays "15.3 meters." Pet owners can move slowly and observe the distance change; a decreasing distance indicates the correct direction, while an increasing distance indicates the wrong direction. Combined with the "hot spot-cold spot" scanning method, the pet's location can be quickly determined. Furthermore, pet owners can use the buzzer built into the collar to play a recorded call to guide the pet back. Real-world testing shows that the average time from discovering the pet is lost to locating it is less than 2 minutes. The positioning accuracy is precise down to specific obstacles, and the success rate within a 130-meter range is close to 100%.
2. Home and Backyard Guarding
Pet owners may worry about their pets sneaking out of the yard without their knowledge. By deploying fixed base stations—installed in the center of the house or at the entrance—and setting the yard as a safe zone (e.g., a 30-meter radius) can achieve a multi-layered alarm mechanism. A slight vibration alerts the pet when it approaches the boundary (25 meters); a strong vibration and buzzer alarm alert the pet when it crosses the boundary (30 meters); and a push notification is sent to the mobile app when the pet continues to move away (>50 meters). Furthermore, the system can record a heatmap of pet activity, allowing owners to understand their pets' preferred areas for better supervision.
3. Multi-Pet Management Scenarios
For families with multiple pets, pet shops, veterinary hospitals, etc., a one-to-many firmware version can be used to assign a unique ID to each pet. The handheld terminal can simultaneously display the distance and signal strength information of multiple pets. For example, the display shows the dog "Wangcai" at a distance of 12.5 meters with a signal strength of -45dBm; the cat "Mimi" at a distance of 8.2 meters with a signal strength of -52dBm; and the rabbit "Xiaobai" at a distance of 3.1 meters with a signal strength of -38dBm. Pet owners can also select specific pets to issue summoning signals, enabling effective management of multiple pets.
4. Special Scenarios
① Complex Urban Environments
In high-rise buildings, UWB signal penetration is limited. Pet owners should maintain a line-of-sight distance with their pets to ensure accurate positioning. In underground parking garages, concrete attenuates the signal by approximately 20-30%. Pet owners need to compensate appropriately for the displayed distance. In rainy conditions, while the collar is waterproof, heavy rain can slightly affect the signal; pet owners should pay attention to the accuracy of the positioning.
② Emergency Search and Rescue Mode
When a pet goes missing for an extended period, pet owners can take the following measures for emergency search and rescue:
* Expand the search grid: Using the last known location as the center, gradually expand the search area using a grid-like search method to increase the chances of finding the pet.
* Signal relay: Temporarily place relay devices along the search path to enhance signal coverage and improve location accuracy.
* Community collaboration: Share the device with neighbors and invite them to assist in the search, expanding search efforts and improving search and rescue efficiency.
V. User Experience Design
1. Handheld Terminal Interface
The handheld terminal interface is simple and intuitive, displaying information such as current distance, signal strength, and battery level, allowing pet owners to quickly understand the pet's location and the device's working status. The interface also includes buttons for mode, fence, call, and settings for easy operation. For example, pet owners can switch between tracking and fence modes, set electronic fence parameters, and send a call signal using the buttons.
2. Mobile App Functionality
The mobile app offers a wealth of features, providing pet owners with a more convenient management experience:
* **Real-time Monitoring Page:** Displays the pet's distance (digital and analog pointers), historical distance graphs, and battery monitoring and low battery alerts, allowing pet owners to stay informed about their pet's location and device battery status.
* **Electronic Fence Management:** Pet owners can draw safe zones on a map, set multi-level alarm thresholds, and query boundary violation records for effective pet management.
* **Smart Reminders:** The system generates daily activity reports, detects abnormal pet behavior (such as prolonged inactivity), and provides health advice, offering scientific feeding recommendations based on the pet's activity level.
* **Community Functionality:** Pet owners can easily post lost pet alerts, join nearby pet support networks, share successful recovery stories, exchange experiences with other pet owners, and collectively improve pet safety.
3. Collar Design Details
The collar is made of medical-grade silicone, with even weight distribution, comfortable wear, and will not irritate the pet's skin. The collar features reflective strips for nighttime visibility, enhancing pet safety. It also includes an emergency contact tag, allowing others to contact the owner immediately if a lost pet is found. The collar is washable, bite-proof, and durable; it's available in multiple colors and can be customized with the pet's name to meet individual needs.
VI. In-depth Technical Analysis
1. Ranging Principle: Two-Way Time-of-Flight (TWR)
The EWM550-7G9T10SP employs the Two-Way Time-of-Flight (TWR) ranging principle. The specific process is as follows:
· At time t0, the host sends a ranging request;
· At time t1, the slave receives the request, the time difference equal to the signal propagation time plus processing delay;
· At time t2, the slave sends a response;
· At time t3, the host receives the response.
By calculating the signal propagation time, the distance between the pet and the host can be determined: Distance = [(t3 - t0) - (t2 - t1)] × Speed of light ÷ 2 = Propagation time × Speed of light ÷ 2. To ensure ranging accuracy, the system employs clock synchronization calibration, multipath suppression, and environmental compensation. Clock deviation compensation is performed periodically to ensure clock synchronization between the master and slave devices; broadband signal identification of the direct path is used to reduce multipath interference; and the propagation speed parameters are fine-tuned based on temperature and humidity to improve ranging accuracy.
2. Anti-interference Design
The EWM550-7G9T10SP employs multiple anti-interference designs to ensure positioning accuracy in complex environments:
* **Frequency Band Selection:** Utilizing the 7.9GHz center band, it avoids congested frequency bands such as Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), reducing signal interference.
* **Frequency Hopping Mechanism:** Intelligent frequency hopping within the 7737.2-8237.2MHz range effectively avoids interfering signals, improving signal stability.
* **Signal Processing:** Employing wideband spread spectrum processing technology enhances the signal's resistance to narrowband interference, ensuring positioning accuracy.
3. Power Consumption Optimization Strategy
The collar-side device employs multiple power consumption optimization strategies to extend battery life:
* **Normal Mode:** Ranging every 2 seconds, with an average current of 8mA, meeting daily positioning needs.
* **Energy Saving Mode:** Ranging every 10 seconds, with an average current of 3mA, reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy.
• Deep Sleep: When the pet is still, the device enters deep sleep mode, with a current of less than 1mA, further reducing power consumption.
For example, with a battery capacity of 500mAh, in energy-saving mode, the theoretical battery life is 500 ÷ 3 ≈ 166 hours ≈ 7 days, and the actual battery life is approximately 5-6 days, which can meet the daily needs of pet owners.
VII. Solution Expansion and Upgrade
1. Hardware Expansion Modules
Users can choose to install the following hardware expansion modules to enrich the system's functionality:
• Health Monitoring Module: Integrates heart rate/body temperature sensors, activity level pedometers, etc., to monitor the pet's health status in real time, identify abnormal behaviors with AI, and provide health suggestions to pet owners.
• Environmental Sensing Module: Integrates temperature and humidity sensors, ultraviolet detection, air quality detection, etc., to monitor the pet's environment in real time, and provide environmental warnings and protection suggestions to pet owners.
• Interaction Enhancement Module: Integrates voice intercom, camera, and feeder linkage functions, enabling remote interaction between owners and pets and improving the pet's quality of life.
2. Software Function Upgrade
The system can be upgraded with software to achieve more functions:
* **AI Behavior Prediction:** Learns the daily activity patterns of pets, predicts high-risk periods when they may get lost, and provides early warnings and prevention.
* **Group Networking:** Multiple family pet networks are interconnected to form a community-level pet safety network. When a pet goes missing, other pet owners in the community can assist in the search, increasing the chances of finding the pet.
* **Smart Home Integration:** Enables functions such as automatic door opening when the pet returns home, adjusting air conditioning/lighting based on location, and linking feeders with location tracking, providing a more comfortable living environment for pets.
3. Commercial Application Directions
The EWM550-7G9T10SP pet positioning solution has broad commercial application prospects:
- **Pet Service Industry:** Pet shops can provide temporary equipment rental services, allowing customers to track their pets' location during boarding periods; veterinary hospitals can use it for post-operative monitoring, tracking the pet's location and health status in real time; pet training schools can use it as an auxiliary tool to help trainers better manage pets.
- Animal Protection Organizations: Stray animal rescue stations can use this solution for location management of stray animals, improving rescue efficiency; research institutions can use it for scientific tracking of released animals to study their activity patterns; wildlife protection departments can use it for wildlife protection and monitoring to protect wildlife safety.
• Special Animal Management: Farms can use this solution for location management of livestock to prevent them from getting lost; laboratory animal institutions can use it for monitoring laboratory animals to ensure the accuracy and safety of experiments; zoos can use it for animal management to improve management efficiency.
VIII. Implementation Guidelines
1. Quick Start for Individual Users
① Purchase Options: Individual users can choose different purchase methods according to their needs:
• Direct Purchase of Finished Products: Choose reputable brands to purchase finished equipment to ensure product quality and after-sales service.
• DIY Assembly: Purchase modules and accessories to assemble the equipment yourself. Suitable for users with some basic electronics skills, this method can reduce costs.
• Customized Services: Contact the solution provider to customize personalized equipment to meet your specific needs.
② Preparation for Use
Before use, the following preparations are required:
* Charge the collar to a full charge: Ensure the device has sufficient power to avoid running out of power during use.
* Install the companion app on your mobile phone: Download and install the companion app from your mobile app store, register an account, and log in.
* Conduct an initial pairing test in a safe environment: In a safe environment, pair the master and slave devices to ensure normal communication and location tracking.
③ Daily Usage Habits
To ensure the proper use of the device, pet owners need to develop good daily usage habits:
* Check the collar's battery level before leaving home: Ensure the collar has sufficient power to avoid running out of power while out.
* Clean the collar's contact points regularly: Keep the collar's contact points clean to ensure normal charging and communication.
* Conduct a full functional test monthly: Test the device's location, alarm, and summoning functions to ensure normal device performance.
2. Maintenance and Support
① Common Problem Solving
During use, you may encounter some common problems. Here are the solutions:
* Inaccurate distance display: Recalibrate the distance and check for environmental interference, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signal interference.
* Unstable connection: Check the device's battery level, restart the device, and ensure normal communication between devices.
* Collar unresponsive: Check if the charging contacts are clean and try a forced restart.
② Firmware Upgrade
Regularly check for firmware updates and upgrade wirelessly via the mobile app. Before making major upgrades, it is recommended to back up the device's configuration information to avoid data loss.
X. Social Significance and Future Prospects
1. The Warmth of Technology
The EWM550-7G9T10SP pet tracking solution is not just a technological product, but also an application full of humanistic care. It solves the problem of lost pets, reduces separation anxiety in families, strengthens the emotional bond between people and pets, helps pet owners better fulfill their responsibilities, provides a safer living environment for pets, and reflects respect and protection for the life of every pet.
2. Industry Impact
The widespread application of this solution will drive the development of pet technology, upgrading it from basic positioning to intelligent care; establish industry standards for pet positioning devices, providing a reference for industry development; and promote the development of related industries such as pet accessories, pet insurance, and pet services, forming a complete pet economy industrial chain.
3. Technological Evolution Direction
In the future, the EWM550-7G9T10SP pet positioning solution will develop in the following directions:
• Smaller Size: The module size will be further reduced from 14×24mm, making it more suitable for small pets.
• Lower Power Consumption: The target battery life will be increased from several days to several months, reducing charging frequency and improving ease of use.
• Greater Intelligence: Integrating AI technology to identify the pet's emotions and health status, providing pet owners with more accurate health advice.
• Greater Integration: Fully integrating with smart pet home systems to achieve intelligent management of pet life.
4. Our Vision
We believe that the highest value of technology lies in making life better and care more comprehensive. The EWM550-7G9T10SP pet tracking solution is more than just a product; it's a promise: protecting every trust with centimeter-level precision; eliminating anxiety with real-time response; and extending precious time together with reliable technology. In this uncertain world, let's use reliable technology to build an invisible yet incredibly strong safety barrier for our silent family members.
Appendix: EWM550-7G9T10SP Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Module Technical Specifications
1. EWM550-7G9T10SP Core Parameters
* Operating Frequency Band: 7737.2~8237.2MHz (CH9 channel)
* Center Frequency: 7987.2MHz, Bandwidth: 499.2MHz
* Communication Interface: UART serial port, baud rate 921600bps
* Ranging Algorithm: TWR (Two-Way Time of Flight)
* Ranging Accuracy: 750px (typical), 250px (optimized)
* Maximum Distance: 130m (clear, open environment)
* Operating Voltage: 1.8~3.6V (3.3V recommended)
* Operating Temperature: -40~+85℃ (industrial grade)
* Dimensions: 14×24mm (stamp hole package)
* Antenna Type: PCB Onboard Antenna
2. AT Command Key Set
① Basic Queries
· AT+VERSION: Queries firmware version
· AT+ROLE=?: Queries current role
· AT+SRCADDR=?: Queries local address
· AT+DSTADDR=?: Queries target address
② Configuration Commands
· AT+ROLE=0/1: Sets role, 0 for slave, 1 for master
· AT+SRCADDR=xxxx: Sets local address (0000-FFFF)
· AT+DSTADDR=xxxx: Sets target address
· AT+MODE=2: Sets ranging mode
③ Data Output Format
In ranging mode, the output format is RNG:xxx.xx (unit: meters), for example, RNG:15.32 indicates a distance of 15.32 meters.
3. Safety Usage Instructions
· Regulatory Compliance: Use equipment that complies with local radio management regulations to avoid violating relevant laws and regulations.
• Pet Adaptation: When first wearing the collar, allow your pet to gradually adapt, observing their reaction to avoid discomfort.
• Regular Checks: Check the collar's tightness and your pet's skin condition weekly to ensure comfort.
• Environmental Considerations: Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, strong magnetic fields, or other environments that may affect its performance.
• Emergency Situations: The collar features an emergency release function to ensure your pet's safety in emergency situations.