AoD vs AoA

[Saadat]

Hey, 

I am plannign on developing a locator tag and I wanted to find some more precise information on when to use AoA and AoD and if it changes the accuracy drastically. I also am wondering if there Nordic SDK for AoA is more extensive than for AoD. What would be pros and cons of using either?

Thanks!

[Simonr]

Hi

For locator solutions now, I'd recommend looking into the Channel Sounding feature on nRF54L15 rather than AOA/AOD, as you get similar accuracy without the massive antenna arrays required for Direction Finding with AOA/AOD.

As for your questions, there is no big difference in terms of accuracy between AOA and AOD, the big difference is what suits your application really, since it will decide where the antenna array is mounted.

For example, the typical use case for an AOA solution would be to have multiple locators/receivers with the antenna array mounted in the corners of a room, that are taking the Direction Finding data from moving devices transmitting IQ data to these receivers and thus finding the devices that way.

AOD would generally be used if the transmitter is the "stationary" device with the antenna array mounted and the receivers are moving around.

We have done most experimentation with AOA on our side, as that seem the most common use case, but both should work similarly and it will be up to you to decide what to use.

Best regards,

Simon

[Saadat]

Hi, 

Thank you for your reply!

I am loooking into developing the position locator for small storage areas (around 20x50m) but with a lof of metal and nlos. Would still recommend Channel Sounding for that case?