U1000‑C1 Tunnel Positioning Base Station
TOF/TDOA · ±400m coverage · <30cm static accuracy · IP66
Why most “tunnel positioning” systems give you vague answers
We've debugged enough mining and subway projects to know the problem: standard UWB systems designed for open areas or large halls fail in straight tunnels. They either require complex 3D anchor layouts (overkill) or fall back to signal strength – giving you guesses like "somewhere between station 12 and station 15".
The U1000-C1 was built for one-dimensional linear environments. It uses TOF (Time of Flight) and TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) to measure precise distance from a reference point. Install one base station every 800 meters, and you'll know exactly how far a worker or vehicle is from the tunnel entrance – not which zone, but which meter.
Four hard advantages over generic UWB anchors
1️⃣ True one‑dimensional TOF/TDOA
Many UWB products claim TDOA but require complex synchronisation cables. The U1000-C1 uses a hybrid TOF+TDOA engine optimized for linear tunnels. Static positioning error is below 30cm. Dynamic tracking (at walking speed) stays under 50cm drift over 400m. No signal‑strength guesswork.
2️⃣ Massive capacity – 180+ tags concurrently
A single base station handles 180 personnel tags simultaneously at 1Hz update rate. That's enough for a full tunnel shift. The system automatically adjusts update intervals when tag density spikes – no dropped packets.
3️⃣ Rugged for underground hell
IP66 enclosure (dust‑tight, protected against powerful water jets). Operating temperature -20°C to +70°C, storage down to -40°C. Relative humidity tolerance up to 95% (non‑condensing). We've tested it next to tunnel boring machines with constant vibration and high humidity – no failures.
4️⃣ Flexible antenna options
The U1000-C1 comes with two fibre‑glass omnidirectional antenna ports (N‑type). The optional 25cm antennas provide left/right discrimination – you can tell whether a tag is approaching from the north or south side of a junction. Standard configuration gives you 800m linear coverage (±400m from the base station).
Coverage and deployment concept
The U1000-C1 is designed for linear installations. Place one base station every 800 meters inside a tunnel. Each station covers 400 meters in both directions (total 800m). Overlap between stations is minimal, but you can increase density in curves or junctions. The system automatically hands over tags from one station to the next – no gaps, no manual configuration.
For bidirectional tunnels (two tubes), you need separate base stations for each tube – the signals do not cross‑couple because of the directional antenna pattern and the tunnel geometry.
Technical specifications – U1000-C1
| Positioning method | TOF (Time of Flight) / TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) – one‑dimensional |
|---|---|
| Concurrent tags | ≥180 tags (at 1Hz update rate) |
| Static positioning accuracy | <30cm (typical) |
| Positioning latency | <500ms from tag transmission to platform |
| Coverage (linear) | ±400 meters from base station (800 meters total) |
| Antenna ports | 2x N‑type female, for two external fibreglass omnidirectional antennas |
| Optional left/right discrimination | Yes – with 25cm antennas (order separately) |
| Enclosure protection | IP66 (dust‑tight, powerful water jets) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 210 × 130 × 60 mm |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (without antennas) |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Storage temperature | -40°C to +70°C |
| Relative humidity | ≤95% at 25°C (non‑condensing) |
| Power input | DC 12–24V (local intrinsically safe power supply recommended) |
| Power consumption | <5W typical |
| Interface | Ethernet (RJ45) for data backhaul and configuration; optional 4G module (ask for quote) |
What the U1000-C1 is NOT (honest limitations)
Not a 3D positioning system – This is a one‑dimensional linear localizer. It tells you distance along the tunnel axis, not X/Y/Z coordinates in a cavern. For 3D, use our U1000‑C3 or U2000 series.
Requires line‑of‑sight – UWB signals do not penetrate rock or concrete. The base station must have a clear view along the tunnel. Curves reduce coverage – you'll need additional units.
Not intrinsically certified (yet) – The current version is not ATEX/IECEx certified for explosive gas atmospheres. For coal mines with methane risk, ask about our I.S. variant (in development).
Antennas sold separately – The base station includes N‑type connectors but does not include the fibreglass antennas. Choose the 25cm option for left/right discrimination or standard 10cm for simple coverage.
No built‑in battery backup – The unit requires external DC power (12‑24V). For emergency operation, you must provide a UPS or battery at the site.
Does not work with Wi‑Fi or BLE tags – This is a pure UWB base station. It only works with our UWB tags (U1000‑T series). No compatibility with generic Bluetooth beacons.
We prefer to state these limitations clearly. If you need ATEX certification or 3D positioning, we have other products – just ask.
Real deployment: 5km railway tunnel in Switzerland
A civil engineering firm was building a 5km railway tunnel through the Alps. They needed to track 120 workers and 30 vehicles in real time for safety and productivity. The tunnel had no GNSS, and WiFi‑based solutions failed due to distance. They installed 7 U1000-C1 base stations at 700‑800m spacing along the main bore. Each station was connected via fibre optic cable to a surface server. Workers wore UWB badges (U1000‑T). The system provided continuous location with <30cm accuracy, even during blasting operations (vibration‑resistant mounting). The client reduced blind‑spot search time by 90% and cut emergency response time from 15 minutes to under 2 minutes.
Another client, a subway construction project in Singapore, used 12 U1000-C1 units in a 4km twin‑bore tunnel. They added the optional 25cm antennas at tunnel junctions to distinguish left versus right bore. The system successfully handed over tags between stations without data loss.
Ready to instrument your tunnel with reliable linear positioning?
Request a sample unit or a technical consultation. We'll help you design the deployment – spacing, antenna selection, and integration with your existing safety system.
Request pricing & sample →Mobile: [+86] 189-7480-9810 (supports calls, WhatsApp, and WeChat)
Email: sales@cumond.com
Website: www.iot-solutionhub.com