NXP Unlocks Potential of Multi-Purpose Vehicle Smart Keys by Launching NFC-Based Vehicle 'Smart' Key

June 27, 2011, Seoul — NXP Semiconductors NV, a leader in the automotive smart key market, announced today that its NCF2970 (KEyLink Lite), a single-chip solution for multi-purpose automotive smart keys, is now in production and market. NXP’s KEyLink Lite enhances smart key functionality by supporting Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. This allows smart keys to connect to NFC-compatible devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, enabling automotive manufacturers to provide customers with a new driving experience.

The launch of KEyLink Lite fully capitalized on the rising availability and popularity of NFC. Drivers can access important and useful vehicle data simply by gently waving their smart key over an NFC-compatible device. Adopting the NFC standard and utilizing the 13.56 MHz frequency and encryption methods such as Hitag-3 or AES-128, KEyLink Lite supports secure storage and the transmission and reception of sensitive data. KEyLink Lite uniquely combines NFC capabilities with NXP's industry-leading RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) and PKE (Passive Keyless Entry) technologies. This allows users to edit and review data stored on the smart key using NFC-compatible mobile devices, opening up further possibilities for use.

New 'Smart' Key Application
KEyLink Lite can be applied to the following driver applications:

• Vehicle Locator - The smart key records the GPS coordinates of the driver's last parked location. This information is then recognized by NFC-compatible mobile phones, which utilize services such as Google Maps to download a map of the surrounding area, helping the driver locate their vehicle.
• Route Planning – Sit back at home and enter your destination at your computer, then transmit the information via NFC. When you get in your car, the destination is automatically uploaded to the in-car navigation system: there will be no more stress of typing on the navigation screen.
• Vehicle Status and Service Information Management - Drivers can check how much fuel is left in their car simply by waving the smart key over their NFC-compatible mobile phone before leaving their home or office. And drivers no longer need to record and carry car service history in a notebook: important information is stored on the KEyLink Lite-based 'smart' key.
• Vehicle Self-Diagnosis – Vehicle diagnostic information is transmitted to a computer via the smart key and uploaded to a service website to perform diagnostic analysis within seconds.
• Vehicle Personalization – Automakers can pre-configure vehicles with upgraded services, which can then be unlocked on-site. After obtaining permission from the automaker (which can be requested online from home), the authorization details for the new services are stored in the smart key. All new services run automatically the next time the driver gets in the car.

Technical Features:
• Connects with NFC devices and ISO/IEC 14443 readers: NXP has integrated the ISO/IEC 14443 Type A interface into the automotive IC NCF 2970. In addition to the ignition lock (immobilizer) and Passive Keyless Entry/Go functions, this device enables contactless data exchange with NFC-compatible devices via a standardized 13.56-MHz wireless connection.
• Keyless Entry Interface: The NXP KEyLink Lite solution includes a low-frequency (125 kHz) front-end for ignition locks and a Passive Keyless Entry/Go system, and works with an external UHF transmitter (315–928 MHz) that supports both Remote Keyless Entry and Passive Keyless Entry/Go systems.
• Power consumption and memory.The KEyLink Lite chip features a low-power high-speed RISC core with up to 32-kB user EROM for customer applications and 6-kB EEPROM for application specific user data, operating at a wide supply voltage range from 2.0 to 3.6 V.
Power consumption and memory: The KEyLing Lite chip features a low-power, high-speed RISC core with up to 32kB user EROM for customer applications and 6kB EEPROM for specific application user data, with a supply voltage range of 2.0 to 3.6 volts.

quote:
“The smart key will provide an unprecedented experience. Drivers will simply need to give their smart key a light shake to access a wide range of convenience, comfort, and maintenance services through their vehicle, as well as experience a completely new level of connectivity. By combining NXP’s NFC expertise with industry-leading automotive accessibility and ignition locks, the KEyLing Lite will open a new dimension of mobile connectivity,” said Drue Freeman, Executive Vice President of Global Automotive Sales and Marketing at NXP Semiconductors.

Related links:
• NXP's keyless access and immobilizer solutions

Introduction to NFC
NFC is a market-proven technology co-invented by NXP in 2002. In 2004, NXP co-founded the NFC Forum to lead collaboration with all industry stakeholders and support the standardization of NFC technology. NFC technology evolved through the combination of contactless identification (RFID) and interconnection technologies. Ranked No. 1 in the contactless IC vendor sector by ABI Research for three consecutive years, NXP is a global leader in NFC solutions, proven through over 150 NFC pilot projects and groundbreaking commercial installations worldwide.