The world has moved on apace since the days of the humble key, as Ian Adcock discovers
Arrival of the super-key
blade type of key, with bitings to align within the lock cylinder, these are, more often than not, for the ignition lock with entry and securing the car electronically via remoteless key entry (RKE) or passive entry (PE) systems. Others, such as Renault, have simply abandoned keys, in favour of electronic cards that lock and unlock the car, and also initiate engine start up. However, thanks to the
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relentless march of the microchip, the ‘key’ is now being embedded with additional functions. Earlier this year, for example, TRW integrated its first RKE/passive entry system with its direct tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) receiver functions to create a single
hile many manufacturers persist in retaining what appears to be a conventional
electronic control unit (ECU), making the systems more affordable in the process.
VALUE AND PERFORMANCE “Integrating RKE and TPMS can offer enhanced value and performance,” says Ken Kaiser, vice president, Global Electronics Engineering. “By eliminating the need for separate receivers for the two systems, we can maintain performance characteristics, use less space, reduce system weight and wiring complexity, and ultimately lower material and assembly costs.” This system is also leading the
industry in reducing risks associated with radio frequency (RF) interference by utilising multiple frequencies. In- vehicle wireless communication systems have grown exponentially in the last few years, particularly since the federal mandate regarding TPMS in 2007. With such wireless
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communication growth comes an increase in risk of RF interference. The use of multiple frequencies in this system ensures continuing RKE functionality, in the event that one of the frequencies is unavailable. This technology change is
transparent to vehicle owners, as there is no discernible change to the RKE key fob layout or performance – the transmitted commands are received by a single smart receiver/ECU that processes information from the RKE fobs, and also the temperature and pressure signals sent from the transmitters located in the TPMS sensor units in each individual tyre. The integrated ECU decodes the signals to activate the lock/unlock function for vehicle doors and the boot or tailgate, and provides tyre pressure warning information to the driver in the same way as conventional RKE and TPMS receivers.
May/June 2013
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