http://www.eet.com/semi/news/OEG20030502S0032

Austrian firm to make 'keyless' lock ICs in cars

Semiconductor Business News
May 2, 2003 (3:25 p.m. ET)

GRAZ, Austria — Austrian foundry and ASIC provider austriamicrosystems AG announced a deal to develop radio-frequency (RF) chips for keyless lock and unlock systems in automobiles. Under terms of the multi-million-dollar contract, austriamicrosystems will develop and supply low-power, high-frequency transmitter/receiver ICs to Marquardt Switches Inc., based in Rietheim-Weilheim, Germany.

The chips are targeted for the 밙eyless Go?system from German automotive giant DaimlerChrysler, according to the Graz-based chip maker. This keyless Go system allows keyless car access and enables driving authorization check systems, which are said to be as reliable as mechanical keys.

Current vehicles are typically unlocked using a RF remote-control unit. The new keyless Go?access system will enable the vehicle to know whether someone is authorized to enter the car and will allow them to start the engine by pushing a button. DaimlerChrysler will introduce the keyless Go system in a limited number of 2004 S-class models.

The electronic key can be located anywhere on the driver's person, such as in a pocket, wallet or purse. Touching the door handle causes the car to send a low-frequency (LF) coded message to make up the key. Instant response is assured because of an always-on wake up receiver built into the key.

Current consumption is limited to just a few microamperes and, therefore, does not affect battery life. Once the key is activated, the keyless Go system opens up a high-frequency two-way, secure, authenticated communications channel between the vehicle and the key.