Delphi’s Revolutionary Smart Key Fob will Allow Drivers to Stay Connected to Their Vehicles

New key fob uses near field communication to enhance convenience while helping ensure security of data exchange

Banbury, UK — Designed to create continual, reliable, secure and convenient information exchange between drivers and their vehicles, Delphi Corp.’s new and innovative smart key fob uses near field communication (NFC) to communicate vehicle information directly to drivers — even when they are away from their vehicles.

“Delphi continues to develop innovative security products that are easy to use and provide exceptional value to our customers,” said Diedrich von Behr, managing director of electronic controls in Europe. “Our new generation of fobs offers a feature that is not currently available in the market. It will not only help vehicle manufacturers competitively differentiate their models, but it will give drivers and fleet owners constant access to important information about their vehicles.”

Growing Market Demand for Smart Fobs

During the last 10 years, electronic key fobs have replaced mechanical vehicle keys. The market first saw the development of remote keyless entry systems (RKE) followed by passive keyless entry (PKE). While both RKE and PKE systems lock and unlock car doors remotely, some long range RKE systems also start the vehicle’s engine from a distance. Though key fobs may have additional features, only Delphi’s smart fob acts as a permanent and constant link between the driver and the vehicle.

“As key fobs have evolved, they have developed a personality and often differentiate one vehicle manufacturer from another with unique shape, colour, and functionality,” said Jérôme Coudré, product & technology marketing manager, Delphi Electronic Controls. “The key fob is the only part of the vehicle that stays with the driver at all times — in or out of the vehicle — which makes it an excellent means for providing drivers access to important vehicle information.”

Smart Fob Enabled by Near Field Communication

Delphi’s Smart Fob uses near field communication to provide drivers direct accessibility to vehicle information while helping to ensure the security of data exchange. The NFC wireless standard, a read-and-write technology, offers both secure information transfer and a low power consumption mode. Its low-range communication profile — only 2 inches (5 cm) — helps prevent hacking while its low consumption mode helps ensure durability and reliability of the device.

Data exchange is made possible using an NFC module integrated in the vehicle. The system’s antenna (13,56MHz) enables data transfer from the vehicle to the key fob, and the transferred information can be accessed by the driver via any NFC-compatible portable device that has an active display such as a cell phone, computer or personal digital assistant (PDA). Data that could be accessed and managed includes mileage and fuel level, safety and security information (such as tyre pressure), maintenance warnings and alerts, personalization features (seat, steering wheel, A/C configuration), vehicle location (GPS), driver identity, In Case of Emergency (ICE) contacts and vehicle type.

If a driver cannot remember where the car is parked, the smart key fob will provide location information via a web-based map provider or the fob’s integrated compass view. The key fob can also record the driver’s personal comfort and preference settings — including seat, mirrors and radio stations — and restore those settings if they are changed by another user. Users can even verify the vehicle’s oil level and be alerted to mechanical problems. When a problem is identified, the system can identify the nearest garage so the driver can quickly resolve the issue.

Delphi’s smart fob technology will be even more valuable as the market for hybrid and electric vehicles grows. With the fob, drivers could enhance their awareness of energy and fuel consumption and manage them more effectively and in an environmentally friendly way.

“Delphi’s smart fob technology offers safety, security and convenience options to drivers while offering cost savings and efficiency to fleet owners,” said von Behr. “Connectivity applications are limitless for drivers who want to stay in touch with their vehicles.”

About Delphi

Delphi is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient. Connect to innovation at www.delphi.com.