Keyless system improves auto safety

Unlike other keyless entry systems for cars, TRW's new keyless vehicle system automatically unlocks the car as the driver approaches. There are no buttons to push. "The system uses an exchange of wireless signals," explains Casilda de Benito, director of engineering at TRW Automotive Electronics (Farmington Hills, MI). "We employ 315 MHz radio signals as well as low-frequency waves of just a few hundred kHz," she says. TRW also uses code encryption. The electronic key fob sends a different security code each time it is used.

Automatic unlocking of the car allows faster entry into the car. Faster entry into the car is a security consideration if the car is parked in dark parking lot or other potentially dangerous locations. The TRW system also starts the car without inserting a mechanical key, badge, or fob into the car. Instead, the driver pushes a button on the dashboard for starting the ignition once the fob is inside the car. The system consists of a fob, sensors, transmitters and a receiver. Design engineers choose dashboard, steering column, and other locations for the system components. Information about the car's status is displayed through an LED, so drivers check whether or not the car is locked without having to be near it. The fob also tells the driver if the car experiences an unauthorized intrusion. The system even prevents the driver from accidentally locking the fob inside the car because it distinguishes whether the fob is inside the vehicle or outside. If inside, the system alerts the driver and prevents attempts to lock the car from the outside.