The emergence of digital keys is redefining car access. With smartphones at the center stage, everything from how cars are accessed to started and shared is taking on a new look. And NXP’s cutting-edge technologies are helping to make all these possible. We recently won the BMW Supplier Innovation Award for Digitalization for our contribution to the BMW Digital Key Plus – a recognition that acknowledges our innovation lead in smart car access solutions and shows that digital keys—what used to be mere imagination—are fast becoming a market trend.
This blog highlights some key topics around this trend that the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) has predicted will be in more than 15% of new cars in 2023.
The further integration of smartphones into car functionality has ushered in more connected experiences from cars to smartphones and vice versa, creating a wide range of new features. Cars can now be opened and started using smartphones even while they are in your pocket or handbag and the access can be shared with specific entitlements without having to physically give anyone a key. These possibilities bring extensive benefits including improved fleet management and car rental.
Arguably, some of the experiences from digital keys are unprecedented when compared to what is attainable with classic car access. Several technologies bring them to life. In particular, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology acts as the communication link and initiates authorization or “handshake” of the key in the background. The outcome of the authorization then determines whether access will be given or not.
Ultra-wideband (UWB) enables precise and secure real-time localization between the smartphone and the car. This allows the car to decide the next course of action, whether it is turning on the welcome lights or adapting the mirrors and seats depending on your position. However, access to the car is achievable in the area about 2 meters away from the car. UWB precisely identifies any movement in this zone.
Near-field communication (NFC) provides the backup entry for access when a smartphone runs out of power. Altogether, these smart technologies function collectively to give users a seamless experience.
Beneath the experience, the constant bi-directional communication between the car and the smartphone requires a high level of security for the exchange and storage of data. For this reason, Secure Elements (SEs) are becoming increasingly used in cars although they are not new to smartphones. They enhance digital keys by preventing compromise to the safety of the car and its user.
Overall, the continuing interplay between phone OEMs and car OEMS around digital keys is expanding the car access ecosystem. As such, the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) is focused on fostering global collaboration among both sets of players and ensuring interoperability across the different car and phone models. For instance, the CCC’s Digital Key release 3.0 specification issetting the cross-industry standard for secure hands-free car access. The seamless collaboration, and the uniformity it will promote, will be vital as the transition towards digital keys continues.
We offer a portfolio of technologies and system knowledge that enable robust and scalable car access. Our smart and secure car access solutions are giving both smartphone OEMs and car OEMs the edge in the transition.
To learn more about our scalable car access solutions, visit our smart car access reference platform.
Markus Staeblein is Senior Vice President and General Manager Secure Car Access at NXP and Country Manager of NXP Semiconductors Austria. He has more than 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry with senior management roles in the Automotive, Industrial and IoT markets. He holds a diploma in Engineering from the FH Wiesbaden and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The Open University.
