The automotive industry is experiencing an unprecedented integration of wireless connectivity, which is transforming the driving experience by improving vehicle accessibility, safety, security, convenience and reliability.
In-vehicle wireless technologies are broadly categorized into three groups: secure access/digital key, infotainment and vehicle-to-everything (V2X). These technologies enable features ranging from real-time traffic updates, navigation and entertainment options to more discrete tasks like tire pressure monitoring, digital key secure access and vehicle diagnostics.
The adoption rates of different wireless standards vary significantly across regions, manufacturers and vehicle models, influenced by factors like infrastructure readiness, regulatory environments, consumer preferences and price sensitivity toward new features.
Secure access and digital key
Providing secure access to our cars is a major use case for wireless technologies. Technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) enable secure keyless entry with features such as opening the nearest door to the user, underscoring the dual role of connectivity in enhancing both convenience and security.
The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) was formed to facilitate interoperability and reduce market fragmentation in automotive connectivity. Its emerging Digital Key 3.0 specification is a remarkable advancement in vehicle access and ignition, incorporating multiple wireless technologies to enhance security, accessibility and convenience.
In a typical digital key application, Bluetooth® is used for the initial connection, UWB is for the actual locking/unlocking, and NFC is available as a backup if needed. NFC can still function even if the device’s battery is depleted, ensuring access in nearly all situations. A digital key also enables more flexibility and convenience where multiple users may need to access a car, for example rental vehicles and car-sharing.
Read more: rcrwireless.com
Source: IOT NETWORK NEWS
