Keyless access to the car, Smart Key system

Intelligent control systems for automotive safety devices are now available to most drivers. For example, technological and functional complexes of alarm systems are not so expensive that they can be saved. In addition, it is possible to purchase separate components that regulate access to the machine and its responsible mechanisms. These include the intelligent auto key, thanks to which a remote unlocking of the locking mechanism is realized. In particular, it can be a door, a power unit lock, an electronically controlled stopper, a luggage compartment or transmission lock.

General information about keyless access to a car

This is a high-tech security system with remote intelligent control. In the normal mode, factory complexes of this type work according to the program scheme. That is, the lock itself functions in conjunction with the head unit or a special controller. In other words, keyless access to a car or an immobilizer is not just a separate device for contactless penetration into the car. This is often the guarded mechanized complex, as well as the central unit for receiving the signal from the key. The simplest regular devices assume the possibility of locking an electric starter or engine through an electronic system. Some models involve more radical solutions - in particular, a scheme can be implemented in which the electrical circuit of the line to the power unit is disconnected. Accordingly, the key is used to restore the artificially opened circuit.

The principle of the immobilizer

The use of various mechanisms to block the functional parts of the car is common in many anti-theft complexes. This is an effective means of preventing attempts to start the movement of the car without the knowledge of the car owner. But systems of keyless access have their own peculiarities. The main one consists in the principle of the key of the Smart Key system, which implies the intellectual functioning of the data reading mechanisms. In particular, the recognition is provided by modern electromagnetic chips and inductive action sensors , the information from which through the antenna is sent to the transponder of the control unit. Such a complex algorithm for verifying the compliance of the key prevents attempts and electronic hacking of the security system. And the aspect of mechanical anti-theft protection, which is realized not only by stopping the function of the engine, is also important. Typically, experts recommend using at least three barrier areas, among which the power unit, door and gearbox.

The functional of the system

Virtually all keyless access kits as basic functions perform the operations of opening and closing doors, as well as starting and stopping the engine. Another thing is that the parameters of work with different parts of the car can vary. For example, to activate the power unit only a keyless access button is required, which will work at a considerable distance, and the owner will only be able to penetrate into the salon at a distance of 1-2 m after reading the information from the RFID key card. Conversely, reverse actions with blocking of all serviced mechanisms can be performed automatically after the user is deleted with the programmable key. It is important to take into account that after a while, with complete inactivity, the system can also automatically lock the same doors. But this function is initially set parameters - including by timeout. As for the additional option, the system can be combined with car alarms and their individual components, among which sensors, central locking, trunk, etc.

System Management

All operations are performed only with the original key that is included in the system kit. A standard control algorithm involves the use of an electronic code key. But there are also devices in which the possibility of manual code set is implemented. In this case, the owner does not need to use the remote control buttons - he must insert the key into the corresponding socket, after which the system will automatically read the information of the immobilizer system. Upon successful verification, keyless access will work with the unlocking of all locks that are covered by the system. There are also sophisticated devices in the privacy option, in which even before electronic reading of information, it may be necessary to pre-dial the user code that opens access to the immobilizer system itself.

Vulnerabilities of the immobilizer

Unfortunately, such systems do not guarantee the absolute safety of the car before the actions of intruders. You can bypass the protective complex in several ways. First of all, each keyless access kit provides a diagnostic connector through which, with the help of special equipment, the operator can enter the equipment into the emergency mode. Further, the same engine can be given any executive command. This method of circumvention is theoretically possible, but in practice it can be performed only by a highly qualified specialist. In addition, you can forge an intelligent car key, and the information for this is fixed even at a distance. Special photographic devices are able to scan the device, making it an electronic cast. And this is not to say that any work with a car in a service car center will inevitably require the same key to employees.

Smart Key System Manufacturers

In this segment, quite attractive offers are developed by car manufacturers themselves. This is the case when the standard equipment is more technologically advanced than the individual models. To the advanced solutions of this direction it is possible to carry the devices realized in Toyota Verso, WV Touareg and BMW 6 Ser. A less premium, but very good immobilizer is offered in the Passat B6 model . At the same time, independent manufacturers of electronic systems for cars produce worthy devices. So, experts highly appreciate the alarm system with keyless access in the modification of BP-05 from StarLine. The Smart Start Galaxy, a multifunctional development that covers a wide range of systems for security monitoring, receives good reviews. But, in the choice of such devices do not forget about the price tag, which also does not differ modesty.

How much does the keyless access system cost?

The most primitive systems of this type from the Chinese market can be purchased for 1.5-2 thousand rubles. These are models with minimal security features and dubious reliability. Even if it is planned to purchase an entry-level device without any special technological frills, it is recommended to apply to models with a price tag of at least 3 thousand. In this segment, by the way, some StarLine kits are also presented. More developed in the structural and functional sense, keyless access with the possibility of automatic diagnostics and compatibility with alarms will cost 5-7 thousand.

Pros of Keyless Access

Among the primary advantages of the device can be distinguished combination of convenience in use and a high degree of reliability. Yet the multifactor barrier before the actions of the attacker, which affects both the power unit and the external locking mechanisms, provides a high degree of safety. In addition, the functionality of such devices is also noted. The fact is that keyless access with an immobilizer is rarely used in a single order. Most often the device is introduced into a common complex of security or alarm systems. This means that with the same smart key, the user can control other functions besides the protective ones.

Disadvantages of keyless access

Of course, the weakest point is related to the vulnerabilities of this technology. But it is important to understand that it is in practice that hacking of intellectual protection is extremely rare. Moreover, the very idea of the same diagnostic socket is due to the need to create an opportunity for the user to bypass the system when it is completely blocked. In addition, keyless access can deliver some problems in implementing a separate control system. The matter is that the device assumes close interaction with the central control unit. This nuance means ensuring a high load on the local electrical grid, and can also cause problems with the operation of other electronics.

Installation

How is keyless access installed? Installation operations consist of two stages - the implementation of electrical wiring and the mechanical installation of equipment. With regard to the first part, the cigarette lighter or the battery pack conducts power lines to the security blocking systems. Next is the mechanical installation of the blockers, and if necessary, the installation of special sensors, which will also participate in the process of automated unlocking. In turn, the smart key is connected via a special wireless interface to the central control unit. A separate controller can also be used for this task.

Conclusion

Keyless access, of course, can only be called conditionally. The difference between this system and the usual key is determined only by the change in the physical principle of work to the electronic one. The transition to electronic means of control and monitoring of security systems has been going on for a long time and the spread of such devices is quite logical. In addition to protecting properties, the smart key is also valued for ergonomics when working with lock mechanisms. If conventional alarms are almost entirely based on electronics, without having the advantages of physical locks, then in this case there is a combination of the advantages of the two concepts. The user of the immobilizer can count on the ease of operation of the smart key, and on the mechanical protection of the car's blockers.