Automotive Immobilizer Anti-Theft Systems Experience Rapid Growth in 1999
2 June 1999
Automotive Immobilizer Anti-Theft Systems Experience Rapid Growth in 1999 RFID Technology from Texas Instruments TIRIS(TM)
Helping to Set Automotive Security Standard
DALLAS, June 1 -- You've watched the scenes replay a hundred
times: a blaring horn or screaming siren falls on apathetic ears; heads turn
to flashing lights only in annoyance. Clearly, traditional automotive
security systems are not thwarting car theft in the U.S. Yet, auto theft
rates in Western Europe dropped by over 1/3 from a peak of 144,000 in 1993 to
95,349 in 1997(A). Why?
The answer lies in an anti-theft immobilizer system based on Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) technology from manufacturers such as Texas
Instruments TIRIS(TM). First introduced to the European market in 1993,
immobilizer systems became mandatory equipment on all new vehicles sold in
Europe starting in 1995. With theft rates of immobilizer-equipped vehicles
dropping by 90% in 1997(A), immobilizer systems have become the most effective
option in automotive security available.
Following this success, factory and aftermarket immobilizer systems are
now featured on many models sold throughout North America including Chrysler,
Ford, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota. In 1999 alone, more
than 12 models came equipped with immobilizer-based security systems including
-- the Ford Windstar, Contour, and Crown Victoria; Jeep Grand Cherokee;
Nissan Pathfinder; Toyota Landcruiser and 4Runner; Dodge Neon; Plymouth
Breeze; Lincoln Continental and Town Car; and the Mercury Marquis.
A Higher Standard of Security
The heart of an immobilizer system is a tiny electronic device, called a
transponder, which is embedded into the vehicle's ignition key. The
transponder contains a unique and unalterable identification code that
corresponds to that particular vehicle.
Every time the key is inserted into the ignition, a radio frequency (RF)
reader located in the steering column is triggered. The reader is comprised
of a small antenna integrated with the ignition switch and the steering lock
cylinder, and a transceiver, which is connected to a control module in the
engine's central computer. The computer controls vital automotive functions,
such as the ignition and fuel supply circuits.
As the ignition is turned, the reader is activated and sends out a
wireless signal to the transponder. The signal powers up the transponder's
capacitor, allowing it to transmit its unique code back to the reader. The
code is then sent to the control module, which compares it to the code stored
in its memory. If the two codes match, and the appropriate additional
security challenges are passed (depending upon the type of transponder
featured in the immobilizer system), the control module enables the engine's
computer or the fuel pump relays. If the codes do not match, an alarm
indicator will show and the engine will not start, rendering the vehicle
impossible to drive until the proper key is inserted for ignition.
Advantages of Immobilizer Security
RFID technology offers many advantages over other traditional anti-theft
systems. The battery-free, or passive, system is extremely rugged and lasts
the lifetime of the car. Because the technology is RF-controlled, its
performance exceeds factory-installed contact-based solutions, which develop
high error rates because of dirt and wear-and-tear.
The technology's unalterable codes offer a higher level of security than
other systems. For instance, infrared systems can be easily overridden now
that electronic supply stores sell low-cost equipment that can intercept and
emulate an infrared signal.
TIRIS is also the most user-friendly system available. Its presence is
completely transparent to the driver, who is expected to do no more than put
the proper key in the ignition. This contrasts with PIN (Personal
Identification Number) keycode systems, which require a driver to remember a
code and take the time to punch it in. In addition, PIN systems are
unsuitable for cars with many drivers, since the PIN number can easily be
passed to an unauthorized driver.
The Future of Automotive Immobilizer Systems
Texas Instruments also plans the introduction of products for a true
"keyless" entry system in the near future. This vehicle, without outside
mechanical locks, will look for the driver's transponder, perhaps embedded in
a plastic card carried in their wallet, and will then authorize the unlocking
of the doors for driver and passenger entry. Future transponders could even
learn a driver's profile -- where seating, climate control, and other
adjustments would be made automatically based on the driver's preferences.
Texas Instruments Incorporated is a global semiconductor company and the
world's leading designer and supplier of digital signal processing and analog
technologies, the engines driving the digitalization of electronics.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company's products also include materials
and controls, educational and productivity solutions, and digital imaging.
The company has manufacturing or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at
http://www.ti.com.
Texas Instruments entered the radio frequency identification (RFID) market
in 1991 with the world-wide introduction of TIRIS (Texas Instruments
Registration and Identification System). Fusing together core competencies in
advanced semiconductors, microelectronic packaging and computer system design,
TIRIS has become a standard-setting technology used in thousands of object
tracking and data collection applications around the world.
NOTE(A): Source of data -- Allianz International
