Lexus RX 300 Uses Keeloq Code-Hopping Technology
15 September 1998
Lexus RX 300 Uses Keeloq Code-Hopping Technology for Highly Secure RKE System
CHANDLER, Ariz.--Sept. 15, 1998--Microchip Technology Inc. Tuesday announced that Toyota Motor Corp. is using its KEELOQ(R) code hopping technology for a highly secure remote-keyless-entry (RKE) system in the new 1999 Lexus RX 300 sport utility vehicle (SUV).
The Lexus RX 300 goes beyond the conventional limits of existing SUVs by combining the most desirable aspects of luxury sedans and 4x4s in a new breed of SUVs.
The Lexus RX 300 uses the HCS300 KEELOQ code hopping encoder, designed to be the transmitter portion of secure RKE systems. Microchip's patented KEELOQ code hopping technology combines high security, a small package outline and a very low cost to make this an ideal solution for unidirectional remote-keyless-entry systems and other applications.
When Toyota began designing the Lexus RX 300, they wanted an RKE solution which offered high security, ease of use and reliability for the end user. The entire circuit board had to be small enough to fit on an actual mechanical key, thereby eliminating the need for a transmitter fob separate from the mechanical key.
Unlike previous microcontroller-based systems which required additional external circuitry, the HCS300 is uniquely small enough to fit on the actual key. Switching back-and-forth between a traditional key fob and mechanical key is eliminated, making the system easier to use.
The HCS300 uses internal EEPROM to store the encryption key, serial number and configuration data and is programmed using a simple serial interface. The memory array is read protected against attempts to gain access to the encryption key and makes these devices very secure.
The system is also more reliable as the internal data does not reset when the battery is changed or if there is an intermittent connection caused by dropping the unit. This reduces potential inconvenience for the driver and maintains the system security even when the battery is replaced.
"Because the Lexus RX 300 sets new performance benchmarks for SUVs, Microchip is proud that Toyota selected its proven KEELOQ code hopping technology for the RKE system," said Kobus Marneweck, product marketing manager for Microchip.
"Since its introduction in 1996, the KEELOQ technology has been designed into more than 14 automotive applications worldwide, fast becoming the world standard for highly secure RKE applications."
Microchip's patented KEELOQ code hopping technology creates a high degree of security using a long code word length together with encryption and automatic synchronization techniques. The code hopping technology uses a complex non-linear cryptographic algorithm to encode the transmission sequence.
The KEELOQ code hopping methodology circumvents code capturing since a different code is used with each successive transmission and a previous code is never accepted again. The coding process prohibits the calculation of the key, even if a large number of transmissions are captured and analyzed.
Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the PICmicro(TM) family of 8-bit RISC-based microcontrollers - with OTP, FLASH, and ROM memory technologies; serial EEPROMs and related specialty memory products; and KEELOQ(R) code hopping devices. These products target thousands of embedded control applications in the consumer, automotive, office automation, communications and industrial markets. Microchip's quality systems are ISO 9001 certified.
Headquartered near Phoenix in Chandler, Microchip employs approximately 2,200 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas.
Note to Editors: The Microchip name and logo, PIC and KEELOQ are registered trademarks and PICmicro is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Oct. 19-21, 1998