Texas Instruments Announces 3D Analog Front End IC for Automotive RFID-Based Vehicle Access
15 December 2000
Texas Instruments Announces 3D Analog Front End IC for Automotive RFID-Based Vehicle Access
DALLAS, Dec. 15 Texas Instruments Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) Systems today announced its new 3D Analog Front End (3D
AFE) IC, a low-frequency RF chip that simplifies vehicle access design while
providing cost, time, power and board space savings. The 3D AFE (part # TMS
37122) supports passive entry (including anti-collision), passive go,
immobilization and remote keyless entry -- all in one system.
Texas Instruments' 3D AFE is a primary component of a keyless access
solution and requires no action from the user to gain entry to their vehicle.
In the case of passive entry, drivers can have the keyfob in their pocket or
purse, and when they come within 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) of the vehicle and
pull the door handle, the device automatically identifies the driver and
unlocks the door.
The 3D AFE interfaces to three different antennas, ensuring that data
signals are picked up regardless of the orientation of the identification
device. Current keyfobs require the user to aim the device directly at the
vehicle. Compared with a single antenna, TI's 3D AFE provides reliable hands-
free access for users and is more cost-effective than a discrete solution
because it draws less power, uses less PCB space and takes less time to design
the vehicle access system.
The 3D AFE's patented, user-programmable, dual wake pattern detection
distinguishes whether the vehicle access system has been activated from inside
or outside the vehicle. With these two on-chip wake patterns, engineers
avoid design alternatives that are more expensive and that may result in
delays in bringing products to market. This provision for position detection
is an added safety feature for consumers since accidental car starts are
minimized when the person with the device is outside the car.
"We've designed a low-power, cost-effective 3D AFE that makes it easier
and more convenient for designers to implement low-cost passive entry
systems," says Michael Knebelkamp, automotive strategy manager of Texas
Instruments RFID Systems, "Up until now, engineers needed discrete solutions
that were costly and consumed a lot of power."
With a standby current of 5uA and less than 10mV peak-to-peak sensitivity,
the 3D AFE provides a long battery life. The device also features a battery
recharge capability and battery-less backup. The 3D AFE comes in an industry-
standard, 16-pin TSSOP package, which is small enough to fit into a keyfob or
credit-card device. It has also been designed with on-chip antenna trimming
using EEPROM controlled capacitor arrays to enable easier and more cost-
effective production of the keyfob's PCB.
The 3D AFE is compatible with the DST immobilizer, Texas Instruments' high
security, anti-theft transponder that uses 40-bit challenge/response
encryption and RFID to remotely interrogate the driver before starting the
vehicle. Texas Instruments first introduced an RFID-based anti-theft
immobilizer security system in 1993.
Engineering design samples of the Texas Instruments' 3D Analog Front End
IC (part # TMS 37122) are available now. Full production begins in Q1 2001.
For more information, contact TI RFID Systems at 1-888-937-6536 or view their
web site at http://www.tiris.com.
Texas Instruments Incorporated is the world leader in digital signal
processing and analog technologies, the semiconductor engines of the Internet
age. The company's businesses also include sensors and controls, and
educational and productivity solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas
and 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 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems is a
leading developer and manufacturer of field-proven (RFID) solutions used in a
broad range of applications worldwide. TI became the first multi-national
semiconductor company to market RFID Systems with the introduction of TIRIS
(Texas Instruments Registration and Identification System) in 1991. For more
information call 1-888-937-6536 or visit the TI RFID Web site at
http://www.tiris.com.