- Ultra-wideband technology applied 
- Industry's top-level location detection precision with improved security 
- "Accelerating inroads into the digital key module market"

LG Innotek (CEO Cheol-dong Jeong) revealed on the 25th that it had succeeded in 
developing a digital car key module with improved location detection precision 
and security.

A digital car key module is a communication component that is installed in a 
car and allows wireless data transmission between a car and a smartphone. A 
digital key is a next-generation car key that allows users to open or lock the 
car door or start the engine using a smartphone. A driver can use his/her 
smartphone to oversee the vehicle conditions, including driving distance, fuel 
efficiency, tire pressure, etc., at a glance as well as control the vehicle.

Users can lend the digital key to another person or allow only specific 
functions, such as opening or closing the trunk, using a smartphone app. Users 
don't need to carry a physical key, reducing the risk of losing the key. Also, 
the smartphone must be inside the car to drive it, reducing the risk of car 
theft.

As the car sharing and rental services have grown recently, the demand for a 
digital car key module has increased every year. But the existing digital car 
key modules had low location detection precision and concerns for low security 
as they were prone to hacking, etc.

The digital car key module that LG Innotek developed uses the ultra-wideband 
(UWB) technology, which is a wireless LAN communication technology, and a 
proprietary algorithm, improving the location detection precision. In addition, 
the module has increased the security by applying a proprietary hacking 
prevention technology.

Industry's top-level location detection precision with improved security
The digital car key module that LG Innotek developed can detect the location of 
a smartphone 5 times more precisely than the existing key modules. The module's 
error range between the actual smartphone's location and the recognition 
location has been reduced from 50 cm (19.7 in) to under 10 cm (3.9 in).

For example, if an existing car key module detects that a smartphone is located 
between 4.7 m (15.4 ft) and and 5.2 m (17.1 ft) from the module when the phone 
is actually 5 m (16.4 ft) away, the LG Innotek's new digital car key module can 
detect that the smartphone is located between 4.9 m (16.1 ft) and 5 m (16.4 
ft), which is a fairly good accuracy. 

To achieve this, LG Innotek used the ultra-wideband technology with better 
precision for distance and direction than the Bluetooth low energy (BLE) 
technology. In addition, for the module, LG Innotek used its proprietary design 
technology for a wireless communication antenna and its proprietary location 
measurement algorithm.

The more precisely a digital car key module detects the location of a 
smartphone, the more diverse and more convenient functions can be implemented. 
The digital car key module can detect the smartphone location and open the 
driver's seat door in advance or start the engine automatically.

In addition, it can provide a driver with personalized driving environment. 
When several people use the same car, the module can recognize the smartphone 
location and set the driver's seat or side-view mirrors automatically for the 
corresponding driver. When several people with the same digital car key get on 
the vehicle, the module can detect the person on the driver's seat accurately.

This module also enhanced the security for a car. LG Innotek's proprietary 
hacking prevention technology prevents electromagnetic interference and 
tampering of communication between vehicle and smartphone. This drastically 
reduces the possibility of car theft due to the loss of smartphone or digital 
key hacking.

With all these functions, the digital car key module is compact and slim. The 
module, with the size of a single clip thanks to the ultra-precision high 
integration technology, contains about 60 components including RF (radio 
frequency) element, power block element, etc. With its compact size, it can be 
freely installed anywhere inside and outside the vehicle.

Besides, the module complies with the latest standards of the Car Connectivity 
Consortium, a global digital key standardization organization, allowing it to 
be used regardless of country, terrain, and vehicle type. LG Innotek is a core 
member of this organization and actively participates in the standardization of 
a digital car key in cooperation with major global companies in the industry.

"Accelerating inroads into the automotive digital key market" 
With the digital car key module, LG Innotek plans to actively make inroads into 
the market for next-generation communication components. The company is 
actively running promotions targeting global manufacturers of vehicles and 
vehicle components in the US, Japan, and Europe as well as in Korea with the 
aim of mass-producing the product by 2020.

Insoo Ryu, the Head of Automotive Components & Electronics Business Division, 
says, "It will be possible to implement various mobility services using the 
digital car key module to enhance customer value." He adds, "We will continue 
to release innovative automotive components that can provide drivers with 
convenient, safe, and enjoyable driving experience."

According to Strategic Analytics, a global market research institution, the 
number of vehicles with a digital key in the global market will increase by 
360% from 6.3 million units in 2020 to 28.9 million units in 2025.

www.lginnotek.com 

source: LG Innotek 

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=382811

   Caption: A “Digital Car Key Module” developed by LG Innotek. This module can 
detect the smartphone location 5 times more precisely than the existing modules 
and provides enhanced security.

   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=382814

   Caption: A “Digital Car Key Module” developed by LG Innotek