Focus on Electronics
October 2002
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TI transponders for anti-theft applications
 DST+ transponder technology from TI-RFid stores identification data on all keys assigned to a vehicle to prevent theft and fraud. |
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology used in many applications, among them being the identification of products for supply-chain and livestock management, for retail transactions through services such as Speedpass and E-ZPass, and for access and tracking of automobiles. The global automotive RFID market leader, the Radio Frequency Identification Systems business of Texas Instruments (TI-RFid), has introduced a new generation of its secure RFID transponders for anti-theft immobilizer applications. Called DST+ (Digital Signature Transponder Plus) and embedded into vehicle keys, the new radio frequency ID transponders improve vehicle security by using sophisticated fraud-prevention diagnostics information and a mutual authentication encryption algorithm.
The transponder's technology addresses the growing issue of insurance fraud by storing the vehicle's anti-theft information on all keys assigned to that vehicle. It could help insurers that might suspect fraud when an owner reports a vehicle is stolen and claims to have all of the keys associated with the vehicle, when in reality he/she has duplicated a key and given it to a complicit thief. Currently, there is no way to authenticate the keys to the vehicle unless the vehicle is available or if the manufacturer has created a database.
Using the DST+ transponder, stored data could include the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), a time stamp when each key was made or when new keys were added, the number of times new keys were programmed, and the total number of unique keys made for the vehicle. DST+ transponders are compatible with TI's DST immobilizer, the high-security transponder that uses challenge/response encryption and mutual authentication, and next-generation passive entry systems.
The logistics flow to support the DST+ technology begins with TI configuring the transponder and programming/locking the serial number and manufacturer code. The system or key supplier then programs one "issuer" key per car manufacturer or car model. At the end of the vehicle manufacturing line, the engine management/vehicle security system is programmed with encryption key, VIN, time stamp, key number, current number of authorized keys, and the number of "learning procedures" the system has performed.
Engineering design samples of TI's DST+ transponders are now available, with full production beginning by the end of 2002.
- Kevin Jost
TAOS sensor digitizes light
 The TSL2550 from TAOS is said to be the first ambient light sensor that converts light intensity to a digital output capable for display and IP uses. |
The first sensor that converts ambient light intensity to a digital signal capable of direct SMBus interface has been developed by Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Inc. (TAOS). The TSL2550 helps to reduce overall system power by measuring available light to control display-screen backlighting in GPS-based navigation systems, which can account for 30-40% of total platform power.
The TSL2550 uses an all-silicon technique that combines two photodetectors to measure light brightness as perceived by the human eye. One photodetector is sensitive to both visible and infrared light, while the other is sensitive only to infrared light. The combined information compensates for the effect of the infrared component of ambient light, thereby approximating the response of the human eye, and is used to calculate light intensity in units of lux. The technique eliminates the need for a costly photopic filter. The ratio of infrared to visible light can be used to determine the type of ambient light source (i.e., incandescent, fluorescent, sunlight), thereby allowing more intelligent control of display contrast and/or color.
- Kevin Jost
Briefs
Automotive Integrated Electronics Corp. (AIEC) has introduced what it believes is the fastest automotive-grade microprocessor core with embedded flash memory. The high-performance AIEC9 is targeted at automotive applications, including powertrain, airbag, and ABS, and can be implemented in virtually any CMOS technology. Using 0.18-µm embedded flash technology, the AIEC9 is currently capable of operating at 100 MHz in the typical automotive temperature range. By 2003, this core will extend its capabilities to speeds of 200 MHz. Floating point support is provided by the ARM VFP9-S vector floating point coprocessor, which is optimum for the automotive control market, for which large data ranges and small data values are predominant. The initial AIEC9 platform chip contains 64 KB of SRAM for data store and 1.25 MB of instruction flash memory.
WorldSpace, towerCast, and Alcatel Space, in partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits and Siemens VDO Automotive have planned an experimental demonstration of in-car digital radio program reception and associated telematics data services in Paris during September and October. A hybrid digital broadcasting network operating in L band is being tested in a vehicle equipped with a satellite receiver implemented by Fraunhofer and Siemens. The demonstration is the result of recommendations of a 2001 French Ministry of Culture report on digital radio broadcasting addressing the current "impasse" and technological constraints of existing solutions.
The emerging market for 42-volt automotive electrical systems stands poised for rapid growth, according to Frost & Sullivan. In its report, Impact of 42-Volt Electrical Systems on North American Automobiles, discusses the likely impact of a transition to higher-voltage systems on alternators, starters, batteries, and electronics. The report authors believe there will be rising demand for electronic products that perform novel functions, such as electronic control modules for managing batteries, presenting opportunities for new companies to enter the market. The need to initially retain two electrical systems (14 and 42 V) will pose an expensive challenge, though benefits such as better fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions are likely to cause automakers to spread 42-V technology across their vehicle lines more quickly—especially once costs of components begin to come down.
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