Application of secure low energy Bluetooth connection technology in automobile

    Parts for vehicle specification AEC-Q100

    Low power consumption, which is a key requirement for electric vehicles

    Low cost System on chip (SoC) components and antennas

    In cars, Bluetooth technology was initially used in vehicle access systems, enabling features such as keyless entry and keyless start for smartphone keys. Future developments around Bluetooth Low energy in such applications will customize the user experience based on personal digital keys and preferred configurations. For example, the vehicle can automatically recognize the personal profile stored in the driver‘s or passenger‘s phone and then seamlessly adjust the rearview mirror, seat and steering wheel angles to meet individual needs. In addition, it will also be possible to create shared keys for other car users, ultimately making smartphone keys a practical solution to the emerging trend of sharing autonomous vehicles. However, this also requires personal profiles to be protected at the highest level of security to prevent them from being copied by unauthorized third parties, which could steal or change the way the vehicle operates.

    Low power consumption is critical for infotainment systems such as vehicle-connected communication boxes and host displays. These systems often contain high-power connectivity devices such as cellular telecommunications modems, Wi-Fi, and other connectivity protocols. These systems must adhere to their strict power budgets so as not to drain the on-board battery when the vehicle is not in use.

    To meet these requirements, system developers are looking for low-power wireless microcontrollers (MCUS) that can turn off higher-power components in the vehicle when needed, as well as wake them up when needed. Bluetooth Low Energy is ideal for achieving this, for example, by allowing a vehicle-connected communication box or host display to wake up when needed to perform software updates or other diagnostic functions via over-the-air (OTA) technology.

    In addition to body applications, another emerging trend is the use of wireless capabilities of Bluetooth technology in battery management systems to periodically send temperature and voltage information of the battery pack to the main computer. Bluetooth low energy can also help vehicle manufacturers (Oems) reduce costs by, for example, allowing drivers to use their mobile phones to check tire pressure and even receive notifications when a tire is flat through wireless tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). In addition, Bluetooth Low energy simplifies the design for the control parts of power seats, mirrors, locks and sunroofs.

    In addition to ultra-low power consumption, the compact form factor and ensuring safe data transmission inside and outside the car are also key requirements when choosing an in-vehicle Bluetooth Low power MCU.