Remote Function Fob for a Vehicle Passive Entry Passive Start System and Method for Operating Same

• US 20140114503A1
• Filed: 09/30/2013
• Published: 04/24/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Ghabra, Riad, Summerford, Jason
• Application Number:
  US14/041,165
• Publication Number:
  US 20140114503A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/2
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/00 Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled logic circuits H03K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom

Abstract

A remote function fob is disclosed for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle. The fob may include a battery, a low frequency (LF) receiver, and a controller. The controller may be configured to enable a low current consumption mode wherein the LF receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module. A method is also disclosed which may include enabling a low current consumption mode wherein a fob receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module. In such a fashion, a shelf-life of the fob battery may be extended.

Claims

1. A remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle, the fob comprising:

a battery;

a low frequency (LF) receiver; and

a controller configured to enable a low current consumption mode wherein the LF receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

2. The remote function fob of claim 1 further comprising at least one user operable switch, wherein the controller is further configured to enable a normal operating mode in response to actuation of the at least one switch such that the LF receiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

3. The remote function fob of claim 1 further comprising a transponder adapted for battery-less operation, wherein the controller is further configured to enable a normal operating mode in response to an LF signal received by the transponder such that the LF receiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

4. The remote function fob of claim 1 further comprising a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, wherein the RF transmitter is disabled in the low current consumption mode.

5. The remote function fob of claim 1 wherein the low current consumption mode comprises a storage mode wherein a shelf-life of the battery is extended.

6. The remote function fob of claim 1 wherein the controller enables the low current consumption mode in response to receipt of a command signal.

7. The remote function fob of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of LF antennas for use with the LF receiver and the transponder, each of the plurality of LF antennas having a different orientation to improve reception of an LF signal.

8. A remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle, the fob comprising:

a battery;

a radio frequency (RF) transceiver; and

a controller configured to enable a low current consumption mode wherein the RF transceiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

9. The remote function fob of claim 8 further comprising at least one user operable switch, wherein the controller is further configured to enable a normal operating mode in response to actuation of the at least one switch such that the RF transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

10. The remote function fob of claim 8 further comprising a transponder configured for battery-less operation, wherein the controller is further configured to enable a normal operating mode in response to a low frequency signal received by the transponder such that the RF transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

11. The remote function fob of claim 8 further comprising a port in communication with the controller and configured to receive a wired connection, wherein the controller is further configured to enable a normal operating mode in response to a wake-up signal received via the wired connection such that the RF transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

12. The remote function fob of claim 8 wherein the low current consumption mode comprises a storage mode wherein a shelf-life of the battery is extended.

13. The remote function fob of claim 8 wherein the controller enables the low current consumption mode in response to receipt of a command signal.

14. The remote function fob of claim 8 further comprising at least one component selected from the group comprising a light emitting diode, a piezoelectric sound generator, and a vibration generating motor, and wherein the low current consumption mode includes disabling the at least one component.

15. A method for operating a remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle, the fob comprising a battery, a receiver, and a controller for controlling operation of the fob, the method comprising:

enabling a low current consumption mode wherein the receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the fob further comprises at least one user operable switch, the method further comprising enabling a normal operating mode in response to actuation of the at least one switch such that the receiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the fob further comprises a transponder configured for battery-less operation, the method further comprising enabling a normal operating mode in response to a low frequency signal received by the transponder such that the receiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the fob further comprises a port in communication with the controller and configured to receive a wired connection, the method further comprising enabling a normal operating mode in response to a wake-up signal received by the controller via the wired connection such that the receiver enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein the receiver comprises a low frequency (LF) receiver.

20. The method of claim 15 wherein the receiver comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver.