NXP Semiconductors new automotive digital key solution

     NXP Semiconductors announced a new automotive digital key solution that enables smartphones, remote keys and other mobile devices to securely store, verify, securely communicate with and share digital keys with the vehicle. The solution expands the reach and convenience of car access by providing the security foundation needed to enable new features such as key sharing, multi-car access and configurable driving rights. The solution is based on NXP's security component and NFC chip set for automotive applications and follows the Automotive Alliance's standardized specification Version 2, an architecture already supported by the world's major automakers, smartphone manufacturers and electronics suppliers.

     Markus Staeblein, vice president and general manager of Secure Automotive access at NXP, said: "Consumers' demand for security solutions that can support new lifestyles has contributed to the rapid development of the digitalization of automotive access. Imagine family and friends sharing car keys via smart devices, and fleets and car-sharing companies providing keys via the cloud to deliver car-sharing orders for you online."

     The Digital key solution uses NXP's NFC chipset and security element technology, including new NXP security elements for automotive applications, to unlock and start the car with an NFC-enabled smartphone, remote key or NFC smart card with digital key. The solution also supports secure sharing of car access with other mobile devices, an advanced feature in the secure car access ecosystem. The solution can be seamlessly added to traditional remote control or gating systems.

     End-to-end security is achieved by configuring NXP security components on mobile devices and in the car. The embedded digital key applet utilizes CCC's standardized specifications for ecosystem interoperability. The solution uses NFC technology to trigger car access and driver authorization even when the phone's battery is low.

     Dr. Fabian Lanze, Head of Process and Security at Huf Secure Mobile, said: "Huf and NXP have been working together for many years to develop industry standards for communication between cars and smartphones. "We integrated NXP's NFC card reader into our automotive access control solution, co-defining the benchmark of unified technology according to CCC standardized Specification Version 2, and continue to move toward digital keys and version 3."

     Secure digital key management is also the basis for hands-free smart car access control, which will be defined in CCC version 3. As a result, NXP will combine digital key solutions with automotive Bluetooth (BLE) communication technology and the recently launched Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for precise and secure positioning.

     NXP expects to make these car access digital technologies even more convenient through security and interoperability standards. The end-to-end security of NXP's digital key solution connects a range of devices to the car, helping to enable smart living, secure connectivity.