Frequency Switching Reception IC for Smart Entry and TPMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle apparatuses that integrate keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring functions require a TPMS microcomputer, even when only the keyless entry function is needed, posing a problem in regions where tire pressure monitoring is not compulsory.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle apparatus with a reception IC that switches frequencies based on input signals, allowing it to receive either smart entry or tire pressure monitoring waves without a TPMS microcomputer, by using a connection cable to input frequency switching signals from a smart entry controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a TPMS microcomputer is installed to enable tire pressure monitoring function, then the apparatus can receive tire pressure monitoring signals, but the device complexity increases and the apparatus cannot be used solely as a smart entry device
Solution Approach 1:
The reception IC is designed to dynamically switch between different reception frequencies based on external control signals. The frequency switching terminal receives control signals that determine whether the IC operates in smart entry mode (first frequency) or tire pressure monitoring mode (second frequency), enabling a single device to adapt to different functional requirements without additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The reception IC is designed with multi-functionality to perform both smart entry reception and tire pressure monitoring reception using the same hardware components. By incorporating a frequency switching mechanism controlled by external signals, the IC can universally handle different types of wireless communications without requiring separate dedicated receivers for each function
2Ease of manufacture
If the reception IC switches frequencies based on external control signals, then the smart ECU can be easily separated, but the frequency switching control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent functional modules: the reception IC with frequency switching capability, the frequency switching terminal for signal input, and the optional smart ECU for control. This segmentation allows the smart ECU to be easily separated or connected depending on whether smart entry functionality is needed, while the reception IC maintains its frequency switching capability through its own internal control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency switching terminal acts as an intermediary interface between the external control system and the reception IC. This terminal provides a standardized connection point that facilitates easy separation of the smart ECU while maintaining the frequency switching control functionality through defined signal interfaces
3Device complexity
If a common reception section is used for both smart entry and tire pressure monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reception frequencies cannot be switched without additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The common reception IC is enhanced with dynamic frequency switching capability through the frequency switching terminal. This allows the single reception section to adaptively change its operating frequency based on external control signals, maintaining hardware simplicity while achieving functional versatility for both smart entry and tire pressure monitoring operations
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency switching terminal is provided to input a signal for switching frequencies of a reception circuit. A smart ECU is connected to the frequency switching terminal via a connection cable. When the signal for switching the frequencies is inputted into an external input terminal of the reception circuit from the smart ECU via the frequency switching terminal, the reception circuit receives a first electric wave transmitted from a portable terminal for smart entry. In contrast, when the signal for switching the frequencies is not inputted into the external input terminal of the reception circuit from the smart ECU via the frequency switching terminal, the reception circuit receives a second electric wave transmitted from a tire sensor.