GB2508496A

GB2508496A - PEPS fob having a low power consumption mode

Info

Publication number: GB2508496A
Application number: GB201317980A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Riad Ghabra; Jason Summerford
Original assignee: Lear Corp
Current assignee: Lear Corp
Priority date: 2012-10-24
Filing date: 2013-10-11
Publication date: 2014-06-04
Also published as: GB201317980D0

Abstract

A remote function fob 10 is disclosed for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle. The fob includes a battery 26, a receiver 16, 21, and a controller 14. The controller is configured to enable a low current consumption (low power) mode where the receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module. The receiver may be a LF receiver 16 or a RF transceiver 21. The fob may be provided with at least one user switch 24a-f which is operable to enable a normal operation mode in which the fob can respond to PEPS signals transmitted by the vehicle. Alternatively, a battery-less transponder can be provided in the fob and may receive a signal to enable the normal operation mode. The fob can also be provided with a wired connector or interface through which a wake-up signal may be transmitted to the fob. The wake-up signal restores the normal operating mode. The low current consumption mode can be triggered by the receipt of a command signal. In such a fashion, a shelf-life of the fob battery may be extended.

Description

Remote Function Fob For A Vehicle Passive Entry Passive Start System And Method For Operating Same

I'ECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start. (PEPS) system for a vehicle.

[0002] The invention also relates t.o a method for operating such a fob.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Passive entry and passive start systems for vehicles and the operation of those systems are well known in the automotive field. Such systems typically include a portable remote control device, which may he referred to as a fob, and a controller or control module mounted in the vehicle.

[0004] Such a fob is usually a battery powered, hand-hdd device and may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and a low frequency (LF) receiver for wirelessly transmiuing RF signals and receiving I A-signals. Such signals are transmitted to and received from corresponding transmitters and receivers associated with the vehicle-mounted control module, and are provided for use in automatically performing certain vehicle functions, and may include commands for use in door lock/unlock, engine slart, and other vehicle functions.

[0005] Examples of known mmote keyless entry (RKE) and passive entry systems include 115.

Paleni No. 5,51 5,036 entilled "Passive Keyless Eniry Sysiem," U.S. Pateni No. 6,617,975 entilled "Keyless Entry System For Vehicles In Particular," and U.S. Patent No. 7,106,171 entitled "Keyless Command System For Vehicles And Other Applications." [0006] A Battery powered PEPS fob typically has a significant Q-curmnt that can significantly short.en the battery life of the fob t.o 2-3 years. If the fob sits in storage for 1-2 years, the remaining battery life for operational use of the fob may he very short. Such a shortened fob battery life may not. meet. customer requirements for operational bat.tery life.

[0007] Thus, there exists a need for a PEPS fob and a method for operating such a fob that would enable managing the Q-current of the fob while in storage so as to minimize battery life loss.

Such a PEPS fob and method for operating the fob would thereby he capable of meeting customer operational battery life requirements.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to one of the emhodiinent.s described herein, a remot.e function fob is provided for a passive cntry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle. The fob may comprise a battery, a low frequency (LU) receiver, and a controller. The controller may he configured to enable a low current consumption mode wherein the LU receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond t.o a PEPS requesi. signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

[0009] According to another embodiment described herein, a remote function fob is provided for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle. The fob may comprise a battery, a radio frequency (RU) transceiver, and a controller. [he controller may he 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.

[0010] According t.o another embodiment described herein, a method is provided for operating a remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle. The fob may comprise a battery, a receiver, and a controller for controlling operation of the fob. The method may comprise enabling a low current consumption mode wherein the receiver is disaffled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

[0011] A derailed description of these and other embodiments of a lob and meihod for operating a fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle is set forth below together with Ihe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start. (PEPS) system for a vehicle, as described herein; [0013] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of a remote function fob for a PEPS system for a vehicle, as described herein; and [0014] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of a remote function fob for a PEPS system for a vehicle and an embodiment of a method for operating such a fob, as described herein.

DETAIT iED DESCRIPTION

[0015] As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may take various and alternative forms. the figures are not necessarily to scale. Some features may he exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details discloscd herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but n1erely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art.

[0016] With reference to Figures 1-3, a more detailed description of embodiments of a fob and a method for operating a fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle will he described. For ease of illustration and to facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used herein for like components and features throughout. t.he drawings.

[0017] As previously described, passive entry and passive start systems for vehicles and the operation of those systems are well known in the automotive field. Such systems typically include a portable remote control device, which may be referred to as a fob, and a controller or control module mounted in the vehicle.

[0018] Such a fob is usually a battery powered, hand-hdd dcvice and may include a radio frequency (RF transmitter and a low frequency (LF) receiver for wirelessly transmitting RE signals and recciving I A-signa's. Such signals are transmitted to and received from corresponding transmitters and receivers associated with the vehicle-mounted control moduk, and are provided for use in automatically performing certain vehicle functions, and may include commands for use in door lock/unlock, engine start, and other vehicle functions.

[0019] Examples of known mmote keyless entry (RKE) and passive entry systems include 115.

Patent No. 5,515,036 entitled "Passive Keyless Entry System," U.S. Patent No. 6,617,975 entitled "Keyless Entry System For Vehicles In Particular," and U.S. Patent No. 7,106,171 entitled "Keyless Command System For Vehicles And Other Applications." [0020] A Battery powered PEPS fob typically has a significant Q-currcnt that can significantly short.en the battery life of the fob t.o 2-3 years. If the fob sits in storage for 1-2 years, the remaining battery life for operationa' use of the fob may he very short. Such a shortened fob battery life may not meet customer requirements for operational battery life.

[0021] Thus, there exists a need for a HiPS fob and a method for operating such a fob that would enable managing t.he Q-current. of the fob while in st.orage so as t.o minimize batt.ery life loss.

Such a fob and method for operating the fob would thereby be capable of meeting customer operational battery life requirements.

[0022] As seen in Figure 1, one embodiment of a portable, remote control device, such as a fob for use in a passive entry-passive start (PUPS) system for a vehicle is shown. [he fob 10 may comprise an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 12 that may comprise a microcontroller 14, a low frequency (LU) receiver 16, and a transponder 18. l'he microcontroller 14, which may also be referred t.o as a control unit., electronic control unit (ECU), or controller, may comprise a microprocessor, programmable digital signal processor (DSP) or other programmable device. The microcontroller 14 may alternatively include an ASIC, a programmable gate array or programmable array logic, or a programmable logic device. Where microcontroller 14 includes a programmable device such as a microprocessor or programmable DSP, the microcontroller 14 may further include computer executable code that controls operat.ion of the device.

[0023] I'he LI! receiver 16 and transponder 18 may operate in conjunction with an Li; antenna 20, which is provided in communication with the ASIC 12 and may comprise a plurality of antennas having different orientations (X, Y, Z) to improve signal transmission andlor reception.

The LU antenna 20 and receiver 16 are configured or adapted, in an active or battery-powered operating mode, to receive a rEPS request 1k signal or other PEPS related 1k signals. the 1k antenna 20 and transponder 18 are also configured or adapted, in a battery-less operating mode, to send and receive non-PEPS related 1k signals.

[0024] The fob 10 may luriher comprise a radio frequency (RU) iransmilier or Iransceiver provided in communication with the ASIC 12. [he RU transmitter may comprise a transnutter integrated circuit (Tx IC) 21 configured or adapted for cooperation with an RU antenna 22. The RU antenna 22 and transnuttcr or transceiver are configured to transnut or transmit and receive PUPS related RU signals, which may be ultra-high frequency (UIIF signals, such as in the 300- 500 MHz range. [he fob 10 may also comprise one or more user operable switches 24a-24L which may take the form of buttons or any other form well known in the art. The fob 10 still further comprises a battery 26 for powering the various fob components described herein.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment. of a portable, remot.e control device, such as a fob 10 for use in a passive entry-passive start (PUPS) system for a vehicle. The fob 10 may comprise a microcontroller 14 and a low frequency transponder 18. The transponder 18 may operate in conjunction with an Li' antenna 20. Although only a single LU antenna 20 is shown, a plurality of ant.ennas may be employed having different orient.at.ions (X, Y, Z) to improve signal transmission and/or reception. [he LI! antenna 20 and transponder 18 are configured or adapted for operation, in a battery-less operating mode, to send and receive non-PUPS related LU signals.

The 1k antenna 20 and transponder 18 may also he provided for use with a vehicle mounted immohilizer reader or immohilizer hase station (not shown) having a corresponding LF antenna (not shown) to enable a vehicic immobilization function and/or for LU/LU backup vehicle starting.

[0026] the fob 10 may further comprise a radio frequency (RU) transmitter or transceiver, which may include a transceiver integrated circuit. 21 and RU ant.enna 22. The RU antenna 22 and transceiver 21 may he configured to transmit and rcceive PUPS related RU signals, which may hc ultra-high frequency (UHF) signals. The fob 10 may also comprise one or more user operable switches 24a-24f, which may take the form of buttons or any other form well known in the art.

Thc fob 10 still further comprises a battery 26 for powering the various fob components described herein.

[0027] Still referring to Figure 2, the fob 10 may also comprise a voltage regulator 50. The fob nay further comprise various additional electrical or electronic components acting as output devices, such as ligW-emitting diodes 54, a piezoelectric sound generat.or 56, and a motor 58 for generating vibrations.

[0028] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, according to the embodiments described herein, extending the shelf-life of the fob battery 26 may he accomplished in various ways. In that regard, where the fob 10 includes switches 24a-24f, according to one embodiment, as much circuitry in the fob ID is turned off as possible while still maintaining a minimum operation so as lo he able lo wake up the lob via actuation of one or more switches 24a-24f, such as by pressing one or more buttons, which may include a sequence of switch actuations or button presses. this may include disabling or shedding any other electrical load or components such as the TYDs 54, piezoelectric sound generator 56, and motor 58. this is done to reduce standby current consumption. In this low current. consumption or storage mode, the fob 10 is not fully operational especially for PUPS functions. I'hat is, the LU receiver 16 (Figure 1) or the RU transceiver 21 (Figure 2) is disabled such that. the fob is unable t.o respond to a PUPS request LU or RU signal transmitted from a vehicle mounted control module.

[0029]In anot.her embodiment, once again as much circuitry in t.he fob 10 is turned off as possible while still maintaining a minimum operation so as to he able to wake up the fob when the fob is mated to a vehicle. This may again include disabling or shedding any other electrical load or components, such as the LEDs 54, piezoelectric sound generator 56, and motor 58. here again, this is done to reduce standby current consumption. In this low current consumption or storage mode, the fob 10 again is not fully operational especially for PUPS functions.

[0030] When fob 10 is mated to the vehicle, a wake up command may he communicated to the fob 10 and the fob 10 re-configured so as to turn on all needed circuitry to enable the PUPS function, whereby the LF receiver 16 (Figure 1) or RF transceiver 21 (Figure 2) is enabled such that thc fob 10 is able to rcspond to a vehicle controller PEPS request. In onc embodiment, as described in further detail below with reference to Figure 3, the wake up and re-configuration is donc using a battery-less transpondcr mode (which may also he referred to as an immohilizer mode).

[0031] Rcfcrring again to Figure 2, the fob 10 may comprise a port 60, which may take the form of a universal serial bus (USB) connect.ion adapt.ed or configured to receive a TJSB connector t.o establish a wired connection with an external device (not shown). Such a port 60 and connection may he providcd and uscd for rc-charging thc hattcry 26 of the fob 10. To that end, the fob 10 may also comprise a battery charger 62. I'he port 60 may also he provided for use in communication with the controller 14, which may be configured to receive a wake-up signal via port 60. In this embodiment, the controller 14 is further configured to place the fob 10 in or enable t.he normal operating mode in response t.o t.he wake-up signal, wherein the RF transceiver 21 is enabled such that the fob lOis able to respond to a vehicle controller PEPS request.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a fob and a method for operating a fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle. As seen therein, and as will he described in further detail below, the fob 10 may wirelessly communicate with a control module mounted in a vehicle 32 via an lA-i antenna 34 also mounted in the vehicle 32. The control module 30, which may also he relerred to as a Body Control Module (BCM), control unit, electronic control unit (ECU), or controller may comprise a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable digital signal processor (DSP) or other programmable device. The control module may also, or instead, include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gat.e array or programmable array logic, or a programmable logic device. Where the control module 30 includes a programmable device such as a microprocessor, microcontroller or programmable DSP, the control module 30 may further include computer executable code that.

controls operation of the device.

[0033] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the microcontroller 14 of t.he fob 10 may he appropriately configured to place the fob 10 in very low current consumption mode. This means that the LF receiver 16 or the RF transceiver 21 is entirely disabled and the microcontroller 14 is set to a very low current mode. In that regard, when placed in a typical standby mode known in the art, an LF receiver 16 consumes significant current (e.g., a few micro amps). In such a standby mode, the fob 10 is able to wake upon receipt of valid LU messages and can therefore take part in processing a PEPS request..

[0034] According to the embodiments described herein, however, when the fob 10 is placed in the low current consumption or storage mode, the fob 10 is not able to wake up on any PEPS requests. When the fob 10 is manufactured, an end of line (EOL) t.est.er may he used to t.est. the PEPS function (along with all other functions) of the fob 10, and then may send a special command to the microcontroller 14 t.o set the fob 10 in a very low current. mode, including disabling the LI! receiver 16 (Ugure 1) or RU transceiver 21 (Figure 2). After this message is sent, the fob 10 is unable to wake up on any PEPS requests. Therefore, the fob 10 is placed in this storage mode towards the end of the LOL testing process.

[0035] As previously described, the fob 10 may he awakened from such a low current consumption mode and returned to a normal operating mode by pressing a button or sequence of buttons 24a-24f, or during t.he process of mating the fob 10 t.o a particular vehicle at. the time of vehicle production. In such a fashion, the Li' receiver 16 (Figure 1) or the RI! transceiver 21 (Figure 2) is enabled so that. t.he fob 10 responds to PEPS request signals.

[0036] Alternatively, referring again to Figure 3, the fob 10 may he placed in the vicinity of the vehicle-mounted LF antenna 34 that is part of the vehicle PEPS system, thereby placing the fob in the field of such a vehicle lJ-antenna 34. A command may then be sent to the vehicle control module 30 to start the mating process. The vehicle module 30, which may he a Body Control Module (BCM), may then send a transponder command 36 to the fob ID for receipt by LF antenna 20 and fob transponder 18 lunctioning in a baaery-less operaling mode. Transponder conunand 36 thereby initiates battery-less LF communication with the fob 10 wherein componenls of the fob 10 niay he powered by that received signal. It should be noted thai while the BCM 30 is shown in Figure 3 as connected to the LF antenna 34, any other alternative architecture or configuration may be employed. For example, the BCM 30 could drive anot.her module (not shown) connected to the LF antenna 34, or the BCM 30 and LF antenna 34 could be provided in communication via a vehicle bus or network (not shown), such as a Controller Area Network (CAN).

[0037] Upon receipt. by t.he fob transponder 18 of such a transponder command 36, the fob 10 wakes up and responds 38. The vehicle control module 30 may then send a special LF command within the transponder mode to the fob 10. The microcontroller 14 may he configured or adapted, upon receipt of that special LU command 40, to restore or enable the normal operation mode of the fob 10 wherein t.he LF receiver 16 (Figure 1) or the RI! transceiver 21 (Figure 2) of the fob 10 is enabled or turned on, as well as perhaps other components of the fob 10 described herein.

[0038] Alternatively, as previously describe in connection with Figure 2, the fob 10 may he provided with a port, plug, connector or other interface 60 for establishing a wired connection of the microcontroller 14 io an exwrnal device (not shown) in order to receive a wake-up message.

In that regard, the fob 10 may for example be plugged into a universal serial bus (I'SB) for receiving a wake-up message via a USB connector and connection. In either event, the mating process, which may comprise writing a secret key and other data may be undertaken, as is well known in the art. As a result of the mating process, the fob 10 is learned by the vehicle 32 and is placed in normal operating mode wherein the LI' receiver 16 (Figure 1) or the RU transceiver 21 (Figure 2) is cnaHcd so that the fob 10 can process all function requests including PUPS.

[0039] Thus, a remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start (PLPS) system for a vehicle may comprise a battery, a low frequency (LF) receiver, and a controller configured t.o enable a low current consumption mode wherein the LU receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module. The fob may further comprise 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 Pt-PS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

[0040] Alternatively, the remote function fob may further comprise a transponder adapted for hauery-less operalion, wherein the controller is further configured lo enable a normal operating mode in response to an LU signal received by the transponder such that the LU receiver is enabled and he lob is able to respond 1o a PUPS request signal iransmiaed Irom a vehide control module.

In one embodiment, the fob may further comprise a radio frequency (RU) transmitter, wherein the RU transmitter is disabled in the low current. consumption mode. The low current. consumption mode may comprise a storage mode wherein a shelf-life of the battery is extended, and the controller may enable the low current consumption mode in response to receipt of a command signal.

[0041] In anot.her embodiment, a remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start. (PUPS) system for a vehicle may comprise a battery, a radio frequency (RU) transceiver, and a controller configured to enable a low current consumption mode wherein the RU transcciver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PLPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module. The remot.e fob may further comprise 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 RE transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

[0042] Alternatively, the remote function fob may comprise 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 RU transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PUPS request signal transmined from a vehicle control module. The fob may further comprising a port in communication with t.he controller and configured to receive a wired connection, wherein the controller is further configured to enable a normal operat.ing mode in response to a wake-up signal received via the wired connect.ion such that the RU transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

[0043] The low current consumption mode may comprise a storage mode wherein a shelf-life of the battery is extended, and the controller may enable the low current consumption mode in response to receipt of a command signal. The fob may further comprise at least one component selected from the group comprising a light emitting diode, a pieLoelectric sound generator, and a vibration generating motor, wherein the ow current consumption mode indudes disabling the at least one component.

[0044] A method for operating a remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle, the fob comprising a banery, a receiver, and a controller for controlling operation of the fob, may comprise enabling a low current consumption mode wherein the receiver is disabled such that the lob is unable to respond to a PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module. [he fob receiver may comprise an LU receiver or an RU transceiver. Where the lob lurther comprises at least one user operable switch, the method niay 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 t.o respond to a PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

[0045] Where the fob further comprises a t.ransponder configured for battery-less operation, t.he method may further comprise 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 PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehide control module. Where the fob further comprises a port in communication with the controller and configured to receive a wired connection, the method may further comprise enabling a normal operating mode in response to a wake-up signal received by the controller via t.he wired connection such that the receiver enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.

[0046] As is realily apparent. from the foregoing, emholiment.s of a fob and a method for operating a fob for a passive entry-passive start (PUPS) system for a vehicle have been described.

Such embodiments of a fob and a method for operating such a fob are able to extend the shelf-life of a fob battery. [he embodiments described include a portable, remote control device, such as a fob, having a normal operating mode and a low current. consumption mode, and comprising a battery, an LU receiver or RU transceiver, and a controller.

[0047] The controller may be configured to place the fob in t.he low current consumption mode wherein an Li; receiver or RU transceiver is disabled and wherein the fob is unable to respond to PEPS requests from a vehicle control module. The controller may also he configured t.o enable a normal operating mode wherein the Li' receiver or RU transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PUPS request signal from the vehicle control module. The fob may include user operable switches, an LI! transceiver and/or a port configured for a wired connection to the controller. The controller may enable a normal operat.ing mode in response to user act.uation of a fob switch, in response to an LI! command received by the LI! transponder operating in a battery-less operating mode, or in response to a signal received over a wired connection. In such a battery-less transponder operating mode, the field of an LF signal from an LF antenna associated with the vehicle control module may provide power for operating the fob and an LF command sent from the vehicle contro' moduk may he used to awaken the fob controller and restore the fob to the normal operating mode in which the fob LI! receiver or RE transceiver is turned on for responding to PEPS requests from the vehicle control module.

[0048] While various embodiments ol a fob and a method for operating a fob for a passive entry-passive start (PUPS) system for a vehicle have been illustrated and described herein, they are exemplary only and it is not intended thai ihese embodiments illustrate and describe all those possible. Instead, the words used herein are words of description rather than limitation, and it is underst.ood that. various changes may be made t.o these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle, the fob comprising: a battery; a low frequency (LU) receiver; and a controller configured to enable a low current consumption mode wherein the LU receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request. signal transn1itted 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 t.o enable a normal operating mode in response to actuation of the at least one switch such that the Li; receiver is enabled and the fob is able t.o respond t.o a PUPS request. signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.
3. The remote function fob of claim I further comprising a transpondcr adapted for battery-less operation, wherein the controller is further configured to enable a normal operating mode in response to an I A-signal received by the transponder such that the I F receiver is enabled and he fob is able to respond to a PUPS request signal transmlited from a vehicle control module.
4. The remote function fob of claim 1 further comprising a radio frequency (RU) transmitter, wherein t.he RU transmitter is disabled in the low current consumption mode.
5. The remot.e 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 I 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 LU antennas for use with the LI! receiver and the transponder, each of the plurality of LU antennas having a different orientat.ion to improve recept.ion of an LU signal.
8. A remote function fob for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehide, the fob comprising: a battery; a radio frcqucncy (RF) transccivcr; and a controller configured t.o enable a low current. consumption mode wherein the RE transceiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to rcspond to a HiPS rcqucst signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.
9. Thc rcmote function fob of claim 8 furthcr comprising at kast onc uscr operabk 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 RE 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 cnaHe a normal operating mode in response to a low frequency signal received by the transponder such that the RH transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEWS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.
II. The remote function lob of claim 8 further compnsing 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 RE transceiver is enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.
12. The remot.e 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. I'he 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 piezoclectric sound generator, and a vibration generating motor, and wherein the low current consumption mode indudes disabling thc at least onc component.
15. A method for opcrating a rcmotc 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, thc nicthod comprising: enabling a low current consumption mode wherein the receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a HiPS request signal transmitted fron1 a vehicle contro' 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 PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.
17. The method of daim 15 wherein the fob further comprises a transponder configured for battery-less operation, the method further comprising enabling a nonnal 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 PUPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module.
15. The method of claim 15 wherein the fob further comprises a port in eonununication 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 t.he controller via the wired connection such that t.he receiver enabled and the fob is able to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted front 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 (RU) transceiver.