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

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.