Key fob and method of configuring a key fob
A device such as a key fob includes a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle. The key fob is configured provide access credentials to the controller via the wireless connection. The key fob also includes a wired interface for connecting the key fob to a console integrated in the vehicle. When connected to the console, the key fob can be used to wirelessly charge an external mobile device. In addition, or in the alternative, the key fob can be used as an anchor device for performing ranging operations with an external mobile device.
1 . An electronic device, comprising:
a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the electronic device to provide access credentials to the controller; and
a wired interface for connecting the electronic device to a console integrated in the vehicle, such that the electronic device is configured to wirelessly charge an external mobile device using power delivered to the electronic device via the wired interface, wherein the electronic device forms part of a key fob.
2 . The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a power transmitter configured to be connected, through the wired interface, to one or more antennas integrated in the vehicle, and to carry out the wireless charging through the antennas.
3 . The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a power receiver configured to receive power from an external charging device and to transfer the power to one or more components of the electronic device.
4 . The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a near field communication (NFC) unit, wherein the NFC unit is configured to act as a proximity coupling device for establishing an NFC channel with the mobile device.
5 . The electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the NFC unit further comprises a secure element configured to store an electronic device applet, a wireless charging applet, an authentication applet, or a payment applet.
6 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is further configured to act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations with the external mobile device.
7 . The electronic device of claim 6 , further comprising an ultra-wideband, UWB, communication unit for performing the ranging operations with the mobile device.
8 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the wireless interface is a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit.
9 . A method of configuring an electronic device, comprising:
providing the electronic device with a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the electronic device to provide access credentials to the controller;
providing the electronic device with a wired interface for connecting the electronic device to a console integrated in the vehicle, such that the electronic device is usable for carrying out wireless charging of an external mobile device or for acting as an anchor device for performing ranging operations with the external mobile device; and
incorporating the electronic device in a key fob.
10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising providing the electronic device with a power transmitter configured to be connected, through the wired interface, to one or more antennas integrated in the vehicle, and to carry out the wireless charging through the antennas.
11 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising providing the electronic device with a power receiver configured to receive power from an external charging device and to transfer the power to one or more components of the electronic device.
12 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising providing the electronic device with a near field communication (NFC) unit, wherein the NFC unit is configured to act as a proximity coupling device for establishing an NFC channel with the mobile device.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the NFC unit further comprises a secure element for storing an electronic device applet, a wireless charging applet, an authentication applet, or a payment applet.
14 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising providing the electronic device with an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit for performing the ranging operations with the mobile device.