Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) (Keyless Go)

Passive Keyless Entry (PKE)

Passive keyless entry (PKE) is an automotive security system that operates automatically when the user is in proximity to the vehicle, unlocking the door on approach or when the door handle is pulled and locking it when the user walks away or touches the car on exit. PKE systems are also used to secure buildings or areas of buildings.

A PKE device can operate while stored in the user's pocket or bag, unlike a standard remote keyless entry (RKE) device, which requires the user to hold the device and push a button to lock or unlock the vehicle. Passive keyless entry systems typically involve an RF (radio frequency) key fob but there are also smart cards and Mobile apps designed for PKE.

The PKE key fob and the vehicle module both contain transceivers that communicate wirelessly to detect each other. The module in the vehicle continually sends out encoded messages; when the key fob is in range it responds. If the encrypted messages are correct, they identify the vehicle and key fob to each other and the door opens. Current PKE systems often use rolling codes to ensure that a fresh code is supplied each time, preventing the possibility of a replay attack.

Cars that are designed for passive keyless entry often feature keyless start as well, which simply requires the driver to push a button. (That combination is sometimes called passive entry/passive start or PEPS.) Individual smart keys may be customized for specific drivers, adjusting seat and mirror positions automatically, for example, or setting the car's radio to the driver's chosen station.

Siemens, a German manufacturing and electronics company, developed the first PKE system in the mid-1990s, and Mercedes-Benz implemented it under the name of "Keyless Go." There are a great number of other names for PKE systems and they vary from one manufacturer to another

Keyless entry’ for motor vehicles was introduced more than 20 years ago and permits or deny’s access to your car from a single push of a button on the vehicles ‘remote locking key fob’. This remote keyless entry – RKE – removes the need to manually turn a car key in a door lock.

Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) takes driver comfort one step further and lets you lock and unlock your vehicle, and start the engine, without even having to take the car key out of your pocket or handbag. This advanced driver convenience system was initially developed by Siemens in the mid 1990s and was offered to Mercedes-Benz who gave it the title “Keyless Go”.

These keyless systems are also commonly referred to as Smart Keys or Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) systems and are now frequently used by many other luxury car manufacturers, each giving the system their own name.

How do passive keyless entry (PKE) systems work?

The driver can either hold the smart key or simply store it securely in their pocket or bag. On approaching the vehicle, the driver is identified by a paired radio transponder chip inside the car key. The doors can then be unlocked and opened by simply pulling the handles.

When leaving the vehicle, the door is either locked by touching a button on the door handle or simply walking out of range. The added luxury continues inside the vehicle, as the engine can be started by simply pushing a button on the dashboard. Again, this is all performed without removing or touching the car key..

How secure are passive keyless entry systems?

A vehicle operating with PKE will be fitted with several antennae around the bodywork that detect the key signal. Should the antennae fail to function, there is a back-up mechanical key blade concealed in the car key.

The key blade can be manually turned in a door lock that will usually be hidden under a plastic cap for enhanced cosmetic appearance.

Different vehicle manufacturers have developed the Passive Keyless Entry system to work uniquely with their vehicles, and some provide as many as ten built-in antennae.

An independent review of PKE systems examined how secure the systems really are by putting three vehicles under test. The Jaguar XK with four built in antennas, Nissan Pathfinder with just three receivers and a BMW 530xi with an impressive ten total antennas were scrutinized.

The test arranged for all three vehicles to visit a petrol station and have the driver fill-up the car whilst the key was left on top of the boot. An actor then attempted to open a door and steal the car, with the driver just three feet away.

The BMW system was the most secure and only allowed the door to be opened that was nearest to the key, which was the boot. The Jag performed similarly again allowing just the door nearest the key to be opened. The Nissan system with the fewest antenna proved to be the most insecure permitting all doors to be opened, although the vehicle could not be started.

In 2005, Thatcham introduced a standard for keyless entry systems requiring the key to be inoperable at a distance of more than 10cm from the vehicle. In another independent test, Nissan came out on top with the Nissan Micra Intelligent key system.

Rather surprisingly, certain BMW and Mercedes models actually failed the test, meaning it was possible for the car to be driven off while the owner was close by.

Added car key luxury

Some vehicle manufacturers have further developed PKE keys to store user comfort preferences. When a key is within recognizable distance, the vehicle will adjust preset seat and mirror positions, as well as climate control and radio settings. This is a fantastic function if you like your seat laid back and the radio loud, but your partner prefers an upright seat with the relaxing tones of classical FM.

Some cars even allow speed restrictions to be set when used with a specific key. This gives parents added control over how fast their children are able to drive their car.

Quick round-up of a keyless entry system

How do you open the vehicle’s doors? By simply walking up to the door and pulling the handle

How do you lock the vehicle? Either walk out of range or tap a button on the door handle

How do you start the car? By either pushing a button on the dash panel or turning the smart key in the dash slot.

When were PKE keys first introduced? In 1998, by Siemens for Mercedes-Benz.

Which manufactures use PKE car keys and what are they called? Acura – Keyless Access System; Audi – Advanced Key; BMW – Comfort Access; Cadillac – Adaptive Remote Start & Keyless Access; Dodge – Keyless Enter-N-Go™; Ford – Intelligent Access with push-button start; General Motors – Passive Entry Passive Start; Honda – Smart Entry System; Hyundai – Proximity Key; Infiniti – Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button ignition; Jaguar – Smart Key System; Jeep – Keyless Enter-N-Go™; KIA – Smart Key System; Lexus – SmartAccess System; Mercedes-Benz – Keyless Go; Mini – Comfort Access Mitsubishi Motors – FastKey; Nissan – Nissan Intelligent Key®; Porsche – Porsche Entry & Drive System; Renault – Hands Free Keycard; Ssang Yong – Smart Key System; Subaru – Keyless Smart Entry With Push-Button Start; Suzuki – SmartPass Keyless entry & starting system; Toyota – Smart Key System; Volkswagen – Keyless Entry & Keyless Start or KESSY; Volvo – Personal Car Communicator “PCC” and Keyless Drive or Keyless Drive.

Conclusion

Passive keyless entry systems focus on the ‘convenience factor’ and provide added comfort and a touch of luxury for car owners. With the ability to unlock doors and start the engine by simply pushing a button, the old style car key seems slightly archaic in comparison. But I have to question, exactly how difficult is it to turn a key or push a button on a key fob?

Are we really becoming that lazy and strapped for time that even a single push of a remote fob button is a chore? With there no longer being a requirement to remove the car key from your pocket, I feel the chances of losing or having the key stolen are much greater since there is an overall reduced awareness of the key – just sling it in your bag and forget about it, and only realize it’s been stolen three hours later.

Since the smart keys are not required to be turned in the ignition, suspect there may be the odd moment when the car owner forgets there is actually a necessity to have the key on their possession and attempt to open the doors while the key is still resting on their kitchen table.