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Near Field Communication is Disrupting the Auto Industry. Here’s How Automotive Instructors Should Adjust Their Teaching

by  Nick Goodnight     Sep 11, 2023
woman_unlocks_car_using_NFC

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a simple technology that is used for quickly and securely transmitting information between two electronic devices. To provide this communication protocol with minimal or no power requirements, the distance between both sender and receiver must be kept to a maximum of one and a half inches away.

The uniqueness of this type of communication is that it requires very little to no power to allow the handshake to occur. Providing a secure environment to transfer authorization or information is vital to allowing this technology to control everything from payment processing to accessing a vehicle for operation. Read on to learn more about how NFC technology is having an impact on the auto industry as well as the way auto is being taught in the classroom and in the shop.

NFC Tech and the Auto Industry

The auto industry, like much of the world, is moving toward a wireless future. One new tool in this wireless toolkit is the use of automotive keys. NFC automotive keys are a type of electronic key system used in modern vehicles to allow access to the vehicle like the metal keys of yester year. NFC keys enable secure and convenient access to vehicles, offering several advantages over traditional key systems.

NFC is a short-distance high-frequency radio technology. The NFCIP-1 standard stipulates that the communication distance of NFC is within 10 cm, the operating frequency is 13.56 MHz, and the transmission speed is 106Kbit/s, 212Kbit/s, or 424Kbit/s.

NFC working modes are divided into passive mode and active mode. In the passive mode, the NFC master device needs a power supply device. The master device uses the energy of the power supply device to provide a radio frequency field and sends data to the NFC target device (key card or phone). The transmission rate needs to be 106kbps, 212kbps, or 424kbps. The target device does not generate a radio frequency field which eliminates the need for a power supply device. Instead, the radio frequency field generated by the master device is converted into electrical energy to supply power to the circuit of the target device. The target device receives data sent by the master device and uses load modulation technology to transfer data from the device back to the master device at the same speed based on the excitation of the NFC circuit.

Because the target device does not generate the radio frequency field in this working mode, but passively receives the radio frequency field generated by the master device, it is called passive mode. In this mode, the NFC master device can detect contactless cards or NFC target devices and establish a connection. In active mode, both the initiator and the target device must actively generate a radio frequency field when sending data to each other, so it is called the active mode, and they both require a power supply device to provide energy to generate the radiofrequency field.

How NFC Keys Work

NFC keys communicate with the vehicle's onboard system through a wireless connection. When the NFC key comes into close proximity to the vehicle, it establishes a connection with the vehicle's NFC reader. To ensure security, the NFC key and the vehicle perform an authentication process that validates the generated signature. The vehicle's NFC reader verifies the key's digital signature to confirm its authenticity which prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. After the authentication is successful, the vehicle unlocks automatically, allowing the driver to enter without physically inserting a key.

Some systems may still have a physical backup option for emergencies. Many NFC-enabled vehicles offer a push-button ignition system. With the authenticated NFC key inside the vehicle, the driver can start the engine by simply pressing the ignition button.

Before starting the vehicle, the NFC keys can be programmed to store specific user profiles, such as seat positions, climate control preferences, and infotainment settings. When a valid key is accepted, the vehicle adjusts the settings of the vehicle, according to the user's preferences. This integration allows the owner of the vehicle to share access to the vehicle over the air without the need to have a physical key present to operate the vehicle.

Regulating NFC Standards

Car keys work through an NFC-based Digital Key 2.0 specification that's developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium. The Digital Key 2.0 specification establishes a secure connection between mobile devices and vehicles over NFC. Unlocking (or locking) a vehicle with car keys will involve holding an Apple Watch or ‌iPhone‌ near an NFC reader located inside the car. When the NFC reader detects the digital key stored in the ‌iPhone‌ or Apple Watch, the locking mechanism in the car will activate.

It's worth noting that technology evolves rapidly, and NFC automotive keys are just one of the many advancements in vehicle access and control systems. Other technologies, such as Bluetooth, RFID, and even smartphone-based virtual keys, may also be integrated into modern automotive systems to provide similar functionalities.

Tesla has been using NFC key technology in their vehicles for over eight years to allow the entrance and operation of their vehicles with a key card or smart app on a phone. Hyundai’s digital key option was first used with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata.

This leap in technology provides more secure access to the vehicle along with allowing the owner to modify the capabilities of the vehicle based on the driver profile. For instance, if you loan your vehicle to a beginning driver you can limit speed, distractions and other items to make sure they can keep focused on the driving. Coupling this technology with other integrated technologies develops the vehicle into a rolling, connected platform that provides the driver with a more immersive driving experience.

How Automotive Instructors Need to Adjust Their Teaching

The software-driven vehicle requires technicians to pivot with their knowledge to allow them to repair what is failing. Firmware, calibration, and connectivity are becoming more ingrained in the repair of a vehicle computer system which requires a higher level of thinking.

As a technician’s roles continue to evolve, the knowledge base must continue to be expanded to keep up with the changes. Everything from the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and now software defined vehicle will have to be repaired by an automotive technician. The rate at which this technology is being implemented requires the technician to be a constant student, while they are driven to increase the amount of information they can retain and apply in the diagnosis of failure.

As the connected vehicle becomes more integrated into the built environment, the more skill sets must be built into an automotive curriculum and pedagogy must continue to evolve.

CDX Learning Systems is constantly developing new content, ways to disseminate that content and constantly reevaluating what is the current product offering to make sure it is meeting the needs of the changing landscape in the automotive and diesel training environment. 

CDX has a commitment to making sure instructors and students have the relevant training material to further hone their skill sets within the automotive trade. The Light Duty Hybrid and Electric Vehicles title brings this and other technologies into the classroom to keep you up to date on what is currently happening in the mobility industry. 

Download Sample Content

Related Content:

About the Author:

Nicholas Goodnight, PhD is an ASE Master Certified Automotive and Truck Technician and an Instructor at Ivy Tech Community College. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, he brings his passion and expertise to teaching college students the workplace skills they need on the job. For the last several years, Dr. Goodnight has taught in his local community of Fort Wayne and enjoys helping others succeed in their desire to become automotive technicians

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Near Field Communication is Disrupting the Auto Industry. Here’s How Automotive Instructors Should Adjust Their Teaching

by  Nick Goodnight     Sep 11, 2023
woman_unlocks_car_using_NFC

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a simple technology that is used for quickly and securely transmitting information between two electronic devices. To provide this communication protocol with minimal or no power requirements, the distance between both sender and receiver must be kept to a maximum of one and a half inches away.

The uniqueness of this type of communication is that it requires very little to no power to allow the handshake to occur. Providing a secure environment to transfer authorization or information is vital to allowing this technology to control everything from payment processing to accessing a vehicle for operation. Read on to learn more about how NFC technology is having an impact on the auto industry as well as the way auto is being taught in the classroom and in the shop.

NFC Tech and the Auto Industry

The auto industry, like much of the world, is moving toward a wireless future. One new tool in this wireless toolkit is the use of automotive keys. NFC automotive keys are a type of electronic key system used in modern vehicles to allow access to the vehicle like the metal keys of yester year. NFC keys enable secure and convenient access to vehicles, offering several advantages over traditional key systems.

NFC is a short-distance high-frequency radio technology. The NFCIP-1 standard stipulates that the communication distance of NFC is within 10 cm, the operating frequency is 13.56 MHz, and the transmission speed is 106Kbit/s, 212Kbit/s, or 424Kbit/s.

NFC working modes are divided into passive mode and active mode. In the passive mode, the NFC master device needs a power supply device. The master device uses the energy of the power supply device to provide a radio frequency field and sends data to the NFC target device (key card or phone). The transmission rate needs to be 106kbps, 212kbps, or 424kbps. The target device does not generate a radio frequency field which eliminates the need for a power supply device. Instead, the radio frequency field generated by the master device is converted into electrical energy to supply power to the circuit of the target device. The target device receives data sent by the master device and uses load modulation technology to transfer data from the device back to the master device at the same speed based on the excitation of the NFC circuit.

Because the target device does not generate the radio frequency field in this working mode, but passively receives the radio frequency field generated by the master device, it is called passive mode. In this mode, the NFC master device can detect contactless cards or NFC target devices and establish a connection. In active mode, both the initiator and the target device must actively generate a radio frequency field when sending data to each other, so it is called the active mode, and they both require a power supply device to provide energy to generate the radiofrequency field.

How NFC Keys Work

NFC keys communicate with the vehicle's onboard system through a wireless connection. When the NFC key comes into close proximity to the vehicle, it establishes a connection with the vehicle's NFC reader. To ensure security, the NFC key and the vehicle perform an authentication process that validates the generated signature. The vehicle's NFC reader verifies the key's digital signature to confirm its authenticity which prevents unauthorized access to the vehicle. After the authentication is successful, the vehicle unlocks automatically, allowing the driver to enter without physically inserting a key.

Some systems may still have a physical backup option for emergencies. Many NFC-enabled vehicles offer a push-button ignition system. With the authenticated NFC key inside the vehicle, the driver can start the engine by simply pressing the ignition button.

Before starting the vehicle, the NFC keys can be programmed to store specific user profiles, such as seat positions, climate control preferences, and infotainment settings. When a valid key is accepted, the vehicle adjusts the settings of the vehicle, according to the user's preferences. This integration allows the owner of the vehicle to share access to the vehicle over the air without the need to have a physical key present to operate the vehicle.

Regulating NFC Standards

Car keys work through an NFC-based Digital Key 2.0 specification that's developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium. The Digital Key 2.0 specification establishes a secure connection between mobile devices and vehicles over NFC. Unlocking (or locking) a vehicle with car keys will involve holding an Apple Watch or ‌iPhone‌ near an NFC reader located inside the car. When the NFC reader detects the digital key stored in the ‌iPhone‌ or Apple Watch, the locking mechanism in the car will activate.

It's worth noting that technology evolves rapidly, and NFC automotive keys are just one of the many advancements in vehicle access and control systems. Other technologies, such as Bluetooth, RFID, and even smartphone-based virtual keys, may also be integrated into modern automotive systems to provide similar functionalities.

Tesla has been using NFC key technology in their vehicles for over eight years to allow the entrance and operation of their vehicles with a key card or smart app on a phone. Hyundai’s digital key option was first used with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata.

This leap in technology provides more secure access to the vehicle along with allowing the owner to modify the capabilities of the vehicle based on the driver profile. For instance, if you loan your vehicle to a beginning driver you can limit speed, distractions and other items to make sure they can keep focused on the driving. Coupling this technology with other integrated technologies develops the vehicle into a rolling, connected platform that provides the driver with a more immersive driving experience.

How Automotive Instructors Need to Adjust Their Teaching

The software-driven vehicle requires technicians to pivot with their knowledge to allow them to repair what is failing. Firmware, calibration, and connectivity are becoming more ingrained in the repair of a vehicle computer system which requires a higher level of thinking.

As a technician’s roles continue to evolve, the knowledge base must continue to be expanded to keep up with the changes. Everything from the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and now software defined vehicle will have to be repaired by an automotive technician. The rate at which this technology is being implemented requires the technician to be a constant student, while they are driven to increase the amount of information they can retain and apply in the diagnosis of failure.

As the connected vehicle becomes more integrated into the built environment, the more skill sets must be built into an automotive curriculum and pedagogy must continue to evolve.

CDX Learning Systems is constantly developing new content, ways to disseminate that content and constantly reevaluating what is the current product offering to make sure it is meeting the needs of the changing landscape in the automotive and diesel training environment. 

CDX has a commitment to making sure instructors and students have the relevant training material to further hone their skill sets within the automotive trade. The Light Duty Hybrid and Electric Vehicles title brings this and other technologies into the classroom to keep you up to date on what is currently happening in the mobility industry. 

Download Sample Content

Related Content:

About the Author:

Nicholas Goodnight, PhD is an ASE Master Certified Automotive and Truck Technician and an Instructor at Ivy Tech Community College. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, he brings his passion and expertise to teaching college students the workplace skills they need on the job. For the last several years, Dr. Goodnight has taught in his local community of Fort Wayne and enjoys helping others succeed in their desire to become automotive technicians

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