NXP Launches World’s Smallest Combo Chip for Automotive Keyless Entry Systems

The NCF2960 addresses the strong demand from car OEMs for fashionable and distinctive car key designs. The chip’s package size has been reduced by 44% compared to the previous generation. Available in a tiny 24-pin QFN package, it requires only 4-mm x 4-mm of board space, providing key fob manufacturers with maximum design freedom in selecting form factors and in placement of command buttons.

One of the chip’s key features is its RF multi-channel capability. Rather than transmitting its signal on one frequency only, the integrated transmitter enables the signal to be transmitted on multiple frequency channels. Frequency hopping maximizes the reliability of car keys in environments suffering from RF jamming. Contrary to conventional devices, NXP’s new NCF2960 also features stabilized output power in order to minimize the impact of varying battery voltage and temperatures.

The NCF2960 also enables cost savings due to a small PCB footprint, as well as optical inspection of solder connections rather than using complex x-ray processes. Optical inspection is made possible by the 24-pin QFN package with wettable flanks.

Key Features
Single-chip security transponder and keyless entry solution with on-chip multi-channel UHF transmitter (310 to 447 MHz, up to 950 MHz optionally)
Transponder emulation based on HT3, HT-AES or HT-Pro2
RISC programmable device operation
Calculation unit supporting HT3 (96-bit) and AES (128-bit)
16 KB flash for user application
2 KB ultra-low-power EEPROM for extended data storage
1 KB RAM
Accommodates up to eight command button
Current source option for direct LED drive
Stabilized RF output power
Single lithium cell operations, 2.1V to 3.6V
C-compiler supported software development
24-pin tiny footprint HVQFN package (4 x 4mm)

Availability

Engineering samples of NCF2960 are available.