The smart key allows the driver to keep the key fob in their pocket when unlocking, locking and starting the vehicle. The key is identified via one of several antennas in the car’s bodywork and a radio pulse generator in the key housing. Depending on the system, the vehicle is automatically unlocked when a button or sensor on the door handle or trunk release is pressed. Vehicles with a smart key system fitted have a mechanical backup, usually in the form of a spare key blade supplied with the vehicle. Some manufacturers hide the backup lock behind a cover for styling.
When leaving a vehicle equipped with a smart key system, the vehicle is locked by either pressing a button on one of the door handles, touching a capacitive area on a door handle, or by simply walking away from the vehicle. The method of locking varies between models.

SmartKeys was developed by Siemens in the mid-1990s and introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1997 to replace the infrared security system introduced in 1989. Daimler-Benz filed the first patents for SmartKey on February 28, 1997 in German patent offices, with multifunction switchblade key variants following on May 17, 1997. The device entailed a plastic key to be used in place of the traditional metal key. Electronics that control locking systems and the ignitions made it possible to replace the traditional key with a sophisticated computerized “Key”. It is considered a step up from remote keyless entry. The SmartKey adopts the remote control buttons from keyless entry, and incorporates them into the SmartKey fob.

Acura: Keyless Access System
Audi: Advanced Key
Aston Martin: “Keyless Entry and Push Button Start”
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 (PEPS)
Honda: Smart Entry System
Hyundai: Proximity Key
Infiniti: Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push-button Ignition
Jaguar Cars: Smart Key System
Jeep Keyless Enter-N-Go
KIA: Smart Key System
Lexus: SmartAccess System
Lincoln: Intelligent Access System
Mazda: Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System
Mercedes-Benz: Keyless Go integrated into SmartKeys
Mini: Comfort Access
Bugatti keyless entry remote
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

BASIC SYSTEM OPERATION DESCRIPTION

CURRENTLY SUPPORTED VEHICLES:

ALL NXP BASED FOB VEHICLES (90% OF THE MODERN VEHICLES MARKET)
TI (TEXAS INSTRUMENTS) BASED FOB VEHICLES (LEXUS, SOME TOYOTA, MAZDA, FORD ..) TO BE SUPPORTED UNTIL 01/2014