System to Debut on 2005 Model Year Vehicles
NOVI, Mich., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Omron today introduced its new
passive entry system technology that allows for hands-free locking and
unlocking of cars and trucks. The new system is expected to debut on 2005
model year vehicles.
The new system will be introduced today in the company's exhibit #2801 at
the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Conference and Exposition at Cobo
Center in Detroit, MI.
Omron's new system is an improvement on existing remote keyless entry
(RKE) technology introduced in the early 1980s that uses one-way transmitters
to send a signal to the vehicle to unlock a car door. "With the new system,
drivers still carry an RKE 'fob,' or transmitter, but the new version uses
two-way communication," said Jerry Bricker, Omron's vice-president of sales
and marketing. "Our system allows the vehicle transponder to communicate back
to the fob, which unlocks the car door or trunk when a driver touches the
handle.
"The new device offers two significant benefits," said Bricker. "It's
convenient because drivers no longer need to search for keys in their pocket
or purse -- the car opens automatically when it senses a driver approach. It
also provides for a higher level of security than the traditional method used
since the door does not unlock until the door handle is physically touched."
Omron uses radio frequency technology that sends a signal when the door
handle is touched. "We believe this is the highest quality and most reliable
passive entry system technology," said Bricker. "Other suppliers use optical
devices or capacitive types, that sense an electrical charge in a driver's
body, for their systems."
Bricker said the fob is the same size as the original Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE), and it's designed to be carried in the pocket or handbag like the
original as well. The driver will have the option of using the fob in the
same manner as the current RKE system if he or she chooses.
Omron will produce the entire system, including all of the electronics,
the transponder, radio frequency and the housing, in Japan and in North
America.
About Omron Automotive
Omron Automotive Electronics, headquartered in Novi, MI, is a subsidiary
of Omron Automotive Electronic Components, of Nagoya, Japan. Omron Automotive
designs and manufactures a wide range of advanced electronic control
components, super components and systems including remote keyless entry
systems and power window and sliding door anti-pinch controls. Other products
include various ergonomic switch assemblies and PCB and plug-in relays. The
division has close to 750 employees in North America with one manufacturing
facility in the U.S. and two in Canada. Sales for the 2001 fiscal year
exceeded $170 million. Annual revenues are projected to increase in 2002.
About Omron Corporation
Omron Corporation was founded as a manufacturer of relays for x-ray timers
in 1933. In addition to automotive electronic components, the company's major
markets include industrial automation, electronic and mechanical components
for commercial and industrial uses, healthcare products, ATM machines, card
readers and traffic control systems, plus new ventures into intelligent
transportation systems, information technology and wireless communications.
The corporation has 25,000 employees in 30 countries globally. Fiscal year
2001 sales were $5.7 billion. For more information please visit http://www.omron.com
SOURCE Omron Automotive
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Related links:
http://www.omron.com
CONTACT:
Mie Belgrave of Omron, +1-248-893-0200,
mie.belgrave@omron.com ; or Erin Millerschin of AutoPR,
+1-248-656-2388, emillerschin@auto-pr.com , Omron Automotive
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