The technology to replace physical keys by using smartphones as digital keys is called Phone as a Key (PaaK), and its realization requires the introduction of new technologies in the fields of wireless communication and security.

One of the reasons for the introduction of PaaK is that theft by relay attack has become a problem with existing smart keys. In a relay attack, for example, a key fob is located inside a house, but a special device that amplifies radio waves is used to connect the radio waves like a relay, making the car side think that the key fob is near the car and unlock the door.
PaaK was created as a more secure technology and includes technology to prevent this relay attack.

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), an industry group, was established to standardize technical specifications for connecting smartphones and cars regardless of brand.
If you have a smartphone, for example, you can drive a car without physically borrowing the keys as long as you are authorized by the car owner to get into someone else’s car.

TRAVEO and PSOC are microcontrollers used for the main access controller and touch-sensing door handles in automobiles.
PSOC is a programmable SoC (System on Chip) with touch sensing, while TRAVEO is optimized for automotive body applications with Cypress Semiconductor’s technology and has already been used in car access applications.