Project: Low-Power Impulse-Radio Ultra-Wideband Module for Remote Control and Keyless Access
A major security issue in today’s wireless access control solutions is their vulnerability to hacking attacks due to radio links using inherently unsecure proximity measurement methods. Proximity verification has been implemented in many security-critical systems in an insecure way. A first example of a deployed insecure proximity-based system is the Passive Keyless Entry and Start (PKES) used in modern cars. This system allows car owners to open their vehicle without removing the car key (key fob) from their pocket or bag. The car allows to be opened when it detects that the car key is close (typically within a communication range of a few meters) and allows to be started if the key is detected to be inside the car._x000D__x000D_The founders of the leading SME (3db Technologies) have demonstrated that it is possible to compromise the proximity verification mechanism and open any car, start it, and drive away with a minimal effort (see “media reports” on http://www.3db-technologies.com/). Therefore, current PKES systems fail to address the need for secure vehicle access. This not only means a true risk to car owners, but also a tremendous hazard to car manufacturers’ reputation. Other prominent examples of systems that potentially suffer from this form of security leak are devices wirelessly controlling access to corporate buildings/rooms, remote controllers, wireless data retrieval services and systems for contactless mobile payments. _x000D__x000D_ALBIREO’S GOAL IS TO DEVELOP A CUTTING-EDGE MINIATURE AND LOW-POWER WIRELESS RADIO-FREQUENCY MODULE IN THE WORLDWIDE 6-9 GHZ UWB FREQEUNCY BAND FOR REMOTE CONTROL AND KEYLESS ACCESS DEVICES WHOSE SECURITY RELIES ON PROXIMITY VERIFICATION BASED ON TRUE DISTANCE MEASUREMENT (SECURE DISTANCE BOUNDING PROTOCOL). ***Figure 1 & 2***_x000D__x000D_To conduct research and development on remote control or keyless access devices using novel secure proximity verification techniques, in small form-factor and with lowest power consumption, ALBIREO will federate a well-focused critical mass of Ps: _x000D_- the SME 3db Technologies, whose core competence is secure distance bounding protocols, will lead the project and innovate with the development of communication protocols optimized for wireless devices using proximity verification; _x000D_- the SME Insight SiP will push UWB antenna design and System-in-Package (SiP) technology to reach beyond-state-of-the-art size and performance; _x000D_- the R&D institute CSEM will conduct research on ultra low-power IR-UWB radio circuit techniques. _x000D_These technology bricks will be integrated altogether into a tiny form factor, thereby realizing a system demonstrator prototype anticipating subsequent industrialization into novel products._x000D__x000D_The 26 months project is organized around three CO work packages (Figure 3) which represent different doCOs of competences that are brought together to build innovative solutions in wireless secure access:_x000D_1. One of the goal of ALBIREO is to develop a dedicated Impulse-Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) wireless integrated circuit (IC) front-end for communication and distance bounding protocols and operating in the 6-9 GHz frequency band, which has been agreed by many countries worldwide as being the long-term band for UWB applications (EU, US, China,…); _x000D_2. A second objective is the development of a tiny UWB antenna solution that will be embedded jointly with the IR-UWB radio front-end IC into a miniaturized System-in-Package (SiP); _x000D_3. The third objective is to make these tiny modules communicate between each other in an optimum and coordinated way to enable a reliable and secure distance bounding functionality through spatial diversity._x000D__x000D_ALBIREO’S INNOVATIVE COMBINATION OF SECURE RANGING AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION WILL ENABLE NOVEL PRODUCTS IN MANY FIELDS: AUTOMOTIVE, BUILDING, MOBILE PAYMENT, HEALTHCARE, ETC_x000D__x000D_The combination of data communication with ranging creates a vast application space of novel location-aware services. ALBIREO is believed to generate a significant market impact in applicative areas using ranging through ultra-low power and low data rates IR-UWB such as keyless access, remote controls, data retrieval systems (healthcare and wellness), and wireless payment, where the leading SME 3db Technologies is directly involved, thereby enabling smooth transfer of technology into innovative products. On the other hand, through this project, Insight SiP and CSEM will significantly extend and consolidate their intellectual property (IP). CSEM will enhance its IP in microelectronic circuits for UWB communication, whereas Insight SiP addresses the area of small UWB antenna for future UWB near-field communication at very high data rates, a highly-anticipated doCO in cell-phone applications, cameras or other portable equipment._x000D_
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Acronym
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ALBIREO
(Reference Number: 8549)
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Duration
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01/07/2014 - 31/08/2016
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Project Topic
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ALBIREO is a joint project between 3db Technologies, Insight SiP and CSEM conducting research and development on Impulse-Radio Ultra-Wideband communication in the 6-9 GHz frequency band for low-power remote control and keyless access devices using distance bounding protocols.
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Network
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Eurostars
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Call
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Eurostars Cut-Off 10
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Project partner
