How do chips in keys work

They transmit and receive data on the kHz bandwidth. Because they are un-powered, they have a limited transmission range — anywhere from 1 to 15 centimetres. This radio transmission can penetrate certain materials such as the plastic surrounding the chip built into a car key. Most car transponder chips have a similar process for key identification.

There is an induction coil mounted around the ignition lock. This generates an electromagnetic field when a key is inserted into the ignition and turned. Play Video. More Video. How do Transponder Keys Work? Protective Coding Some other more simple chip key types are programmed with an identification number which the car recognizes. Copying Equipment You can tell the difference between the two keys being copied by the equipment the locksmith uses.

Get a free Quote. Non-Stop sent Chuck to do my door. I had to change keys because my abusive boyfriend finally moved out. He was very friendly and very professional. He even arrived about 5 minutes before the time he was supposed to be! He told me that he has worked for this company since they opened. It took him only about 20 minutes to do everything. I work on a customer service-oriented job and I can definitely say that this company excels in that part.

Just call Non-Stop! Thanks, Chuck! Yet, taking simple precautions can limit the possibility that you will need to call an emergency locksmith.

Call Great Valley Lockshop at or use our online estimate form. Chris is a volunteer firefighter and "Life Member" for East Whiteland Township Volunteer Fire Company and a huge Nascar fan who loves to go camping and enjoys the outdoors. Chris Strauss frequently blogs for Read other articles written by Chris Strauss. Discover what thousands of our customers already know: When you hire Great Valley Lockshop you can expect us to be prompt, passionate and genuinely enthusiastic about your project!

We are serious about privacy. We will never share your information with third parties. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information. Call Us. Find Us. Free Estimate. July 31, When you insert the key in the ignition, the resistor becomes part of a simple circuit involving three other resistors.

If the key does not have a resistor or if the resistor has the wrong value, the circuit disables part of the car's electrical system to prevent the car from starting. So why is this system using something as mundane as a single resistor rather than some sort of sophisticated embedded computer?

There are probably two reasons: 1 manufacturing cost, and 2 reliability. The latter is probably a very big part of the equation. Think about everything a key goes through -- it's typically riding in a pocket full of coins, getting thrown on the table, opening bottles, and so on. Keys have to be remarkably durable, they have to last the life of the car, and they must always work.