Technical Spec.

& Operational Description

Hand Free Module

Model#: HFM4C01

Brand: Continental
 SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The HFM4C01 is a radio frequency transmitter-receiver used in vehicle access systems.

The vehicle access system includes:

 Key fob, which is a remote device

 LF Antennae

 Hand Free Module (HFM):

It includes a 125 kHz magnetic field and transponder transmitters. The HFM drives up to
6 external dedicated antennas for the 125 kHz transmission. Two are located in the door
trims, one or two in the EXT Rear / Front Bumpers depending on vehicle definition, two
within the vehicle cockpit.

It also includes an integrated RF receiver for 433.92 MHz frequency. The receiver is
designed in direct placement and the HFM integrates a RF printed antenna.

The system interacts with other modules such as:

 Push Engine Start
 Body Control Module
 ESCL (Electronic Steering Lock Control)
 USM

The main functions performed by the system are:

 RKE functions (key less features)
 Hand Free functions for vehicle access and engine start
 Immobilizer
 LF antennae management
 Remote parking
Car Access
There are two ways to Lock or Unlock the doors of the vehicle:

1. The first way uses the remote key functionality (RKE) by pressing one of the “Lock” or
“Unlock” buttons of the ID Key. Data frames are then transmitted at 433.92 MHz by the
key fob of the car. Then the HFM processes the frames received and when the
authentication code is correct, the doors are locked or unlocked automatically.
Car access functions by remote control are allowed using any key fob type.

2. The second way uses the free hand mode

 Unlocking / Locking the vehicle by user localization:

When the vehicle’s engine is stopped, the HFM provides a LF polling composed by datas
and RSSI frames at 125kHz to detect / localize the vehicle’s user approach / walk away.
On the KeyFob side, when the key fob receives the data from HFM and recognizes the
content of the request, it transmits to the car the received field strength so that the car
can easily localize the user (KeyFob). If the user (KeyFob) is close or far enough the
HFM proceeds to the vehicle Unlock or Lock. The feedback provided by the key to the
vehicle is done by RF field at 433.92 MHz (depending on key fob frequency type).
Car access functions by hand free are allowed using any key fob type.

Remarks:

The operating free hand mode range of the product model named HFM4C01 is less than 15
meters.

The maximum operational distance using the hand free mode of this product is: 3 meters.

Engine Start
There are two ways to start the Engine:
1. When the Hand free functions are disabled
Firstly, the User must hold the key fob in front of Immobilizer antenna for a few seconds after
one of the following actions: press of the “START” button on the dashboard, open or close a
door or press vehicle brake pedal. Each key fob has a transponder. When the key fob is hold
in front of Immobilizer antenna, the HFM sends a ‘transponder” recognition order to the key fob
throw the Immobilizer antenna. The HFM performs a ‘transponder” authentication using 125
kHz transceiver. The key fob sends the authentication result to the HFM and the HFM sends
on the CAN bus a message to the central unit and engine control unit to allow or not the START
of the engine.
The engine starts function is allowed using any key fob type.
 2. When the Hand free functions are enabled

The user does not need to hold the key fob in front of the Immobilizer antenna. The key fob
should only be inside of the vehicle. When the “START” button is pushed, the HFM sends a
recognize message at 125 kHz link via internal LF antennas. Receiving this message, the key
fob sends an authentication message at 433.92 MHz to the HFM. Then the HFM sends on
the CAN bus a message to the central unit and engine control unit to allow or not the START
of the engine.

The engine start function is allowed using any key fob type.

Remote parking
The Remote parking function allows to park a vehicle without the user being inside the of car.
This function mainly provides a solution to park a vehicle in case of narrow parking lot or garage
where it is not possible to get in or out once the vehicle parked.

The Remote Parking function provides straight maneuvering (driving forward /backward) of a
vehicle. The user activates it outside of the vehicle and controls the vehicle movements with
his Key Fob.

The Remote Parking function is activated with a long press (2sec) on specific Key Fob button.
Once the function enabled, the vehicle (HFM) sends LF frames periodically to the
corresponding Key Fob to get a message to each LF frame sent with the required data, mainly
to ensure that the user remains inside of the permissible area to keep the function enabled.
The operating frequency of the Key Fob to communicate with the HFM is 433.92 MHz.
The function also includes an enabling timeout.
LF Tx parameters:
Below are the technical parameters of the HFM4C01 LF transmitter:

Operating frequency: 125 kHz

Frequency shift: +/- 0.3 %
Number of channels: 1
Modulation type: Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK)
Data rate: 3900 bit/s
Field strength (output power): 16.08 dBµV/m @ 300 m
Supply voltage: 12 V lead acid vehicle battery
DC/DC converter range: 9 V to 40 V
Voltage supply range: 9 V up to 16 V
Operating Temperature
range: - 40°C to 85°C
LF driver main features: Antenna phase and current regulation, class D output amplifiers

LF Tx Antenna parameters

Rated operating frequency: 125 kHz

Operating Temperature
range: - 40°C to 85°C
Antenna type: Winded wire coil (ferrite or air core)
Antenna Brand: Continental
Antenna Model: A2C 388 59 00
Antenna gain: 1.76 dBi

RF Rx parameters:

Following are the RF receiver parameters of the HFM4C01:

 The RF receiver module is designed to handle the following features:

Functions RKE / Hand Free
Market WW
Frequency 433.92 MHz
Coding Manchester
Data Rate 9,6Kbps
Modulation FSK [+/- 40 kHz deviation]
Conducted
Rx Min.: -103 dBm
sensitivity Typ.: -106 dBm
MER 10%
 RF Rx Antenna parameters

Antenna Model: HFM4C01_433M92

Rated operating frequency: 433.92 MHz
Operating Temperature
range: - 40°C to 85°C
Antenna type: Printed circuit board antenna trace structure
(electrical field antenna)
Antenna Brand: Continental
Antenna gain: max.: - 2 dBi