Radio Frequency Hub (RF Hub) Module

DESCRIPTION 

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

1 - RF Hub Module

The Radio Frequency Hub (RF Hub) Module is located above the headliner at the rear or the vehicle. The RF Hub:

• Is secured in place with two push-pins.
• Can have either two or three electrical connectors: a pink coaxial connector for remote start only, a 16-way connector, and a 20-way connector.

The RF Hub is an integrated receiver (base station) in the vehicle that interfaces with the key fob using both Radio Frequency (RF) and Low Frequency (LF) signals via an internal antenna.

This model RF Hub has two connector receptacles integral to the RF Hub housing and are connected to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors of the body wire harness. An optional remote start antenna is connected directly to the RF Hub through a third integral connector receptacle.

OPERATION 

The RF Hub communicates with other electronic modules in the vehicle over either the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus or a private serial bus. The RF Hub is also hardwired to the vehicle's door handles and multiple LF antennas. Using the data bus network and the hardwired signals, the RF Hub supports the following standard and optional vehicle features:

• The RF Hub will, at a minimum, receive the following information from the KIN: The RF Hub will, at a minimum, transmit the following information to the KIN:

  Keyless Go Ignition Systems  - In backup mode, the Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) communicates with the key fob through LF signals (125 KHz) then communicates the key fob information to the RF Hub through a private serial K bus. The RF Hub then sends ignition status data over the bus to the Body Control Module (BCM) after a valid key fob is verified. The RF Hub also contains the controlling logic for the back lighting features of the KIN.

  • Engine START/STOP button states
  • Transponder authentication in backup mode
  • Engine START/STOP button backlighting control
  • Ignition status ring back lighting control
• Immobilizer System  - The RF Hub uses a high security encryption system called Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for the Immobilizer System. The RF Hub marries itself to the BCM and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with AES at first ignition ON in the assembly plant. Then the system marries the key fobs, RF Hub, BCM and the PCM with unique secret keys for each vehicle. Swapping any of the married parts ARE NOT ALLOWED in the new system.
• Passive Entry (PE)  - The RF Hub also uses AES for PE operation. If the Smart door handles or exterior release switches are activated, the RF Hub signals the LF antennas. The LF antenna wakes up the key fob then sends a challenge to confirm if it is the correct key fob. Then the key fob responds back to the RF Hub via the internal RKE antenna or the Remote Start Antenna (RSA) with the challenge response. When a valid key fob is recognized by the RF Hub, a CAN data bus message is sent to the BCM to lock or unlock the vehicle by the RF Hub.
• Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)  - The RF Hub receives and analyzes RF signals from the key fob and after a valid key fob is verified, relays the appropriate electronic messages to the BCM over the CAN data bus to support the features of RKE functions.
• Remote Start System  - The RF Hub receives and analyzes RF signals received through the remote start antenna (longer range) from the key fob and after a valid key fob is verified, relays the appropriate electronic messages to BCM over the CAN data bus to support all RKE functions including optional remote start function.
• Tire Pressure Monitor System  - The RF Hub is an RF receiver that analyzes RF signals received from the TPM sensors and then relays the appropriate electronic messages to other electronic modules in the vehicle over the CAN-C data bus to support the features of the TPM system. The RF Hub will send a warning if the tire pressure is below or over the set value. If the vehicle is equipped with remote start and Passive Entry (PE) the tire pressure sensor signal is received from the external remote start antenna.