Continental Develops Smart Device Terminal for E-Class Drivers

Continental has developed a Multifunctional Smart Device Terminal (MFST) for the Mercedes Benz E-Class sedan. Those who drive the new model of the vehicle will no longer have to deal with power banks, cables or spare batteries. By using the new smart device terminal, they will be able to charge their smartphones and use a number of device functions in their vehicle in a safe and convenient manner.

Speaking about the new device, Andreas Wolf, head of the Body & Security business unit at Continental said that he and his development team were very happy that their device is being used for the first time in a top model like the Mercedes-Benz E-class. He said that in addition to the wireless charging function, the device also seamlessly integrates several functions of the mobile in the vehicle. Even without a cable, motorists can enjoy the benefits of optimal phone signal quality, NFC functionality and rapid charging.

In order to wirelessly connect their smartphone to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, all the driver has to do is place his phone in the compartment in the center console. It can inductively charge virtually any mobile device.  The MFST can be paired with any smartphone that either meets the “Qi” standard specified by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) or is capable of being upgraded to meet the standard. The “Qi” standard means that a similar charging current to a USB charging connection is all that is needed to charge the phone and hence the phone can be charged within a time that is similar to charging times needed for cable charging systems.

Other benefits that the Multifunctional Smart Device Terminal provides in the E-class include automatic wireless bluetooth pairing of the phone with the assistance of the external antenna and the head unit in the vehicle. To facilitate the Bluetooth pairing, the driver needs to activate the Near Field Communication (NFC) function. The NFC technology that Continental uses in the MFST allows the use of the smartphone as a digital vehicle key for secure authentication. In order to start the vehicle, the driver only has to place the smartphone on the Multifunctional Smart Device Terminal and press the Start-Stop button. The terminal also supports wireless antenna coupling, thus the mobile phone receives significantly better signal quality when transmitting and receiving phone calls and data.