System and method of improving security during backup functionality of electronic control key

An electronic control key system, comprising:

• an electronic control key, comprising:
• an inductive link;
• an inductive system that receives power and enables communications via the inductive link;
• and
• security check circuitry used by the inductive system to perform at least one security check to determine whether to enable authorized functions;
• and
• an access system, comprising inductive power and communication circuitry that can inductively couple to the inductive system of the electronic control key via the inductive link when the inductive link is within a predetermined coupling zone distance of the inductive power and communication circuitry, wherein the security check circuitry comprises:
• battery status circuitry that indicates a status of a battery of the electronic control key;
• and
• distance measurement circuitry that can perform a secure distance check between the electronic control key and the access system;
• and
• wherein the inductive system invokes the distance measurement circuitry to perform the secure distance check when the battery status is good and enables authorized functions only when the secure distance check passes and enables authorized functions only when the secure distance check passes.

A method of operating an electronic control key having a battery and an inductive link, comprising:

• receiving power and establishing communications via the inductive link;
• performing at least one security check;
• and
• enabling authorized functions only when each of the at least one security check passes wherein:
• the performing at least one security check comprises:
• checking status of the battery;
• and
• invoking a secure distance check when the battery status is good;
• and
• enabling the authorized functions only when the secure distance check passes.