System and method of optimized backup functionality for electronic control key

A key fob system, comprising:

• a key fob, comprising:
• at least one wireless communication circuit;
• a power supply node coupled to provide power to the at least one wireless communication circuit;
• a battery node;
• a battery power circuit that provides power via the power supply node when a battery with sufficient charge is coupled to the battery node;
• and
• an inductive power circuit that only provides power via the power supply node when energized with inductive power and when the battery node does not provide power;
• an access system, comprising an inductive power generator that can inductively couple to the inductive power circuit of the key fob when the inductive power circuit is within a predetermined coupling zone distance of the inductive power generator;
• an access controller comprising at least one wireless communication circuit;
• a sensor that senses and reports presence of the key fob to the access controller;
• and
• wherein when the presence is detected, the inductive power generator activates and the access controller attempts to establish wireless communications with the key fob.