Multi-channel passive entry system for vehicles

A passive entry system for a vehicle, comprising:

• a passive entry detector configured to detect manual entry into the vehicle;
• a transmitter configured to output a challenge based on detection of the manual entry;
• a controller configured to allocate channels to each authorized key FOB;
• a receiver configured to receive one or more remote keyless entry responses at each respective channel allocated for the authorized key FOBs,
• wherein the controller determines, based on the received one or more remote keyless entry responses, whether any of the remote keyless entry responses are from authorized key FOBs, and if so, a vehicle door of the vehicle is placed in an unlocked state to allow keyless entry into the vehicle.

A computer readable medium embodying computer program product for determining whether or not passive entry of a vehicle is permitted, the computer program product, when executed by a computer, causing the computer to perform the steps of:

• allocating separate channels for each authorized key FOB for the vehicle;
• detecting an indication of manual entry of the vehicle;
• outputting, in response to the detecting of the indication of manual entry into the vehicle, a challenge from a transmitter of a passive entry system provided in the vehicle;
• receiving the challenge by more than one key FOB in a vicinity of the vehicle, and outputting a respective remote keyless entry response at an assigned frequency channel for each respective key FOB;
• receiving the remote keyless entry responses at a receiver of the passive entry system, at each respective channel allocated for the respective key FOBs;
• and
• determining whether or not any of the respective key FOBs are assigned to authorized users of the vehicle, and if so, setting a vehicle door in an unlocked state to allow entry into the vehicle.