Goodix Unveils Advanced Bluetooth 6.1 SoC for Smart Car Keys

Goodix Technology has made significant strides in automotive technology by unveiling its next-generation automotive-grade Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) system-on-chip (SoC), the GR5410. This innovative chip, designed to enhance the functionality of digital car keys, leverages the newly released Bluetooth® Core Specification 6.1. The advancement promises to transform how drivers interact with their vehicles, enabling seamless, hands-free unlocking as users approach their cars.

The GR5410 incorporates advanced features such as high-precision ranging capabilities, improved performance, and expanded peripheral interfaces. This development aligns with the growing trend of Bluetooth digital car keys, making everyday driving more convenient and secure. Goodix is positioning itself as a leader in this domain, initiating development and validation efforts for various digital car key applications.

Key Features and Certifications

Among its notable achievements, Goodix has become one of the first chip manufacturers to secure dual certification for Bluetooth® 6.1 and Channel Sounding technology. This certification underscores the chip’s ability to deliver enhanced privacy protection and energy efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. With a focus on high-precision ranging and low-latency communication, the GR5410 is set to meet the demands of modern automotive technologies.

The new architecture of the GR5410 is built around power efficiency and robust security. It integrates a high-performance single-chip wireless microcontroller unit (MCU), which includes the Bluetooth 6.1 module, a Channel Sounding unit, and a Controller Area Network Flexible Data-rate (CAN FD) interface. This design is specifically tailored for automotive and industrial applications where performance is critical.

The GR5410 is powered by Arm China’s STAR-MC1 Core, featuring an advanced security architecture that supports secure boot, protected debugging, and encrypted storage. Additionally, the chip incorporates a “one-chip-one-key” hardware security module (HSM), ensuring comprehensive protection for intelligent cockpit systems and digital car key functionalities.

Enhanced Ranging and Deployment Plans

Goodix’s innovative approach includes early support for passive anchor multi-node ranging, allowing all nodes to synchronize ranging within approximately 200 milliseconds. This accelerates refresh rates and improves accuracy, with a potential accuracy of up to ±50 cm and a maximum ranging distance exceeding 50 meters. The company’s proprietary AI-based ranging algorithms further enhance this capability.

Fully compatible with various Bluetooth applications, the GR5410 supports a low-power Bluetooth protocol stack that accommodates multiple digital car key use cases. As a result, this chip has already attracted attention from several automakers and Tier 1 suppliers, with pilot production slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

Goodix’s commitment to advancing Bluetooth technologies is evident in its established partnerships within the automotive sector. The company’s solutions are already in commercial use across numerous car models, having been adopted by several major Chinese automakers and Tier 1 suppliers. As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards greater connectivity and intelligence, Goodix aims to deepen its investment in wireless connectivity technologies, enabling a new era of smarter, more convenient, and secure mobility experiences for consumers.