Truck and trailer smart lock provides complete freight security

Designed by Neuvatek, T5 tek’s SmartLock enables onsite unlocking via smartphone app or remotely via gateway

Nordic Semiconductor partner and technology design company Neuvatek Inc has developed a smart lock that enhances the freight security of shipping containers and trailers. The ‘SmartLock’ is part of a complete ‘Intelligent Locking System’ (ILS) released by Southern California-based asset tracking solutions provider T5 tek Inc.

The SmartLock is manufactured from 7075 aluminum alloy providing an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and can be retrofitted to any existing swing door trailer installing in place of the hasp on the curbside door. The trailer’s existing door handle can then be secured into the SmartLock using a heavy duty drop pin mechanism that is retained or released using a motorized lock. The integration of Nordic’s nRF52840 SoC enables the device to be securely unlocked using Bluetooth® LE or NFC wireless connectivity from a smartphone app, or alternatively remotely via a Cloud-connected telematics gateway. A cellular IoT-enabled model is also available in the absence of a gateway or smartphone.

close up of T5 tek’s SmartLock employing nRF52840 SoC

Total control of security

“Traditional systems such as tie wraps, disposable bolts and padlocks leave you exposed to theft and tampering,” says Joe Hage, CEO of T5 tek Inc. “The SmartLock ensures freight security, while providing intelligent geotelematic metrics and real time data on usage and status. With SmartLock you have total control over the security of your containers and trailers.”

Once installed, the SmartLock’s magnetic sensors and 3D accelerometer—supervised by the nRF52840 SoC’s powerful 64 MHz, Arm® Cortex® M4 processor with floating point unit (FPU)—detect door open/close, locking/unlocking and tampering events. The SoC then relays that event data to the transport company or logistics provider in ‘real time’ via the Cloud-connected gateway. This enables operators to respond immediately in the event of attempted theft or lock tampering.

To ensure the highest level of security the SmartLock takes advantage of the nRF52840’s advanced security features including an Arm TrustZone CryptoCell-310 cryptographic module and an AES 128-bit hardware accelerator that provide cryptographic functions and include a true random number generator (TRNG). In addition to the Arm processor and security features, the Nordic SoC provides low latency wireless connectivity between the SmartLock and a smartphone or gateway. The nRF52840 features a 2.4 GHz multiprotocol radio with 8 dBm output power and -95 dBm RX sensitivity for robust and reliable connectivity.

T5 tek’s SmartLock employing nRF52840 SoC

Five years of battery life

The solution is powered by a Lithium Thionyl Chloride cell, providing more than five years of battery life before replacement, thanks in part to the ultra-low power operating characteristics of the Nordic SoC. The nRF52840 SoC has been engineered to minimize power consumption with a fully-automatic power management system.

“Neuvatek has a long history of collaboration with Nordic, we trust the technology, and the nRF52840 SoC in particular has a great reputation,” says Pierre Touma, CEO at Neuvatek Inc. “That was the main motivator to use it for the SmartLock where it provides all the core intelligence, including security, Bluetooth LE and NFC connectivity, power management, motor control, and supervising the sensors.

“Complementing great technology, Nordic’s team always provided us timely support and insight, enabling Neuvatek to make optimal technology choices and long-term planning for our clients.”