Principles Of Operation

Information and Entertainment System

Principles of Operation

Audio Control Module (ACM)

The Audio Control Module (ACM) can be operated with the ignition in RUN or ACC. The accessory delay feature allows the audio system to be operated for a preset period of time after the ignition is turned off and a front door has not been opened. The ACM (Audio Control Module) sends AC voltage audio signals to the speakers or to the amplifier, depending on vehicle configuration. The ACM (Audio Control Module) can produce its own DTCs, which can be communicated to the scan tool. The ACM (Audio Control Module) communicates on the Infotainment Controller Area Network (I-CAN)

Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM)

The Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM) is one of the customer interfaces to the audio system. It is separate from the ACM (Audio Control Module) and communicates through the I-CAN (Infotainment Controller Area Network).

Front Control/Display Interface Module (FCDIM) (Non-Touchscreen)

The Front Control/Display Interface Module (FCDIM) is a stand-alone module that displays infotainment system information. The FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) communicates on the I-CAN (Infotainment Controller Area Network).

Front Display Interface Module (FDIM) (Touchscreen)

The Front Display Interface Module (FDIM) provides for customer interaction through the touchscreen display. The FDIM (Front Display Interface Module) plugs directly into the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), and therefore does not communicate directly on any network.

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Infotainment Display

For vehicles with the SYNC(R) system, the RH side of the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) contains an infotainment display. This screen displays a subset of infotainment information, and it is controlled by the 5-way RH steering wheel switch.

Satellite Audio

The satellite audio system consists of a receiver (integral to the ACM (Audio Control Module)), a satellite radio antenna, and a satellite radio antenna cable. The satellite radio antenna receives digital audio signals and sends them to the ACM (Audio Control Module).

Sony(R) and THX(R) Audio Systems

The Sony(R) and THX(R) audio systems provide theatre quality sound in the vehicle and receives HD Radio(R) channels. Audio signals are sent from the ACM (Audio Control Module) to the audio Digital Signal Processing (DSP) module, which processes the audio signals and sends them to the speakers. The audio DSP (Digital Signal Processing) module communicates via the I-CAN (Infotainment Controller Area Network).

The audio DSP (Digital Signal Processing) module determines the correct audio environment based on the audio signals it receives and on the information it receives from other audio system modules via the I-CAN (Infotainment Controller Area Network). These messages include such information as fade/balance and speed sensitive volume settings.

Navigation System

The navigation system is an option for vehicles with the Premium (8-inch (203 mm) touchscreen, THX(R) or Sony(R) audio system. The navigation system guides the user to a pre-entered destination. Map data is read from the map data SD card plugged into the media hub. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) calculates route information based on Global Positioning System (GPS) data received by the Global Positioning System Module (GPSM). The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) also uses vehicle speed and transmission gear selected signals received through the network to detect vehicle speed and direction, resulting in more accurate navigation tracking. The navigation display is shown on the FDIM (Front Display Interface Module).

The compass heading is derived from the GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna signal. There are no serviceable parts for the compass.

The voice recognition system allows the user to interface with the system without using the touchscreen. A microphone located in the headliner provides a direct input to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module).

If equipped with a rear view camera, the video feed for the camera is provided to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) by the rear view camera while the vehicle is in reverse.

SYNC(R) System

The SYNC(R) system allows interaction with several types of customer devices, including mobile phones and media devices. The system is comprised of the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module), a microphone and the media hub. The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) contains an on-board Bluetooth chipset, which enables certain wireless devices to interact with the system.

The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) consists of 2 internal modules: the Consumer Interface Processor (CIP) and the Vehicle Interface Processor (VIP). The modules are not replaceable individually, but can be flashed independently, if required.

The CIP (Consumer Interface Processor) interfaces with all of the inputs to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). It contains an analog-to-digital-to-analog converter, as well as the Bluetooth chipset. Any application upgrades that are available to the consumer are loaded directly to the CIP (Consumer Interface Processor) through the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

In addition to audio information, metadata (information as artist, album title, song title, and genre) may also be sent to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) from a device plugged into the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) uses the metadata to create indexes that can be used to sort for particular music, based on customer preference. Not all USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices can send metadata to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). When a new media device is connected to the SYNC(R) system, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) automatically indexes the information. This may take several minutes (depending on the amount of data on the device), and is considered normal operation. When a device that was previously connected to the SYNC(R) system is reconnected, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) updates the index (rather than creating a new one), which reduces the amount of time needed to index the device.

The VIP (Vehicle Interface Processor) provides an interface between the CIP (Consumer Interface Processor) and the vehicle. Its main functions are controlling the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) power management and translating both inbound and outbound signals over the CAN (Controller Area Network). In addition, the VIP (Vehicle Interface Processor) queries the modules on the network to retrieve any DTCs when a vehicle health report is requested.

The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) receives both stereo and mono sound inputs, and can also transmit both stereo and mono sound. The mono function is used to receive the microphone input. It is also used to send sound to the ACM (Audio Control Module) for voice prompts, the Text-To-Speech (TTS) feature, ringtones, and any audio received through a connected mobile phone. The TTS (Text-To-Speech) feature speaks information so that it does not have to be read from the display.

The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) communicates on the Infotainment Controller Area Network (I-CAN), the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) and the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). Communication with the scan tool is established through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth interface can accommodate both Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and Bluetooth-enabled media devices. Any Bluetooth device used with the SYNC(R) system must first be paired with the system before it is operational.

Bluetooth is a secure, short-range radio frequency that allows devices to communicate wirelessly through radio waves. The operating range of a Bluetooth signal is a maximum of 32 feet.

Only one Bluetooth phone and one Bluetooth media device can be connected to the system at any one time. If an additional device of either type is paired with the system and made active, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) disconnects any active connection and establishes a connection with the new device.

It is important to understand that not all mobile phones have the same level of features when interacting with the SYNC(R) system. For a list of compatible phones, refer to the SYNC(R) MyRide website.

Global Positioning System Module (GPSM)

For vehicles without navigation, the GPSM (Global Positioning System Module) provides vehicle location for real-time traffic reports and re-routing, and for identifying vehicle location in the event of a collision.

For vehicles with navigation, the GPSM (Global Positioning System Module) acts as the antenna for the navigation system.

The vehicle location information is broadcast to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).

Voice Recognition

Voice recognition is used for many vehicle functions, including audio system and climate controls. The microphone relays the microphone input to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) through dedicated wiring.

Antenna

The roof-mounted antenna receives both AM and FM radio waves. The audio signals are then sent to the ACM (Audio Control Module) through the AM/FM antenna cable. An antenna module is integral to the roof-mounted antenna base. The ACM (Audio Control Module) powers the antenna to improve AM/FM reception.

If the vehicle is equipped with satellite radio, a combination AM/FM/satellite antenna is utilized. In addition to the AM/FM reception, satellite audio is transmitted to the ACM (Audio Control Module) through a satellite radio antenna cable.

Steering Wheel Controls

The steering wheel controls consist of a series of resistors. Each steering wheel control switch function corresponds with a specific resistance value within the switch. When a switch is pressed, the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) monitors the change in reference voltage to determine the requested function. The SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) communicates the switch inputs in a message to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) over the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network). The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) gateways the message to the ACM (Audio Control Module) and other audio modules over the I-CAN (Infotainment Controller Area Network).

For Edge base and premium audio systems without SYNC(R), the FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) serves as the infotainment display. The 5-way RH steering wheel switch controls and navigates the menus in the FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module).

For Sony(R) and THX(R) sound, the RH instrument panel display serves as the infotainment display. The 5-way RH steering wheel switch controls and navigates the menus in the RH instrument panel display.

Audio Input Jack

For vehicles without SYNC(R), the audio input jack is hardwired to the ACM (Audio Control Module). For vehicles with SYNC(R), the audio input jack is hardwired to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) and the input signal is sent to the ACM (Audio Control Module). The audio input jack allows for a portable MP3 player to be connected to the vehicle audio system utilizing a 1/8-inch audio jack. When a portable MP3 player is connected, audio from the MP3 player can be played through the vehicle speakers. When a device is connected through the audio input jack, only the speaker volume can be controlled by the vehicle audio system. All other functions (such as seek, fast forward, pause, etc.) must be carried out on the device itself.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port (4.2-Inch (107 mm) Screen SYNC(R))

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port can be used for connecting a media device (such as an iPod(R)) with the device's available cable, or for directly plugging in a portable mass storage device (such as a "thumb drive"). When playing media files stored on a mass storage device, the SYNC(R) system only plays files that do not have Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection. The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port can also be used for uploading vehicle application upgrades.

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is powered by the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module), so no external power source is needed to power a device plugged into the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port if the device supports this feature.

Media Hub (8-Inch (203 mm) Touchscreen SYNC(R))

The media hub is utilized on vehicles with SYNC(R). The media hub allows for various audio and video devices to be played through the vehicle speakers and viewed in the FDIM (Front Display Interface Module) display.

The media hub receives inputs from the following sources:

- 2 USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports

- 1 SD card slot

- 1 set of component RCA jacks

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port can be used for connecting a media device (such as an iPod(R)) with the device's available cable, or for directly plugging in a portable mass storage device (such as a "thumb drive"). When playing media files stored on a mass storage device, the SYNC(R) system only plays files that do not have Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection. The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port can also be used for uploading vehicle application upgrades. The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is powered by the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module), so no external power source is needed to power a device plugged into the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port if the device supports this feature.

NOTE: The media hub provides a maximum of 500mA to power an external device

The SD card slot can be used for playing audio content and to read SD cards loaded with map data for the navigation feature.

Additionally, both the USB (Universal Serial Bus) and SD card slots have the capability to view photos stored on memory devices.

The RCA jacks can be used for playing video or audio content from an external device (such as a gaming system).

Subwoofer

The MKX premium sound subwoofer contains an internal amplifier that is powered by a dedicated circuit. The ACM (Audio Control Module) sends audio signals to the amplifier and controls the subwoofer through an enable/clip circuit. The enable/clip detection circuit carries out 2 functions: to turn the amplifier on, and to indicate to the ACM (Audio Control Module) when the subwoofer output distortion signal reaches a damaging level. The ACM (Audio Control Module) then clips the audio output signal to prevent damage to the subwoofer.

The 2-speaker subwoofer in the Sony(R) and THX(R) audio systems receives audio signals directly from the audio DSP (Digital Signal Processing) module.

Audio Signals

Stereo signals contain left and right channel information, and are used for most audio signals.

A mono signal is used for the microphone input to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). The mono signal is also used for the voice prompts, the TTS (Text-To-Speech) feature, ringtones, and any audio received through a connected mobile phone. These audio signals are output from the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) to the ACM (Audio Control Module). The mono output from the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) utilizes separate circuits from the stereo output.

A digital signal is used to transmit data from a media device connected through the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) then converts the signal to analog and relays the signal to the receiving module, which varies by vehicle configuration.

A wireless signal is used to broadcast audio signals from a Bluetooth media device to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module), which converts the wireless audio signal to analog and relays it to the ACM (Audio Control Module).

Network Communication

The following infotainment system components communicate via the I-CAN (Infotainment Controller Area Network) :

- ACM (Audio Control Module)

- APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module)

- Audio DSP (Digital Signal Processing) module

- FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module)

- IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)

The following infotainment system components communicate via the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) :

- APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module)

- GPSM (Global Positioning System Module)

- IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)

The following infotainment system components communicate via the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network) :

- APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module)

- IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)

- SCCM (Steering Column Control Module)

There are numerous messages internal to the infotainment system. The functions of these messages include, but are not limited to:

- Changing the audio source, volume and equalizer settings

- Navigating menus

- Updating the FDIM (Front Display Interface Module) or FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) display