Satellite Tuner

Satellite Tuner

The SDARS is a separate tuner for digital reception. SDARS receives the data in terrestrial form or via satellite. Two aerials are installed for reception. One aerial is for terrestrial reception another aerial is for digital reception. If the satellite reception is disrupted, SDARS automatically switches to AM/FM reception. The loss of quality between digital radio and the standard AM/FM radio can be heard clearly.

Digital radio integrated into the headunit
In the current headunits (Radio/CIC/CHAMP), the digital radio function is being integrated into the headunit little by little. In this case, a separate Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service control unit is no longer installed in the vehicle.

Digital radio
Digital radio means that a much higher number of stations can be picked up. In addition to the audio data, other information is also broadcast. The sound quality is close to that of a CD or MD.

Control
If the optional satellite tuner equipment is in the vehicle and a separate Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service control unit installed, the AM/FM receiver in the headunit is code inactive. In this case the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service is controlled via the Media Oriented System Transport bus by the headunit (radio/multi audio system controller/Car Communication Computer/multimedia platform/Car Information Computer). For the case where no external Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service control unit is installed, the satellite tuner function is integrated into the headunit directly (starting 09/2009 possible).

Reception
To enable AM/FM and satellite reception, two aerials are connected to the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service.
- SDARS aerial for terrestrial reception: This aerial is responsible for reception of AM/FM signals. It has the same function as with a conventional radio.
- SDARS aerial for satellite reception: This aerial is responsible for reception of the digital signal. This signal is transmitted from a satellite to the vehicle. For the case where the satellite tuner is integrated into the headunit, the aerial for receiving the digital signal is connected directly to the headunit.