Principles of Operation

Information and Entertainment System

Principles of Operation

NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) is also known as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).

Audio Control Module (ACM)

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

Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM)

The Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM) acts as a customer interface with the audio system and the climate control system. When a switch is pressed, a message is broadcast over the MS-CAN. When a climate control switch is pressed, the HVAC module sends a message back to the FCIM to illuminate the correct switches to indicate the status of the climate control system.

Front Display Interface Module (FDIM)

For vehicles without navigation, the Front Display Interface Module (FDIM) is a stand-alone module. It receives messages for all of its displays, which include:

- Audio information
- Climate control fan speed and temperature setting
- Outside air temperature
- Compass heading

For vehicles with navigation, the FDIM is hardwired to the ACM. When the touchscreen is pressed, a signal is sent to the ACM, which acts on the signal either by changing the audio setting or by broadcasting a message via the MS-CAN to the module controlling the function that was selected. The audio system, navigation, and climate control video feed to the FDIM is provided by the ACM. If equipped with a rear view camera, the video feed for the camera is provided directly by the rear view camera.

Satellite Audio

The satellite radio antenna receives digital audio signals and sends them to the ACM through the satellite radio antenna cable.

Antenna - Fusion, Milan

The antenna receives AM/FM radio waves, and satellite radio signals (if equipped with satellite radio). All audio signals are sent to the ACM through the antenna cables.

Antenna - MKZ

The antenna receives both AM and FM radio waves. The antenna is built into the rear window glass. An antenna module is utilized to isolate the signals. The audio signals are then sent to the ACM through the AM/FM antenna cable. If equipped with satellite radio, the satellite radio antenna is mounted to the roof. It receives digital audio signals and sends them to the ACM.

Sony(R) Sound

For vehicles with the Sony(R) sound system, audio signals are sent from the ACM to the audio Digital Signal Processing (DSP) module, which processes the audio signals and sends them to all of the speakers. The audio DSP module uses internal software to produce an optimal sound environment. The audio DSP module communicates on the MS-CAN. Customer preference settings such as fade and balance are broadcast to the audio DSP module by the ACM.

THX(R) Sound

For vehicles with the THX(R) sound system, the audio DSP module provides theatre quality sound in the vehicle. Audio signals are sent from the ACM to the audio DSP module, which processes the audio signals and sends them to all of the speakers. An enable detection circuit is utilized for the amplifier (internal to the audio DSP module). The circuit turns the amplifier on. The audio DSP module communicates on the MS-CAN. Customer preference settings such as fade and balance are broadcast to the audio DSP module by the ACM.

Navigation System

The vehicle navigation system guides the user to a pre-entered destination. No navigation map DVD is needed, as the map guidance information is stored in the ACM hard-drive. The ACM calculates route information based on Global Positioning System (GPS) data. The ACM also uses vehicle speed and transmission gear selected signals received through the MS-CAN to detect vehicle speed and direction, resulting in more accurate navigation tracking.

The navigation display is shown on the FDIM. Either the FDIM touchscreen or the buttons on the FCIM can be used to interact with the navigation system.

The compass heading is derived from the GPS antenna signal. There are no serviceable parts for the compass.

A voice recognition system allows the user to interface with the system without using the touchscreen. A microphone provides the voice recognition input. The microphone is shared with the SYNC(R) system.

Jukebox Feature

The navigation ACM contains a 10 gigabyte on-board hard drive that is capable of storing music ripped (recorded) from a music disc. The music can be loaded into the jukebox by inserting a disc (in the correct format) and following the on-screen instructions to load the music into the ACM. The jukebox cannot rip MP3 discs.

SYNC(R) System

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

The APIM 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 interfaces with all of the inputs to the APIM. The CIP contains an analog-to-digital-to-analog converter, as well as the Bluetooth chipset. Any consumer-available application upgrades that are available are loaded directly to the CIP through the USB port.

The VIP provides an interface between the CIP and the vehicle. The main functions of the VIP are controlling the APIM power management and translating both inbound and outbound signals over the CAN.

The APIM can receive inputs from the following audio sources:

- USB port
- Audio input jack
- Bluetooth

The USB 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 port can also be used for uploading vehicle application upgrades.

The USB port is powered by the APIM, so no external power source is needed to power a device plugged into the USB port if the device supports this feature.

The audio input jack can be used for connecting a media device (such as an iPod(R)) utilizing a 1/8-inch audio jack. When a device is connected through the audio input jack, only the speaker volume can be controlled by the ACM. All other functions (such as seek, fast forward, pause, etc.) must be carried out on the device itself.

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 will disconnect any active connection and establish a connection with the new device.

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

In addition to audio information, metadata may also be sent to the APIM from a device plugged into the USB port. Metadata consists of such information as artist, album title, song title, and genre. The metadata is used by the APIM to create indexes that can be used to sort for particular music, based on customer preference. Not all USB devices can send metadata to the APIM; also, no metadata is transferred when a device is connected through the audio input jack. When a new media device is connected to the SYNC(R) system, the APIM 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 updates the index (rather than creating a new one), which reduces the amount of time needed to create the index.

The APIM 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, and to send sound to the ACM for voice prompts, the Text-To-Speech (TTS) feature, ring tones, and any audio received through a connected mobile phone. The TTS feature speaks information so that it does not have to be read from the display.

The APIM communicates on the MS-CAN and High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). Communication with the scan tool is established through the HS-CAN.

Global Positioning System Module (GPSM)

The Global Positioning System Module (GPSM) provides vehicle location for real-time traffic reports and re-routing, and for identifying vehicle location in the event of a collision. The vehicle location information is broadcast to the APIM over the MS-CAN. The GPSM is part of the SYNC(R) system and is only present for vehicles without navigation.

Voice Recognition For Vehicles With Navigation And The SYNC(R) System

When the audio system enters voice recognition mode, the ACM initially controls the voice recognition feature. The microphone is wired directly to the APIM, which relays the microphone input to the ACM through dedicated wiring. If the first command spoken is part of the ACM voice recognition set, the ACM retains control of the voice recognition and takes the appropriate action(s). If the first command spoken is part of the APIM voice recognition set, the ACM shuts off its own voice recognition and broadcasts a Controller Area Network (CAN) message to the APIM, transferring the voice recognition to the SYNC(R) system and providing the voice command that was spoken. The ACM controls the voice engine for the base audio, navigation, and climate control systems. The APIM controls the voice engine for the SYNC(R) system (USB port, audio input jack, Bluetooth).

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 ACM (or the APIM) monitors the change in reference voltage to determine the requested function.

Noise Suppression Equipment

The radio frequency suppression equipment reduces interference transmitted through the speakers by the engine ignition and electrical systems. When installing any new radio suppression equipment components, make sure that a good contact is made at all connections.

Audio Signals

Audio signal flow varies greatly depending on vehicle content.

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. The mono signal is also used for the voice prompts, the TTS feature, ring tones, and any audio received through a connected mobile phone. These audio signals are output from the APIM to the ACM. The mono and stereo outputs from the APIM utilize separate circuits.

A digital signal is used to transmit data from a media device connected through the USB port to the APIM. The APIM then converts the signal to analog and relays the signal to the ACM.

A wireless signal is used to broadcast audio signals from a Bluetooth device to the APIM. As with a digital signal sent through the USB port, the APIM converts the wireless audio signal to analog and relays it to the ACM.

Network Communication

The following audio system components communicate via the MS-CAN:

- ACM
- Navigation ACM
- Audio DSP module (Sony(R) sound)
- Audio DSP module (THX(R) sound)
- FCIM
- FDIM (vehicles without navigation)
- APIM
- GPSM

There are numerous messages internal to the audio system. The functions of these messages include (but are not limited to):

- Changing the audio source
- Changing equalizer settings
- Updating the FDIM display
- Dialing phone numbers from the FCIM (if equipped with the SYNC(R) system)

In addition, the following messages are utilized by the audio system in conjunction with systems outside of the audio system:

Audio System