System Operation
Information and Entertainment Systems - Premium
System Operation
System Diagram
Network Message Chart
Module Network Input Messages - ACM (Audio Control Module)
Module Network Input Messages - APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module)
Module Network Input Messages - FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module)
Module Network Input Messages - FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module)
Module Network Input Messages - GPSM (Global Positioning System Module)
Module Network Input Messages - IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
AM - FM Radio
The roof-mounted antenna receives AM/FM (Amplitude Modulation/Frequency Modulation) radio waves. The audio signals are sent from the roof-mounted antenna, via the AM/FM (Amplitude Modulation/Frequency Modulation) antenna cable to the ACM (Audio Control Module). The ACM (Audio Control Module) converts the radio waves to a fluctuating AC (Alternating Current) output voltage to the system speakers. The ACM (Audio Control Module) powers the AM/FM (Amplitude Modulation/Frequency Modulation) antenna to amplify the AM (Amplitude Modulation) signal.
Satellite Radio
The AM/FM (Amplitude Modulation/Frequency Modulation)/satellite antenna receives digital signals and sends them to the ACM (Audio Control Module) through the satellite radio antenna cable. The satellite radio receiver is built into the ACM (Audio Control Module).
Speed Compensated Volume
The ACM (Audio Control Module) adjusts the audio system volume based on the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) signal to compensate for speed and wind noise.
When a MyKey(R) is in use and the MyKey(R) radio volume limiter is enabled, the speed compensated volume is disabled.
Audio Input Jack Mode
When a portable MP3 (Moving Pictures Experts Group -1 Audio Layer 3) player is connected, audio from the MP3 (Moving Pictures Experts Group -1 Audio Layer 3) 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) must be carried out on the device itself. There are no external power or ground circuits to the audio input jack.
For vehicles without SYNC(R) , audio signals are sent from the audio input jack to the ACM (Audio Control Module).
For vehicles with SYNC(R) , audio signals are sent from the audio input jack to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module).
Steering Wheel Switch Function
The RH (Right Hand) steering wheel switch consist of an integrated 5-way upper switch and 3 momentary toggle switches. The 5-way steering wheel switch operates the FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) display. The audio redundant controls are controlled by the 3 momentary toggle switches.
Voice Recognition
Voice recognition is used for many vehicle functions including audio system. The microphone relays the microphone input to the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) through dedicated wiring. The TTS (Text-To-Speech) and voice prompt features speak certain text information and interaction requests to minimize driver distraction by having to look at the audio system display while driving. The ringtone alerts the driver to an incoming call. The microphone is also used to detect outgoing audio during a phone call.
Audible prompts can range from a simple tone to more elaborate spoken text, based on the customer setting. When interaction mode is set to standard, detailed guidance is provided. When interaction mode is set to advanced, most prompts are tones only and minimal audible guidance is provided. Refer to the Owner's Literature for further information on voice interaction.
The audio signals for the TTS (Text-To-Speech) and voice prompt features, the ringtones, and audio from the outside device during a phone call, are sent from the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) to the ACM (Audio Control Module).
Bluetooth Mode
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 9.75 m (32 ft).
The Bluetooth interface can accommodate both Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and Bluetooth-enabled media devices. The SYNC(R) system allows interaction with several types of customer Bluetooth devices, including mobile phones and media devices. The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) contains an on-board Bluetooth chipset, which enables certain wireless devices to interact with the system. Any Bluetooth device used with the SYNC(R) system must first be paired with the system before it is operational.
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.
When a new Bluetooth device is added, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) and the Bluetooth device must be paired together. Most Bluetooth devices can pair with the SYNC(R) system, although functionality may vary. To determine if a Bluetooth device is supported, verify the customer device is on the compatibility list for the current APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) software level.
Pairing a Bluetooth device is accomplished through the "Add Device" selection of the phone menu. When pairing a device, the SYNC(R) system generates a unique PIN (Personal Identification Number) that must be entered on the Bluetooth device in order for the pairing process to be successful. There are also some device-specific actions that must take place. For additional information on the pairing process, refer to the Owner's Literature.
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 www.syncmyride.com.
USB Audio Mode
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port can be used for connecting a media device (such as an iPod) 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 DRM (Digital Rights Management) 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.
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.
Audible Prompts
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 TTS (Text-To-Speech) 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.
Battery Load Shed
The BCM (Body Control Module) uses the battery current sensor to keep track of the battery state of charge. The battery current sensor is a hall-effect sensor attached to the battery ground cable. When the engine is off, and the BCM (Body Control Module) determines the battery state of charge is below 40% or 10% of the charge has been drained or 45 minutes have elapsed, a load shed message is sent over the CAN (Controller Area Network). This message turns off the audio/navigation system to save the remaining battery charge. Under this condition, SYS OFF TO SAVE BATT is displayed on the centerstack infotainment display to notify the driver that battery protection actions are active.
Engine off load shed occurs when the engine is not running, and the ignition is in the ACC or RUN position. To clear the load shed state, restart the engine.
MyKey(R) Audio Operation
When a MyKey(R) is in use, the audio system is muted whenever the Belt-Minder(R) is activated until the safety belts are buckled. This is a standard setting and cannot be changed.
The MyKey(R) also has an optional setting that limits the audio system volume. The maximum volume of the audio system is limited to 45%. In an attempt to exceed the limited volume, the MyKey(R) VOLUME LIMITED message is displayed in the centerstack infotainment display.
SYNC Traffic, Directions and Information
The SYNC(R) traffic, directions and information service is a subscription-based service that includes precise turn-by-turn directions, personalized real-time traffic updates with text alerts, business search, entertainment, news, sports, stocks, travel and weather. The customers mobile phone is used to access and download the SYNC(R) services. The GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna, that is integral to the GPSM (Global Positioning System Module), is used to detect the location and direction of the vehicle. For traffic, directions and information services subscription, REFER to www.syncmyride.com.
Audio Extended Play
The audio extended play mode is a feature that enables the audio system after the ignition is off and any door has been opened. When the power button on the FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module) is pressed, the audio system functionality is restored and remains active for a predetermined time. To turn the audio system off, the power button on the FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module) is pressed. The audio extended play mode will be disabled if the battery saver function is enabled.