Media interface function - GF82.60-P-2020CAA
MODEL 207 up to 3/1/15 as of model year 2013 up to model year 2016 with CODE 518 (Media interface)
Function requirements for media interface, general
- Circuit 30g ON
- Transport mode not active
Media interface, general
The media interface function is also called a Universal Consumer Electronic Interface (UCI). The media interface allows portable terminals to be connected to the audio equipment using the relevant adapter cable, the media interface electrical connector (X1870), the media interface control unit (N1251) and the Media Oriented System Transport (MOST).
Three different adapter cables are included ex-factory (in the glove compartment):
- Adapter cable for AUX devices
- Adapter cable for iPods
- Adapter cable for Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices
The Media Interface electrical connector is located in the stowage compartment (telephone compartment) beneath the armrest. The AUX connection electrical connector (X39/45) installed as standard is omitted.
An AUX connection and two different USB interfaces are available for connecting the portable terminals.
The USB interfaces support the following devices and standards:
- Media Transfer Protocol (MTP)
- Zune MP3 player
- iPod Access Protocol
iPods are also connected via a USB interface.
If an attempt is made to connect a USB memory stick using the adapter cable for USB devices, the following message appears on the Audio/COMAND display (A40/8): "Note: Please connect the device to the other USB port". The USB electrical connector (X115) for connecting USB memory sticks is also located in the stowage compartment (telephone compartment) under the armrest.
Devices connected via a USB port (including iPods) can be operated with the following controls:
- Buttons on audio equipment
- Audio/COMAND control panel (A40/9)
- Left multifunction steering wheel button group (S110) and right multifunction steering wheel button group (S111)
- Voice control system (VCS [SBS]) (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))
- Remote control (A8/7) (with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW))
Menu navigation is accomplished on the Audio/COMAND display and it is dependent on the specific portable terminal connected. AUX devices must be operated on the device itself.
With the "AUX" audio source, standard or boost mode can be selected in the "Volume" menu. The input level can be increased by selecting "Boost" mode.
Media database
Metadata is stored in the connected device in addition to the actual media files. This metadata is collected by the media interface control unit in a store, the media database. It is then possible to search for the relevant metadata in this store. Metadata includes, for example, the title, interpreter, composer, album, genre, audio book, podcast, file identifier, file type (audio or video).
The media interface control unit permanently stores the metadata of up to three devices. When one of these devices is reconnected, the metadata is updated. As soon as a fourth device is connected, the oldest metadata record is overwritten.
Cover art
When playing pieces of music, the corresponding cover art is shown on the Audio/COMAND display if the cover art in question is stored in the portable terminal (e.g. iPod).
The maximum file size for processing cover art is 5 MB. The media interface control unit matches the resolution of 240 X 240 pixels, 16 bit colors and converts the file to the JPG format.
Function sequence for media interface
The media interface control unit is supplied with voltage via two direct lines (circuit 31 and circuit 30). If a portable device is connected, it is recognized by the media interface control unit via the following route:
- Adapter cable
- Media interface electrical connector
The media interface control unit then sends a signal to the audio equipment, which changes to the connected source in the case of devices connected via a USB port (but not AUX devices). The user can now display the audio data or video data on the Audio/COMAND display by selecting the "Media Interface" menu item as well as the specific submenu item ("Normal Track Sequence", "Track List Mix", "Medium Mix").
The "Media interface" menu item and the specific submenu item can be selected using one of the following controls:
- Buttons on audio equipment
- Audio/COMAND control panel
- Left multifunction steering wheel button group and right multifunction steering wheel button group
- VCS [SBS] (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))
- Remote control (with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW))
The control signals from the buttons on the "Audio equipment" are processed internally.
The control signals of the Audio/COMAND control panel are forwarded to the "audio equipment" via the telematics CAN (CAN A). As of 10.5.13, The control signals of the multifunction steering wheel button groups will be forwarded to the audio equipment via the following route:
- Steering wheel electronics (N135)
- Steering LIN (LIN E1)
- Steering column tube module control unit (N80)
- Chassis CAN 1 (CAN E1)
- Front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1)
- Chassis CAN 2 (CAN E2)
- Instrument cluster (A1)
- Interior CAN (CAN B)
Up to 9.5.13, the control signals of the multifunction steering wheel button group are forwarded to the audio equipment via the following route:
- Steering wheel electronics
- Steering LIN
- Steering column module control unit
- Chassis CAN
- Instrument cluster
- Interior CAN
The voice signals with operation via VCS [SBS] (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation))) are forwarded to the audio equipment by the hands-free system microphone (A67b1).
Following the evaluation of the control signals, the audio equipment forwards the control signals to the connected portable terminal via the following route:
- MOST
- Media interface control unit
- Media interface electrical connector
- Adapter cable
The connected portable terminal evaluates the control signals and sends the corresponding audio signals and data to the audio equipment via the reverse route.
In vehicles with CODE 810 (Sound system), the audio output is sent by the audio equipment over MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit (N40/3). The audio signals are amplified by the sound system amplifier control unit and they are emitted over the speaker system. In vehicles without CODE 810 (Sound system), the audio equipment emits the audio signals at the speaker system via direct lines. The control signals from the remote control (with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW)) are received over the infrared interface in the COMAND controller unit where they are internally processed.
In vehicles with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW), the audio signals are issued over the radio frequency headphones (H8/3) or over the headphones electrical connector (cabled) (X39/6).
More detailed information on the speaker system is available in the "Speaker output function" information.
In vehicles with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)), video signals and data are forwarded from the Media Interface electrical connector directly to the COMAND controller unit (A40/3) via a coaxial cable.
The COMAND controller unit then processes the video signals and data internally and sends them to the Audio/COMAND display over a low voltage differential signal (LVDS) line.
Video files on iPods can be selected and played using the vehicle controls. Video-compatible devices connected via AUX must be operated on the device itself.
| Electrical function schematic for media interface function | PE82.85-P-2059-97EAA | ||
| Overview of system components, telematics | GF82.85-P-9999CA |