bodywork electronic control unit and infotainment

Bodywork Electronic Control Unit and Infotainment

The Touareg sets new standards in the field of electrics/electronics. The highest demands in terms of offroad capabilities and optimisation of fuel consumption combined with a wide range of new and modern driver-assistant systems and supplementary equipment in an upper-class vehicle had to be taken into account in the definition of the electronics architecture.

VW Touareg

VW Touareg40

Electrics I Electronics

1 Introduction

The electronics platform for the new Touareg was produced using existing modules from the Group‘s modular lon-gitudinal kit together with new and ad-vanced module developments. This plat-form offers the very highest degree of flexibility and scalability for the many different optional extras for the new Touareg. Different versions of the central Gateway control unit are fitted, depend-ing on the options package chosen; this also paves the way for the use of network-ing technologies for optional extras. For the high-quality driver-assistant systems such as ACC, a version with Flexray is in-stalled, while for infotainment with navi-gation, the gateway version with a MOST bus is used. More details on this can be found in the chapters “Driver-Assistant Systems”.

The rigorous policy of scalability was also continued in the development of the vehicle‘s electrical system. A modu-larly structured vehicle-electrics concept which was optimised to a minimum number of variables by uncompromising variable management offers the basis for the electronics platform.

Entertainment in the new Touareg sets new standards in terms of function, display and operation. The employment of touch-screen operation for the radio and navigation system has been rigor-ously adhered to, but backed up by new, indeed the very latest upper-class tech-nology. Operation and graphic display have continued in the current Volkswa-gen style so that the driver of the new Touareg does not have to learn a new

handling. In the field of entertainment, additional options such as the DynAudio sound system, the universal media inter-face and the DVD changer also set new standards. Various vehicle, convenience and climate settings are still available in the radio navigation system RNS 850 and the RCD 550 radio, while the most im-portant functions continue to be directly accessible through buttons or switches. The networked display concept for illus-trations in the 8“ central display and in the display of the instrument cluster round off the overall picture.

2 The Instrument Cluster

The Volkswagen brand puts its faith in a four-tube design for the new Touareg. The speedometer and the rev counter boast large analogue displays, while the

coolant-temperature and fuel gauges on the outsides feature small analogue dis-plays. For the first time, a 7“ TFT display in 15:9 format is fitted as an electronic display unit in the vehicle‘s premium version, Figure 1. In contrast, in the basic version, driver information is displayed on a 5“ monochrome TFT display.

2.1 MechanicsThe instrument cluster features a black varnished front surface, galvanised-chrome tube rings and illuminated red pointers, Figure 2. Coated-glass covers with the high-quality visual properties of the current Touareg are installed in the front tube frames. The display area is positioned behind the front frame between the two large tubes and does not features a glass cover. 3-D embossing (Arena) was chosen for the translucently-printed dials, which are backlit in the tubes with LEDs.

The Author

Dipl.- Ing. Thomas Kiesewetteris engineering group Spokesperson electrics/electronics Touareg at Volkswagen ag in Wolfsburg (germany).

Figure 1: Instrument cluster with 7“ TFT display

Figure 2: Diagrammatic structure of instrument cluster

aTZextra I March 2010 41

For warnings respectively information and displays outside the main display, the instrument cluster is divided up into three warning-indicator groups: Seven (speed-ometer) and eight (rev counter) warning indicators in the tubes (speedometer and rev counter tubes) and eight populated warning indicators below the display mod-ule as a central warning area for both in-strument-cluster versions in the Touareg.

2.2 ElectronicsThe central module consists of a design-specific metal carrier which serves as a frame for the display and the KLP (com-bined printed board) behind it. Design-specific fixing points are available for the DLPs (design printed boards are part of the reflector sub-assembly) and the ex-terior frame. The rear cover of the KLP consists of a metallic housing cover. Cov-er, metal carrier and display housing are electrically connected via the KLP and comprise a closed screen.

A brilliantly colored high-quality 7“ TFT display (Hitachi) in 15:9 format has been installed. The display module con-sists of the display glass with the control electronics and the backlight made up of several LED chains. Colour resolution is driven by 6 Bits per colour (256K colours).

The KLP consists of two main-function groups which are made up of two com-puter modules.

The computer component KSS (com-bined sub system, 32 bit CPU) is the main

computer module and serves the impor-tant communication interfaces to the vehicle and the communication and the control of the graphic sub system GSS and the DLPs. The most important tasks of the GSS are the control of the display and communication via the MOST bus.

Interprocessor communication be-tween the KSS CPU and the GSS CPU, the graphics processor takes place via an SPI protocol. The LED chains of the backlight are supplied from a step-up converter which generates sufficiently high volt-age to operate the chains and a down-stream current sinker. The current sinker guarantees a constant LED current and therefore constant colours across all set brightness levels.

Stepper motors are located on the DLPs for the analogue displays, the electronics for pointer and scale illumination, the warning indicators and in the rev counter the photo transistor for the measurement of environmental brightness.

2.3 Display and OperationApart from taking over the typical instru-ment-cluster functions (control of stepper-motors and control lights), the KSS, as the master computer, also assumes the con-trol of the HMI and the basic functions of power management, reset behaviour, di-agnosis and downloads. The combination subsystem is linked to the vehicle bus sys-tem (CAN) and complies with NM, TP, KWP/UDS and ISO-15765 standards.

The graphics bus system takes over pure presentation logic in the new Touareg instrument cluster. The GSS has a high-performance operating system, controls the display module, is linked to the infotainment bus and is the slave computer in the combination-system ar-chitecture. In its modular concept, the software architecture is oriented to the Autosar approach.

A typical Volkswagen HMI has been developed on the basis of existing Group components. At the same time, the Pre-mium instrument cluster uses both a basic infotainment system (Radio Head Unit) and a Premium infotainment sys-tem RNS 850 Touch Head Unit in the new Touareg. With regard to combination-op-eration philosophy (driver assistance tip switch and multi-function steering wheel MFL), the settings possibilities have been optimised for the driver. Familiar set-tings (convenience functions, parameter-isation) have been transferred to the Head Unit (RNS 850 / RCD 550). Only those settings which are directly associ-ated with driver tasks can be de- and acti-vated or parameterised (driver assistance tip switch and secondary speed) in the combination system. The complete HMI has been implemented in a software ver-sion, while control of all displays (for ex-ample dynamic rider concept) is depend-ent on the optional extras chosen.

With the help of the MFL buttons (left or right), the “rider structure” can be dis-played and the individual context menus Audio, Navigation, Telephone, Vehicle and Assistant can be brought into the display focus in sequence. If further driv-er information is generated in the vehi-cle, for example through systematic or driver-triggered vehicle-level changes, then so-called status indicators appear in the display as popups or additional indi-cators, Figure 3.

3 Volkswagen Infotainment

The Volkswagen navigation system in the new Touareg is based on the modular lon-gitudinal unit networked via MOST. As an upper-class vehicle of the Volkswagen brand, it offers an 8“ touch screen in pi-ano-lacquer look. The innovative decora-tive in-mold foil coating ensures a match-less high-gloss surface in black into which

Figure 3: Instrument-cluster display

VW Touareg

VW Touareg42


the two switch islands with chromed bridges and rotary knobs are incorporat-ed. By avoiding release holes and on ac-count of the shape, which was specially developed for the Touareg, the operating component of the touchscreen integrates harmoniously into the control panel. High-quality animations are accelerated and the 3-D presentation of the map and map content is made possible using a graphics processor (GPU), Figure 4.

3.1 ArchitectureThe highly integrated main unit is built into a fold-up pocket within the glove compartment and is connected to the touch screen in the control panel via an LVDS and LIN. Only the radio functions are hidden away in the radio unit in the boot for closer connection to the antenna in the rear windows of the vehicle and in order to keep the passenger compartment free of ventilation noise. The optional DVD changer and TV tuner, as well as the sound amplifier for the DynAudio sound system are located in the boot. Bluetooth, telephone and media-in functions are also integrated into the main unit.

3.2 Radio System RCD 550In addition to the reception of FM and AM, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) al-so produces crystal-clear digital radio re-ception. Announcement services such as traffic information can be received via sub-channels, while the latest text notifi-cations are displayed via the radio text. Image information from the DAB slide show from the current radio station can be called up on the touch screen.

3.3 Radio Navigation System RNS 850With the pre-installed map data on the integrated hard disc, the driver is well prepared for journeys across the whole of Europe. Using the “Digital Terrain Model”, the map reproduces the area of focus in vivid three-dimensional quality. On a journey through the mountains, the indicated route winds visibly over mountain slopes and passes. In larger towns, building silhouettes support ori-entation in the 3-D City Model. In addi-tion, important edifices are reproduced three-dimensionally down to the small-est detail and make their recognition a simple matter on account of the textural covering as 3-D landmarks.

By touching elements on the map, such as special-destination, TMC or fa-vorite symbols, additional information is displayed over those elements and further operational steps such as navi-gation to special destinations can be triggered.

The navigation voice-over warns of traffic problems in good time. If re-quired, the navigation system can iden-tify a suitable diversion via TMC messag-es. In France and Great Britain, the pre-mium “PayTMC” service is already incor-porated (Via Michelin or TrafficMaster).

In order to be able to enjoy driving un-disturbed, the driver activates the speech-operating switch on the multifunction steering wheel and repeats the address as the navigation destination without any distraction in a single statement. For example: “State destination!” Please name the town and the street! “Wolfs-burg, Berliner Ring 2”. Special destina-

Figure 4: New 8“ navigation operating component

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tions can also be entered using the speech function.

3.4 MediaThe media centre on the integrated hard disc can be filled up with both music tracks and videos using CDs, DVDs and SD cards. Using the speech function, se-lection of singer, album or title can be made using whole words. Video DVDs liven up breaks on your journey.

Using the media-in connection in the glove compartment, mobile devices such as iPods, USB sticks and even USB hard discs can be connected via adapter cables and AV cables, for example, for digital cameras. Television reception is possible for either analogue or digital using DVB-T. The current programme can be estab-lished using the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and checking in Videotext.

The DVD changer connected to the MOST permits the playing of six DVDs or CDs. Collections of digital music such as those on MP3 can also be used. Audi-ophiles are offered DynAudio sound. Via the MOST-Ring, music is transmitted dig-itally and free of interference to the am-plifier before reaching the specially man-ufactured speakers in DynAudio sound quality. Only after finest sound tuning did the Danish sound engineers grant the Touareg the licence to use the Dyn-Audio logo (see chapter System DynAudio Confidence).

3.5 PhonesCell phones are integrated into the sys-tem to perfection using the Bluetooth standard. Both the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) and Remote SIM Access Profile (RSAP) are available for phone connec-tions. SMS documents can also be sent.

Music stored on cell phones can be played in stereo and controlled (A2DP, AVRCP). Addresses from telephone-book entries in mobile devices can be trans-ferred to the navigation system as desti-nations. In this way, drivers can already prepare for their journey while sitting at home.

3.6 Car and Climate SettingsVia the “Climate” switch and the touch screen, additional settings for the cli-mate system can be set up and basic set-tings such as temperature and fan set-tings visualised in a large and clear dis-play. As a result, the number of controls on the climate-control unit is reduced. Settings for driver-assistant functions and vehicle settings can also be carried out using the “Car” switch. This means that the driver always has a good over-view of the multiplicity of functions. The touch screen in the Touareg is expanded to a central operation console for vehicle functions.

4 Hybrid Display

The experiencability of the hybrid drive (see article about the hybrid drive) is sub-stantially enhanced for the driver through the displays in the instrument cluster and the Volkswagen Infotain-ment system (navigation and radio). At the same time, information is displayed in a form already suitably prepared for the instrument cluster and/or infotain-ment system.

In the premium version of the 7“ dis-play of the instrument cluster, the driver is provided with important information on the status of the hybrid drive, a status which is illustrated in simplified form and is quick and easy to understand: When the vehicle is stationary or moving from a standing start, the display shows with “Ready”, that the vehicle is ready to proceed. This is particularly helpful in the case of an inactive combustion en-gine, because the e-motor is noiseless when the vehicle is stationary. In addi-tion, the diagrammatic energy-flow in-forms the driver of which drive type is active, for example driving with e-motor, Figure 5.

Information is more elaborately pre-sented in the 8“ display of the Volkswagen infotainment system. In addition to see-ing an animated display of energy flow, Figure 6, the driver can obtain an overview in a bar diagram of vehicle data from the preceding hour in terms of fuel consump-tion and recovered brake energy. The spe-cial feature here is the adaptivity of the diagram: Good legibility of the data is en-sured by adjusting the resolution. The hy-

Figure 5: Instrument cluster display “Energy Flow READY”

Figure 6: Energy flow display “Powered by combustion engine”

VW Touareg

VW Touareg44


brid menus in the main unit are comple-mented by a third display which clearly summarizes board-computer data on the driving cycles “From Start”, “Long term” and “Since Refuelling”.

5 The New Sound System “DynAudio Confidence”

The new Touareg is not only a master of offroad situations, but also meets the most exacting demands in terms of sound reproduction, providing particu-larly impressive performance through an outstanding high-end audio-enter-tainment system. An option which gen-uine music lovers can enjoy with the DynAudio sound system. For the new Touareg, DynAudio has developed what is so far the most modern sound system available: The system consists of twelve DynAudio loudspeakers which are per-fectly integrated into the luxurious pas-

senger compartment, Figure 7. During the very development of the system, the positioning of each individual speaker was matched by the DynAudio sound specialists and Volkswagen engineers to the particular features of the Touareg‘s interior.

A unique 3-way system in the front part of the Touareg ensures particularly fine, distortion-free treble reproduction and midrange tones rich in detail. For the tweeters, a specially coated 60 mm fabric dome is used, driven by special neodym-ium magnets. These permit a fine, silky reproduction of the highest tones so typi-cal of DynAudio loudspeakers. In the rear passenger compartment the loudspeaker configuration is supplemented by an ad-ditional 2-way system with two further 60 mm fabric domes. At the same time, the rear loudspeakers not only provide the rear-seat passengers with sound, but also contribute to overall sound reproduction in the passenger compartment.

An absolutely special feature for sound systems in the automotive sector is also the unique DynAudio technology in the midrange and bass registers: here, diaphragms made from an unusual mag-nesium-silicate polymer material (MSP) are combined with extremely light-weight aluminium voice coils driven by internally located magnets. The elabo-rate construction permits the accommo-dation of power and precision in the smallest of spaces, generating an impres-sive and highly dynamic deep-bass sound and absolutely pure, undistorted mid-range tones.

In total, four 200 mm woofers are used to provide the Touareg interior with particularly uniform low frequencies – a major sound benefit compared to those produced by conventional sound systems with a single subwoofer, which tend to emit unbalanced bass tones. The result is superb and particularly precise bass re-production without a large degree of

Figure 7: Sound system DynAudio Confidence


soundwave cancellations or bass over-emphasis.

5.1 Centre Loudspeaker for Excellent Spatial SoundAn innovation among all sound systems previously developed for Volkswagen is a special centre loudspeaker, which is used for the first time in order to fill the large interior of the Touareg in the front area with a uniform level of sound. Concert-hall reproduction in good music record-ings benefits audibly from this addition-al loudspeaker. It comprises a 2-way cen-tral loudspeaker with a 50 mm fabric dome and a 100 mm midrange speaker integrated into the upper part of the dashboard and the output characteris-tics were specially adapted to harmonise perfectly with the side speakers.

5.2 Latest Amplifier TechnologyFor magnificent development of audio power, the DynAudio sound system in the new Touareg is designed as a fully ac-tive multi-channel system, with a 12-channel DSP amplifier boasting 620 Watts. The active concept signifies that each loudspeaker is driven by its own am-plifier channel in order to achieve ideal channel separation and therefore high-est acoustic quality.

6 The Rotating Electronic Ignition Lock

In the new Touareg, Volkswagen has for the first time installed an electronic igni-tion lock, a lock which is distinguished by a new and innovative operational con-cept. This was not only a matter of sim-ply exchanging a conventional mechani-

cal principle for an electronic version, but also of developing a “turn-and-tip” system, Figure 8.

The new elegant and webless radio ig-nition key with the fine black high-gloss look features three or four buttons (only the North American version), depending on the version. By pressing the Volks-wagen emblem an emergency key emerg-es from the back. This key is for an emer-gency should the battery of the radio key be flat, and serves as a fixing point for a key ring. The battery compartment is hidden behind the chrome embellisher of the radio key.

To start the vehicle, the radio key is inserted into the relevant opening until it firmly engages. In that first position the infotainment components such as the radio and navigation system are acti-vated, as the S-contact is already active on insertion of the key. If the radio key is only inserted and not turned, it can be directly withdrawn again. The locking function is then inactive.

On the first turn of the radio key (en-gine start or ignition on) it is mechani-cally locked, so that it is firmly held in the ignition lock. On turning the key fur-ther (engine or ignition off), the radio key is electromechanically unlocked and can be withdrawn.

To start the engine, the radio key is turned either to the left or the right (both directions are possible) and in the process engages with the relevant switch contact. In order to proceed, it is necessary to touch the brake pedal at the same time. The remote control key always automati-cally returns to its initial position.

If the ignition is only to be turned on, this is done by employing the same turn-ing movement of the radio key (to the right

or the left), but without touching the brake pedal or the clutch. In order to turn off the engine, the radio key is again turned either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The ignition is turned off in the same way.

Withdrawal of the mechanically en-gaged radio key from the ignition in the case of a flat vehicle battery is possible by way of a dedicated mechanical emergen-cy release device in the ignition lock. The driver is therefore in a position to take the key out of the ignition in such an emergency situation. The very highest demands were placed on the design of this system in terms of ergonomy, looks, electronic concept and functional proce-dures. An important feature is the posi-tion of the remote control key, which is always the same for all functions and en-sures ease of access for the user.

7 The Electronic Network

Of all Volkswagen vehicles, the Touareg features the most modern and complex network, a network which connects all electronic control devices with each oth-er. Altogether, the network technologies CAN, MOST, Flexray and LIN are em-ployed. The network topology is shown in Figure 9.

In accordance with the network archi-tecture of all Volkswagen vehicles, the gate-way control unit represents the central control unit for the network and connects all data buses with each other. Through the diagnostic interface, it also provides ac-cess to the vehicle and accommodates ad-ditional functions such as electrical-energy management. It consists of a software module which is today already employed across the whole model range.

Figure 8: Function of the electronic ignition

VW Touareg

VW Touareg46

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7.1 CAN NetworkVolkswagen has standardised transmis-sion technology on all CAN buses. Only Class C technology with 500 kbaud is now used. The CAN network is made up of six sub-buses. To safeguard the integra-tion of electronic control units, the Volkswagen standard software core is used. Specific demands on network man-agement and transmission protocols are already installed here. If screen contents are transmitted via the CAN bus, the spe-cially developed operational and display protocol (BAP) is used, which provides a standardised software interface. Imple-mentation is carried out using an auto-matically readable configuration file in XML format.

7.2 MOST-RingThe integration of infotainment compo-nents is effected via the optical MOST bus with a transmission rate of 25 Mbaud. Depending on its specific make-up, the MOST-Ring consists of up to seven components. Its integration into the ve-hicle is carried out via the gateway, with the network being controlled by the

main unit. The optical transmission ring is protected by ring-break diagnosis de-veloped by the Volkswagen Group.

7.3 Flexray SystemVolkswagen employs Flexray technology for the first time in the Touareg. This new transmission standard links driver-assistant systems with each other. The Flexray system is a single-channel system and features a band width of 10 Mbaud. The gateway functions here as an active star distributor. Depending on customer-options chosen, the Flexray system is made up of two to four control units. These are the gateway, two control units for adaptive distance control and an im-age-processing control unit. As the com-munications stack, Volkswagen uses a version developed from Autosar R2.1.

7.4 LIN SubnetworksVolkswagen uses LIN bus versions 1.3 and 2.0. The LIN bus is employed exclusively for subnetworks with low demands on data transmission. These are mainly the alternator, battery-data management, DC/DC converter and switches and actuators.

7.5 Vehicle Self-diagnosisThe transport protocol to ISO 15764 was selected for vehicle self-diagnosis. The specification and documentation of di-agnostic trouble codes (DTC) are carried out in the Open Diagnostic Exchange for-mat (ODX) to ISO 22900. The diagnostic protocol is the ISO 14229 protocol re-ferred to as Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS).

7.6 ConclusionThe electronics platform for the new Touareg is a further step to a cross-Group scalable and modular electron-ics platform which will become stand-ard in the near future. The constantly increasing technical requirements place the highest demands on the qual-ity, f lexibility and scalability of elec-tronics architecture and these must be continuously further developed. In the new Touareg, the wide range of require-ments for a new platform has been suc-cessfully met and therefore offers a sta-ble basis for the latest driver-assistant systems both for now and for the fu-ture. n

Figure 9: The electronic network in the Touareg


bodywork electronic control unit and infotainment

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