Car Information Computer (CIC): Notes

The IHKA control unit is integrated into the IHKA/audio control panel.

The faceplate of the CIC is the common control panel for the main entertainment functions as well as for the heating and air conditioning functions.

The CIC and the IHKA/audio control panel are connected to the center console unit carrier.

Fig 1: Side View Of IHKA/Audio Control Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

Index	Explanation
1	IHKA/audio control panel
2	Center console unit carrier
3	Car Information Computer

Fig 2: Front View Of IHKA/Audio Control Panel (F01/F02)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

Index	Explanation
1	Selector button for FM and AM
2	MODE button for selecting audio sources
3	CD/DVD slot
4	Eject button for DVD/CD player
5	Station search/track "forward and back"
6	Eight freely selectable Favorites buttons

Similar to a personal computer, the Car Information Computer contains a processor, RAM modules (= main memory) and extra peripheral components.

The following applications of the CIC are stored on the integrated hard disk:

Music collection
Music track database (Gracenote®)
Navigation software (application)
Navigation map material
iSpeech (voice recognition system)
Contacts (database with address book data)

The CIC is the central control unit for the listed applications. It is linked to the central information display (CID) for the purpose of transmitting and displaying information.

The Car Information Computer is also connected to the controller. The controller serves as a selection and input device for the user interface.

The CIC is based on a modular design. The most important systems of the communication network are integrated in the CIC board as solid state components.

The CIC combines the following control units in one enclosure:

Navigation computer, HIP module and yaw rate sensor
Tuner (FM)
Tuner (AM)
Tuner (FM-RTTI)
IBOC decoder
Audio system controller, and music search database
MOST-CAN gateway
Interface to control display (LVDS)

The upper half of the CIC consists of the optical drive player where CDs and DVDs of digital audio media can be played. The player also has ability to playback video DVDs on the front CID. The video signal is only displayed when the vehicle is stationary with the gear selection in the "Park" position.

For the navigation system, the optical drive can be used for updating the map material stored on the hard disk.

The processors for the main board and application board are located in the lower half of the CIC. This section also contains the main memory, the individual modules as well as the hard disk drive. The CIC together with the controller and CID, make up the iDrive system.