System Functions

The M-ASK includes the following functions:

• Aerial tuner
  • Single-tuner radio (only E60,E61,E63,E64)
  • Two-tuner radio

    (standard equipment on E87 and E90, only with special equipment on E60, E61, E63, E64)

• Multi-audio system controller (M-ASK)
  • System master
  • Power master
  • Network master
  • Audio master
  • Connection master
• M-ASK user interface (M-ASK-BO)
• M-ASK Gateway (M-ASK-GW)
• M-ASK navigation system (M-ASK-NAV)
  • Loading Almanac data
  • Navigation with DVD

  Aerial tuner 

  • Single-tuner radio (only E60,E61,E63,E64)

    The single-tuner radio is fitted as standard in the M-ASK. The tuner receives the radio frequencies FM (VHF) and AM (MW and LW). The radio waves from the radio station are received by the aerials in the rear window. The received high-frequency signal is led by the aerial diversity (on the rear window) via a coaxial line to the aerial input on the single-tuner radio.

  • Two-tuner radio

    While tuner 1 receives the required radio station, tuner 2 works in the background. Tuner 2 searches the station frequencies for additional signals. If a radio station is transmitting a stronger signal on a different frequency, the radio will automatically switch to this alternative frequency.

    Tuner 2 receives additional information from the Traffic Message Channel (TMC). The TMC information is used by the navigation system (option 606) to avoid areas of traffic congestion.

  • Radio Data System (RDS)

    Both aerial tuners receive information from the Radio Data System (RDS) which is emitted with the signal from the FM station. If the radio is tuned to an AM station, RDS traffic information announcements can still be received from an FM station. If a traffic information announcement is received, the AM station is hidden and the message is outputted over the loudspeakers. All the radio stations and traffic information stations which can be received are contained in a list of RDS stations.

  Multi-audio system controller 

  • System master

    The system master connects the individual control units in the M-ASK.

  • Power master

    The power master initializes the network and switches the MOST bus on and off (wake-up, sleep mode).

  • Network master

    The network master controls and monitors the MOST bus. Each time the network is started, the exact system configuration is recorded and compared with a stored target configuration. If systems do not work correctly, these are reset and separated from the MOST bus. Any operating fault of the network or any deviation from the target configuration is stored in a fault memory for the MOST bus.

  • Audio master

    The Audio master collects all the audio signals in the vehicle, processes the audio signals and outputs them over the loudspeakers. The audio master also produces additional audible signals for warnings and for Park Distance Control (PDC). By mixing or fading in and out, a "softer" audible change is obtained between the signal sources.

  • Connection master

    The connection master distributes the signals of the audio sources and the audible signals to the loudspeakers. The signals are transmitted to the loudspeakers in the following way:

    • Front left and right (audible signals, telephone, gong, messages from the navigation system, traffic information announcements)
    • Front left and right, rear left and right (signals for Park Distance Control PDC parking-aid)
    • All loudspeakers (all sources in the "Entertainment" menu)

  M-ASK user interface 

  The M-ASK control unit user interface processes signals from the controller (selection from the menus and submenus).

  In addition the M-ASK user interface controls the displays on the Central Information Display CID. The data in the graphics processor is immediately transmitted to the CID as Low Voltage Differential Signalling LVDS digital signals.

  M-ASK gateway 

  The M-ASK Gateway control unit forms the interfaces for data exchange between the MOST bus and the K-CAN. The two bus systems transfer data formats at different data transfer rates and in different formats. The data for each bus is configured in the M-ASK Gateway to communicate with all systems.

  M-ASK navigation system 

  • Navigation with DVD

    In conjunction with option 606, the navigation system is integrated in the M-ASK. The navigation system has the following new features:

    • Data for navigation on DVD
    • Reading and storing the data for navigation in the RAM (Random Access Memory)
    • Complete representation of Europe
    • Manual alteration of the route calculated by the navigation system by route criteria (fastest route, motorway) and by the Via function.
    • Dynamic route planning by using TMC information (avoiding traffic jams)
    • List of stored destinations
    • Exact calculation of the arrival time. By integration of the various types of streets (motorway, A roads, B roads) and the average speed of the vehicle, the arrival time can be calculated exactly.
    • Better route guidance. When changing from one motorway or A road onto another, the road number is announced.
  • GPS satellites

    GPS satellites move around the earth in 6 nearly circular orbits. There are 4 GPS satellites per orbit, therefore there is a maximum number of 24 GPS satellites. Before the navigation system can process the reference signal from the GPS satellites (minimum 4 GPS satellites), the Almanac data must first be loaded.

  • Loading Almanac data

    The Almanac data delivers the following data and information to the navigation system:

    • UTC (Universal Time Coordinate)
    • Date
    • Location of the GPS satellites
    • Orbits
    • Operational capacity of the GPS satellites

    Once the navigation system has been switched on for the first time (terminal R ON) the GPS satellite Almanac data is received and loaded. The loading time depends on the number of "visible" GPS satellites and can take up to 20 minutes during the adaptation phase. Otherwise the Almanac data is permanently stored in the system.