Central Head Unit and Multimedia Platform

CHAMP (only US version)

In the US version of the X5, the Central Head Unit and Multimedia Platform (CHAMP) are offered for the first time. CHAMP is a multimedia platform in the vehicle. CHAMP is standard equipment (optional extra 663: BMW Professional radio).

In the EURO version, the next generation of the Multi Audio System controller (M-ASK) is deployed.

In contrast to the M-ASK, the CHAMP has no navigation system.

The following functions are new for CHAMP:

• 6 favourite buttons
  
  

Brief description of components

The following components are described for CHAMP:

CHAMP: Central Head Unit and Multimedia Platform

CHAMP is the gateway (head unit) for the MOST bus and the K-CAN.

A number of control units and the drive are integrated in one housing. CHAMP is modular in structure: In the CHAMP, the functional areas are grouped into ”virtual” control units. ”Virtual means: although the individual control units in the CHAMP are grouped, they work as if they were ”separate” control units (e.g. for programming).

The following ”virtual” control units are distinguished for diagnosis:

• CHAMP user interface (CHAMP-BO)
  The control unit CHAMP-BO controls the graphical user interface of CHAMP.
  
• CHAMP gateway (CHAMP-GW)
  The CHAMP-GW control unit has the following functions:
  
  • Interface between MOST bus and K-CAN
    
  • Control and monitoring of the MOST bus
    

An electric fan for cooling the audio output stages and the processors is located on the back of the radio DIN housing.

Favourite buttons

The favourite buttons are programmable buttons.
The favourite buttons permit storage of the following functions for more rapid access (depending on the optional extras):

• Storage of radio stations (AM, FM, digital tuner, in the US version also weatherband)
  
• Access to CD or CD changer
  
• Phone numbers
  
• AUX-In connection
  
  

The favourite buttons contain a capacitive sensor that reacts to contact.

• Short contact:
  short description of the button assignment
  
• Long contact:
  detailed description of the button assignment
  
• Short button pressing:
  activating of the button assignment
  
• Long button pressing:
  storage of the function currently shown in the Central Information Display (CID).
  

The assignment of all favourite buttons can be deleted in the menu ”Settings” -> ”Vehicle”. The assignment of favourite buttons is described in detail in the Owner's Handbook.

CID: Central Information Display

The CID is the central graphical display unit. The size of the colour monitor is 6.5”.

The Central Information Display is connected by an LVDS data line (Low Voltage Differential Signalling) on the CHAMP. The LVDS data line involves technology that reliably transfers graphical data over a longer distance. For the LVDS data line, special plug connections have been developed.
The CID is also connected on the K-CAN (body CAN).

The CID contains a photo-transistor for brightness control of the LC display (depending on the surrounding brightness). The LC display is heated.

CON: Controller

The controller delivers the signals for selection of the menus and submenus. The submenus are selected by turning and/or pushing the controller. When released, the controller always returns to its rest position.

The MENU button is behind the controller. This button can be used to open the start menu in the Central Information Display.

The controller is connected to the K-CAN (body CAN). Terminal 58g receives the controller via the K-CAN.

System functions

The following system functions are described for CHAMP:

• Tuner
  
• Audio System Controller
  
• CHAMP user interface
  
• CHAMP gateway
  
  

Tuner

CHAMP has a double tuner for AM/FM. While tuner 1 is receiving the desired radio station, tuner 2 works in the background. Tuner 2 scans the station landscape for additional signals. If a radio station on another frequency is transmitting a stronger signal, there is an automatic switch to this alternative frequency. Both tuners pick up information from the radio data system (RDS), transmitted with the signal of the FM station. When an AM station is set, RDS can received traffic reports from an FM station. When a traffic report is picked up, the AM station is faded out and the report is issued across the loudspeakers.

Audio System Controller

As audio system controller, CHAMP has the following tasks:

• System master controller
  The system master controller links the individual control units in CHAMP.
  
• Power master controller
  The power master controller initialises the network and switches the MOST bus on and off (wake-up, Sleep mode).
  
• Network master controller
  The network master controller controls and monitors the MOST bus. Every time the network is started up, the exact system configuration is scanned and compared with a stored target configuration. If systems are not working correctly, they are reset and disconnected from the MOST bus. Every fault during operation of the network or every deviation from the target configuration is stored in a fault code memory for the MOST bus.
  
• Audio master controller
  The audio master controller collects all the audio signals in the vehicle, processes the audio signals and outputs them across the loudspeakers. The audio master controller also creates acoustic signals for warnings and the Park Distance Control (PDC). Mixing or fading in and out achieves a ”soft” acoustic switch between the signal sources.
  
• Connection master controller
  The connection master controller distributes the signals of the audio sources and the acoustic signals to the loudspeakers. The signals are distributed to the loudspeakers as follows:
  
  • Front left and right (acoustic signals, telephone, traffic reports)
    
  • Front left and right, rear left and right (signals for parking-aid Park Distance Control, PDC)
    
  • All loudspeaker (all sources of the menu ”Entertainment”)
    
    

CHAMP user interface

The control unit CHAMP user interface (CHAMP-BO) processes the signals of the controller: e.g. selection of the menus and submenus. The CHAMP-BO also controls the output of displays on the Central Information Display (CID). The data present in the graphics processor is immediately transferred as digital signals - Low Voltage Differential Signalling (LVDS) - to the CID.

CHAMP gateway

The CHAMP gateway control unit forms the interface for data exchange between the MOST bus and the K-CAN (body CAN). The two bus systems transfer data formats with different data transfer rates and formats. In order to communicate with all systems, the data for each bus is configured accordingly in the CHAMP gateway.

Notes for Service department

General information

Resetting CHAMP

CHAMP can be reset with the following measures:

• Control unit functions in the BMW diagnosis system
  
• Disconnection from the vehicle network
  

On the CHAMP, no reset button or reset button combination is implemented.

Note! CHAMP may only be replaced as a complete unit.

CHAMP is replaced in service as a complete unit.

Diagnosis instructions

For the CHAMP, a large number of tests are available in the control unit functions.

Example: a CD that is jammed in the CD-drive can be ejected using the control unit functions.

The favourite buttons introduced with CHAMP (programmable buttons) can be diagnosed by a control unit function.

Country-specific versions

European version:

Instead of CHAMP, the Multi Audio System controller (M-ASK) is sold as the BMW Professional radio.
The M-ASK can be recognised by its 8 favourite buttons.

No liability can be accepted for printing or other errors. Subject to changes of a technical nature