Cockpit management and data system (COMAND), function with code 530 - GF82.85-P-0003SKU: Notes

MODEL 171.4 with CODE (530) COMAND APS USA (with navigation system) 

Fig 1: Cockpit Management And Data System Function Chart

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Cockpit management and data system (COMAND), function 

The COMAND operating, display and controller unit (A40/3) is the central component of the COMAND system. It has a color liquid crystal display (LCD) with video capability for displaying information such as operating menus and map data for navigation. Operation takes place using preset function keys and 2 rotary switches as well as menu-assisted on the display. Some functions can also be activated with the aid of the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel (MFL). Here one should note that all button actuations on the multifunction steering wheel are initially processed by the instrument cluster (A1).

The following functions can be operated:

• Radio, satellite digital audio radio (satellite radio) (SDAR), DVD, CD and CDC for audio
• Telephone and SMS for communication
• Navigation
• Audio AUX

Additional audio sources, e.g. an MP3 player, can be integrated into the front entertainment system using the audio AUX function. An AUX jack is located in the glove compartment as a connection facility.

The instrument cluster (A1) links the incoming button actuations with the current menu setting on the upper multifunction display (A1p13) and sends a corresponding Controller Area Network (data bus/CAN bus) (CAN) message to the COMAND operating, display and controller unit (A40/3) if necessary.

Data bus system (COMAND) 

The digital components in the COMAND operating, display and controller unit (A40/3) are interlinked through a data bus system. The databus system is used to transmit data (control commands and useful information) between the various system components.

Because some of the individual components work with different data formats and require different data transfer rates and transfer security levels, the following data bus systems have been installed.

• Controller area network bus class B (interior compartment) (CAN B)
• Media Oriented System Transport (MOST)
• Local interconnect network (LIN) bus

Data are exchanged via MOST between the audio gateway control unit (N93/1), the CD player with changer (in glove compartment) (A2/6) (with code (819) 6-disk CD changer) and the telephone system. Both control data as well as the actual audio signals are transmitted. The CAN-B is used for data exchange with the instrument cluster (A1). In this way, the instrument cluster (A1) receives the audio, telephone and navigation data from the COMAND operating, display and controller unit (A40/3) for the upper multifunction display (A1p13) in the instrument cluster (A1) as well as the time.