Multi Media Interface

MMI-Menu on Audi virtual cockpit, Audi TT 8S

A left-hand drive 2014 Audi A8 (D4), showing the MMI controls

MMI interface, music section, display integrated in front right side seat, view from rear seat, 2014 Audi A8

Older generation MMI menu on Audi Q7

The MMI controls (to the rear of the gear lever) on a left-hand drive Audi Q7

A right-hand drive 2005 Audi A6 (C6), showing the Multi Media Interface (MMI) controls

An Audi A8 Multi Media Interface control screen for its Adaptive Air Suspension

The Multi Media Interface (MMI) system is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and was launched at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show on the Audi Avantissimo concept car.^[1] Production MMI was introduced in the second generation Audi A8 D3 in late 2002 and implemented in majority of its latest series of automobiles.

Concept

MMI consists of a single integrated interface, which controls a variety of devices and functions of the car. The system consists of the MMI terminal and the MMI display screen.

The central element of the MMI terminal is the control dial. This dial can be rotated, to navigate up and down through menus, and pressed to activate a selected highlighted function. Starting with MMI 3G system an integrated joystick in the main control dial can be used to (for example) navigate the map. Depending on the MMI generation and configuration, four to eight function buttons surround the control dial which are used to launch the various features. The MMI screen is available as a five-inch monochrome black-and-red or seven-inch 16:9 full colour display, depending on the variation of MMI fitted in the car. MMI uses Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) technology to interconnect the various systems. Harman Becker Automotive Systems manufactures the MMI system, utilizing QNX Neutrino's Real Time Operating System (RTOS) software.

Functions

MMI operates a large number of in car entertainment components, car electronics, and other functions. The list below indicates the scope of systems controllable by MMI. However, depending on the actual car model, along with which version was specified (MMI Basic, MMI High, etc.), only some, and not all functions will be applicable or available.

• Satellite navigation, including traffic management (TMC)
• Radio tuner
• Media sources (CD changer, Audi Music Interface, aux audio port,^[2] TV tuner, two external AV sources)
• Telephone and directory
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, climate control, and seat heating
• Car setup (e.g. central locking and convenience function (coming home/leaving home, power sunroof and windows) options, global audio settings, suspension settings, interior lighting, Audi Side Assist settings etc.)
• Rear view camera and parking sensors
• Driver information (e.g. fuel economy statistics (often encompassed by "trip computer" functions), battery level,^[3] oil level, tire-pressure monitoring, etc.)
• User manual (full on-board car user manual, displayed on screen)

Generations

The MMI system has been improved over the years and now features internet connectivity through MMI Connect introduced in recent models.

Cars

Audi models for which MMI is available:

Criticism

While seemingly intuitive and user-friendly, MMI can be difficult to operate when driving. Attempts have been made to improve access, the MMI 3G features a new Joystick on the central knob to make it easier to for example input a destination using the navigation map.^[17] However, the issues remain. ^[18] The Audi Q5's MMI infotainment control system is especially difficult to navigate, partly due to the location of its controls low down on the center console.^[19]

Software updates

MMI 3G and 3G+ systems have to be updated by an Audi dealer. The MMI 2G firmware can be updated by car owner.

• MMI 2G systems can be updated via a CD containing the firmware update.^[20] Navigation maps are read in real time from DVD drive located in the trunk.^[21]
• MMI 3G and 3G+ systems can be updated by using a SD Card/USB/CD/DVD containing the software. The total update process can take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.^[22] Once the updated software is applied it requires a PIN to re-activate the navigation system.^[23]
• To enter the MMI software update menu, the [Setup] and [Return] buttons have to be pressed simultaneously for 5 seconds. This menu also enables import/export settings to USB or SD Card, the settings are saved as an AES encrypted zip file.^[24]

Version history

MMI 2G Software Versions:

MMI 3G and 3G+ Software versions:

P=Shipped with car; K=Update software

BNav seems to be for Basic and HNav for version with Hard-Disk

MMI 3G and 3G+ Navigation Database Versions:

All firmware updates for MMI 3G Basic, 3G High and 3G Plus:^[45]

Modular Infotainment Matrix

Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB=Modularer Infotainment Baukasten in German) is a new architecture intended to solve a challenge that is becoming increasingly urgent – innovations in consumer electronics and rapid gains in computing power are being introduced at speeds that are much faster than the product cycles of automotive manufacturers.

The central computer in the modular infotainment platform, housed in the glove box, comprises two main units in a single housing – the Radio Car Control Unit and the MMX (Multi-Media eXtension) board. Along with its working and flash memories, the plug-in module integrates a Tegra processor from Nvidia, which can handle all online, media, voice control, navigation, and telephone functions. The new architecture makes it easy to update the hardware; the fact that the MMX board can be swapped out ensures the system is always up to date.

2012 saw the debut of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) with an NVIDIA T 20 chip as its heart in the Audi A3. One-and-a-half years later, the MIB’s second stage has been deployed in the Audi TT and in the new Audi A6 and A7 Sportback. The T 30 is a quad-core chip running a 3D graphic program from specialist software manufacturer Rightware to render graphics on two displays simultaneously. Thanks to the matrix’ modular structure, Audi can keep it continuously up-to-date and integrate innovations from consumer electronics. Another chip from NVIDIA, the Tegra 4, powers the Audi tablet debuting in the new Q7. With a 10.1‑inch display, the Audi tablets will provide mobile rear-seat entertainment. In the car, the special purpose tablet will connect itself to the on-board infotainment and navigation system via WLAN and can also be used on a WLAN outside the car.

Pseudo-MMI

Navigation system (RNS-E) with MMI control logic in an Audi A3 8P

Certain cars have a "pseudo" type of MMI. These are the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B6 and B7), A6 (C5), TT (8J), the R8, SEAT Exeo and Lamborghini Gallardo - when fitted with the RNS-E DVD based "Audi Navigation Plus" system.^[46] Whilst appearing to be a similar layout, and operating in a similar manner, these two systems are very different, are unable to share mapping discs or software, and are not able to control non-ICE functions (such as climate, convenience or suspension settings).

On members of the B8 family of vehicles (the A4 (Typ 8K), A5 (Typ 8T), and Q5 (Typ 8R)) without full navigation capability, Audi does not describe this infotainment system as MMI, although an MMI-esque control dial and function keys is provided on the radio/CD head unit.

Competing technologies

Other car manufacturers use similar technologies in their car, including BMW with its iDrive system and Mercedes-Benz with its COMAND system; Lexus uses a mouse-based Remote Touch system; Ford uses a product called Sync; Jeep uses a touch screen UConnect system; Volvo equipped their cars with optional RTI navigation system and now is using Sensus.

See also

• Audi Navigation Plus
• Global Navigation Satellite System

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Audi.

• Audi A6 '05 SSP 326 Shows all MMI Module Locations and Specs and Blueprints
• Audi A6 '05 SSP 323 Shows all Mechanical and Electrical Module Locations and Specs
• Audi USA MMI Information
• Audi MMI emulator
• Audi navigation and electronics sub-forum Independent forum dedicated to Audi Navigation systems
• Audi RNS-E FAQ Independent blog dedicated to Audi Navigation systems
• Audi list of Navigation parts
• Audi Navigation Microsite