The Multi Media Interface (MMI) system is an in-car

user interface In the industrial design field of human–computer interaction, a user interface (UI) is the space where interactions between humans and machines occur. The goal of this interaction is to allow effective operation and control of the machine f ...

media system developed by

Audi Audi AG () is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. As a subsidiary of its parent company, the Volkswagen Group, Audi produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide. Th ...

, and was launched at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show on the

Audi Avantissimo The Audi Avantissimo was a concept car made by the German automobile manufacturer Audi. The car debuted at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show and also appeared at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Audi planned the car to be ...

concept car A concept car (also known as a concept vehicle, show vehicle or prototype) is a car made to showcase new styling and/or new technology. They are often exhibited at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or ...

. Production MMI was introduced in the second generation Audi A8 D3 in late 2002 and implemented in majority of its latest series of

automobile A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods. The year 1886 is regarde ...

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 (Media Oriented Systems Transport) is a high-speed multimedia network technology optimized by the automotive industry. It can be used for applications inside or outside the car. The serial MOST bus uses a daisy-chain topology or ring topolo ...

(MOST) technology to interconnect the various systems.

Harman Becker Automotive Systems Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH, commonly known as Becker, is a manufacturer of automotive electronic equipment. It is part of the car division of the American manufacturing company, Harman International Industries, a subsidiary of Sou ...

manufactures the MMI system, utilizing

QNX QNX ( or ) is a commercial Unix-like real-time operating system, aimed primarily at the embedded systems market. QNX was one of the first commercially successful microkernel operating systems. The product was originally developed in the early ...

Neutrino's Real Time Operating System (RTOS) software. File:Audi TT 2014 (13558812864).jpg, MMI-Menu on

Audi virtual cockpit In an automobile, an electronic instrument cluster, digital instrument panel or ''digital dash'' for short, is a set of instrumentation, including the speedometer, that is displayed with a digital readout rather than with the traditional anal ...

, Audi TT 8S File:Audi A8 2013 (11209843876).jpg, A left-hand drive 2014 Audi A8 (D4), showing the MMI controls File:Audi A8 2013 (11209745734).jpg, MMI interface, music section, display integrated in front right side seat, view from rear seat, 2014 Audi A8 File:Audi MMI 1.jpg, Older generation MMI menu on

Audi Q7 The Audi Q7 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV made by the German manufacturer Audi, unveiled in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Production of this seven-seater SUV began in the autumn of 2005 at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in ...

File:Audi MMI Knob.jpg, The MMI controls (to the rear of the gear lever) on a left-hand drive

File:Audi A6 (2005 C6) 001.JPG, A right-hand drive 2005

Audi A6 The Audi A6 is an executive car made by the German automaker Audi. Now in its fifth generation, the successor to the Audi 100 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, and is available in saloon and estate configurations, the latter marketed by A ...

(C6), showing the Multi Media Interface (MMI) controls File:Audi A8 Adaptive Air Suspension Control.JPG, An Audi A8 Multi Media Interface control screen for its Adaptive Air Suspension

Functions

MMI operates a large number of

in car entertainment In-car entertainment (ICE), or in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), is a collection of hardware and software in automobiles that provides audio or video entertainment. In car entertainment originated with car audio systems that consisted of radios and c ...

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 A satellite navigation or satnav system is a system that uses satellites to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning. It allows satellite navigation devices to determine their location (longitude, latitude, and altitude/elevation) to high pr ...

, including traffic management ( TMC) *

Radio tuner A tuner is a subsystem that receives radio frequency (RF) transmissions, such as FM broadcasting, and converts the selected carrier frequency and its associated bandwidth into a fixed frequency that is suitable for further processing, usually be ...

* Media sources (CD changer, Audi Music Interface, aux audio port, TV tuner, two external AV sources) * Telephone and directory * Heating, ventilation,

air conditioning Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as 'comfort cooling') and in some cases also strictly controlling ...

climate control Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HV ...

, and seat heating * Car setup (e.g.

central locking Power door locks (also known as electric door locks or central locking) allow the driver or front passenger to simultaneously lock or unlock all the doors of an automobile or truck, by pressing a button or flipping a switch. Power door locks w ...

and convenience function (coming home/leaving home, power

sunroof A sunroof is a movable panel that opens to uncover a window in an automobile roof, allowing light and fresh air to enter the passenger compartment. Sunroofs can be manually operated or motor driven, and are available in many shapes, sizes and styl ...

and windows) options, global audio settings, suspension settings, interior lighting,

Audi Side Assist In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...

settings etc.) * Rear view camera and parking sensors * Driver information (e.g. fuel economy statistics (often encompassed by "

trip computer A trip computer is a computer fitted to some cars; most modern trip computers record, calculate, and display the distance travelled, the average speed, the average fuel consumption, and real-time fuel consumption. The first, mechanical trip co ...

" functions), battery level, oil level, tire-pressure monitoring, etc.) * User manual (full on-board car user manual, displayed on screen) * Apple CarPlay and

Android Auto Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features of an Android device, such as a smartphone, on a car's dashboard information and entertainment head unit. Once an Android device is paired with the car's head unit, the syst ...

for 2014 and later model.

Cars

Audi models for which MMI is available:

MMI Generation RNS-E

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 The SEAT Exeo () is a large family car and flagship model, that was built by the Spanish car manufacturer SEAT, subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. Previously codenamed ''Bolero'', (though not to be confused with SEAT's earlier concept car bea ...

and

Lamborghini Gallardo The Lamborghini Gallardo (; ) is a sports car built by the Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini from 2003 to 2013. It is Lamborghini's second car released under parent company Audi, and best-selling model with 14,022 built throughout its ...

- when fitted with the RNS-E DVD based "

Audi Navigation Plus Audi Navigation Plus is an in-car media and navigation system developed by Audi. Unlike the Audi Multi Media Interface, it can not control climate, convenience, suspension or engine settings. Audi Navigation Plus units were available mostly as an ...

" system. 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.

MMI Generations 2G through 3G+

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

Issues

While seemingly intuitive and user-friendly, MMI can be difficult to operate when

driving Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and bicycles. Permission to drive on public highways is granted based on a set of conditions being met and drivers are required to f ...

. 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. However, the issues remain. 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.

Software updates

MMI 3G and 3G+ systems have to be updated by an

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. The MMI 2G firmware can be updated by car owners. * MMI 2G systems can be updated via a CD containing the firmware update. Navigation maps are read in real time from DVD drive located in the trunk. * 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. Once the updated software is applied it requires a PIN to re-activate the navigation system. * To enter the MMI software update menu, the etupand eturnbuttons 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. *Software version format varies by MMI system type: ** MMI 2G: SW: XX-XX XX.X.X XXXX ** MMI 3G Basic: BNAV_XX_XXXXX ** MMI 3G High: HNAV_XX_XXXXX ** MMI 3G+: HN+_XX_XXXXX 1 A4 A5 Q5 Q7 HN+R_XX_XXXXX 6 A7 A8 Q3** MMI RMC: RMC_XX_XXXXX ** MMI MIB1: MHIG_XX_XXXX ** MMI MIB2: MHI2_XX_XXXX ** MMI MSTD: MSTD_XX_XXXX ** MMI MIB3: MHI3_XX_XXX MMI 2G software version history MMI 3G and 3G+ MMI software version history All 3G systems are on HDD; P=Shipped with car; K=Installed by Update BBT seems to be for Basic without Navigation, BNav for 3G Basic, HNav for 3G High, HN+/HN+R for 3GPlus MMI 3G and 3G+ navigation database versions Partial list of MMI firmware updates y Part Numberfor 3G Basic, 3G High and 3G Plus:

Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB)

Background

Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) 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 Tegra is a system on a chip (SoC) series developed by Nvidia for mobile devices such as smartphones, personal digital assistants, and mobile Internet devices. The Tegra integrates an ARM architecture central processing unit (CPU), graphics proc ...

processor from

Nvidia Nvidia CorporationOfficially written as NVIDIA and stylized in its logo as VIDIA with the lowercase "n" the same height as the uppercase "VIDIA"; formerly stylized as VIDIA with a large italicized lowercase "n" on products from the mid 1990s to ...

, 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 The Audi A3 is a subcompact executive/small family car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi AG since September 1996, currently in its fourth generation. The first two generations of the Audi A3 were based on the ...

. 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 A multi-core processor is a microprocessor on a single integrated circuit with two or more separate processing units, called cores, each of which reads and executes program instructions. The instructions are ordinary CPU instructions (such a ...

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 Tegra is a system on a chip (SoC) series developed by Nvidia for mobile devices such as smartphones, personal digital assistants, and mobile Internet devices. The Tegra integrates an ARM architecture central processing unit (CPU), graphics proc ...

, 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 A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a wireless computer network that links two or more devices using wireless communication to form a local area network (LAN) within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, campus, or office buildin ...

and can also be used on a WLAN outside the car.

MIB / MIB II

The new MIB navigation system is the first system that allows the customer to update the vehicle’s navigation system on their own. The map data is available on th
myAudi website
for download or available in the MMI via an OTA update. For the 2015-2016 Audi A3 with MIB1, there is no OTA option in the MMI, thus the map data can only be updated using the SD card method. For MIB1 & MIB2 vehicles, map updates are free for the first three years after the production date of the vehicle. The vehicle is automatically activated from the factory to allow the customer to update the MMI navigation with the next five releases within the next three years. This means the customer can attempt to update the MMI with the same release as many times as they want. Release schedules for map updates are approximately Calendar Week 22 (May/June) and Calendar Week 45(October/November) of each year.

Software version history

MIB 3

The 2021 Model Year is expected to include the Generation 3 infotainment technologies. This includes a digital marketplace in the myAudi app to add Audi Connect plans and

SiriusXM Sirius XM Holdings Inc. is an American broadcasting company headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City that provides satellite radio and online radio services operating in the United States. It was formed by the 2008 merger of Sirius Sa ...

with 360L.

References

External links

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 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
{{DEFAULTSORT:Multi Media Interface Advanced driver assistance systems Audi Automotive technology tradenames Human–computer interaction In-car entertainment Vehicle telematics