IMPACT 4.00.51.

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Chassis ID Path
A 773060 3/Description, Design and function//Vehicle electronics overview, system description

Model Identity
FH (4) 134146232

Publish date ID/Operation

19/07/14

Vehicle electronics overview, system description

Vehicle electronics overview
Introduction
Architecture
CAN
Subnets
LIN

Components
VMCU and FRC
Flexible switch panels
WRC

Power
Power generation and storage
Main switch

Functions
Vehicle modes
Internal functions

Body Builder
Diagnostics
DTCs in the diagnostic tool's diagnostics tab.
Diagnostic socket

Appendix

Vehicle electronics overview

Introduction
This document describes the basics of the vehicle electronic system. Its purpose is to provide a quick
start and briefly describes functions, components and communication types. For more detailed
information on the system, please refer to the function, component and system descriptions published
in Impact.

Architecture
The vehicle electronics architecture is developed and improved based upon the existing architecture.
It consists of decentralized and independent subnets and control units, bound together with

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CAN-backbones. This document aims to explain the main parts of the architecture.

CAN (Controller Area Network)

CAN is a message based protocol with twisted pair cabling between control units. Within a CAN
network, all the units can initiate communication, but only one can send data at a given moment.
Generally, networks with SAE J1939 have a communication speed of 250kb/s and SAE J2284 of
500kb/s. Both backbones and most subnets use CAN-bus communication.
Backbones
Two backbones connect the control units and subnets and enable large amounts of information to be
available in the system at all times.
On these backbones, data such as:
● Vehicle status data (e.g. time, speed, fuel consumption)

● Powertrain control signals

● OBD (On Board Diagnostics)

● Vehicle diagnostics according to ISO 14229

● Status and control signals

● Software downloading, Software Download Layer (SWDL).

Protocol: SAE J1939

Speed: 250kb/s

1 Cab

2 Chassis
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Backbone 2
Protocol: SAE J2284
Speed: 500kb/s

1 Cab

2 Chassis

Subnets
The subnets are independent groups of components, connected to the backbones through the control
units, each sending different data to the vehicle system. The subnets are hardware rather than
function oriented; the functions are distributed throughout the system. The information of which
components are involved in the realisation on each function is described separately in function
descriptions.
Common to all subnets are management of diagnostic data and software download.

Subnets

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1 Subnet powertrain controls communication between the ECM (Engine Control Module),
TECU (Transmission Electronic Control Unit), ACM (Aftertreatment Control Module) and
NOx control unit (Nitrogen Oxide).

2 Subnet cab has a large number of configurations depending on the cab design. Subnet cab
manages vehicle data related to the cab control units. CIOM (Cab I/O Module) acts as a
gateway between the subnet and the backbones.

3 Subnet chassis connects the chassis to the cab. The connection places a high demand on
real-time communication. Subnet chassis manages vehicle data related to the chassis
control units. VMCU (Vehicle Master Control Unit) acts as a gateway between the subnet
and the backbones.

4 Subnet infotainment applications are mostly event-driven. Subnet infotainment mainly

manages data related to driver input, visual and audible information. HMIIOM (Human
Machine Interface I/O Module) acts as a gateway between the subnet and the backbones.

5 Subnet display controls graphic information in displays, e.g. the Instrument. Due to high
demand on presenting real time information, subnet display has a protocol developed to
meet these demands.

6 Subnet security manages doors, windows, alarm etc. CIOM acts as a gateway between the
subnet and the backbones. Specific for this subnet is that some information is encrypted.

7a & Subnets active safety 1 and active safety 2 are connected to the DACU (Driver Assistance
7b Control Unit) and manage data related to the sensors, cameras, Alcolock etc. used to assist
the driver. DACU acts as a gateway between the subnet and the backbones.

8 Subnet Climate manages data related to sensors, control panels etc. used to control the
climate in the cab. The CCM (Climate Control Module) via CIOM connects the subnet to the
backbones.

9 Brakes network

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10 Body Builder network

11 Lights network

12 FMS (Fleet Management System) network

13 Telematics network (ethernet)

14 OBD and diagnostic socket

LIN (Local Interconnect Network)

LIN is a serial communication protocol with one master and up to 12 slaves. All communication is
initiated by the master and sent to one or more slaves. The slaves can answer the master. If the
slave does not answer the master, or answers incorrectly, a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) is stored
in the master.
LIN-slaves are typically switches, stalks, control panels and sensors. Different control units act as
LIN-masters to the slaves. The LIN capacity in this architecture is 9.6kb/s.

Note
The signals are sent through one wire. In this architecture, the LIN signal wire is twisted with a
ground wire, and therefore may look like a twisted pair.

LIN topology

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1 Cab

2 Driver door

3 Passenger door

4 Chassis

Components
This is a brief description of some new components; for more information, refer to the related
component descriptions.

VMCU and FRC (Fuse and Relay Centre)

The VMCU controls and stores data passing to and from some of the switches, and controls the cab
internally and externally. The vehicle diagnostic connector is connected to the VMCU.
The Fuse and Relay Centre is combined together with VMCU and is located in the cab. The FRC
provides protected power to the vehicles electrical system and distributes power to many of the
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vehicle's consumers.

Connection

1 VMCU

2 FRC

Flexible switch panels

Each panel can hold up to four rocker switches, and the vehicle can be equipped with as many as ten
panels. The panels are connected to a LIN-master, CIOM. Seven panels can be placed in the
dashboard on LIN 2-4, two in the shelf unit on LIN 1 and one by the bunk on LIN 5.
The switches can be moved; therefore switch identification is performed every time the power of the
LIN nodes is turned on or when the ignition key is turned to "Accessory". The identification procedure
checks if switches have been moved, or removed, since the last check and saves the new positions.
Available positions for switch panels in the dashboard.

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WRC (Wireless Remote Control)

The WRC is mainly used for air suspension, load distribution and body builder functions, but also
functions such as exterior lights and locking/unlocking the vehicle. Most of the functions are typically
used outside the vehicle and when the vehicle is at a standstill. A few of the functions can be used
while driving slowly.
The WRG (Wireless Remote Gateway) is an interface between the remote control and the vehicle
CAN-system, and also as a charger for the battery. The gateway is placed close to the A-pillar instep
handle.

Overview

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1 WRC

2 WRG

3 Bracket

Power
Power generation and storage
The power generation and storage system consists of two propriety nets, the alternator and a subnet
with the CCIOM (Centre Chassis I/O Module) as master control unit. It generates and stores the 24V
power supply for the vehicle components.
When driving, the alternator is the main power supply for the vehicle components, simultaneously
charging the batteries. The batteries provide supplementary power supply when the load is higher
than the capacity of the alternator. When the engine is shut down, the batteries are the only power
supply. They are also the power supply for start-up and preheating of the engine.
The vehicle system consists of a number of 12V components which, via a DC/DC-converter 24V/12V,
are supplied by the alternator/batteries. 12V components are e.g. radio, TV, DVD and some sockets.
The system also has a converter for the 150V parking cooler compressor.
The main fuses are located in a fuse box in the battery box protect the power cables against
overload. The remaining fuses (located in the FRC) protect the system against overload and isolate
the different components and subnets within the vehicle.

Main switch
Common for all variants:
If the power is not manually turned off and the key is in position living or removed from the key switch,
the vehicle will enter parked mode after 12 hours of inactivity. In parked mode, the components are
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IMPACT 4.00.51.00-SNAPSHOT 01/12/15

either in sleep mode or disconnected. The vehicle exits parked mode when the doors are unlocked
with the key fob, when a door is opened or when the key is inserted in the ignition switch.

Note
The tachograph and the battery sensor are both located before the main switch and are
therefore always active.

Basic (MSWI-B)
This variant is controlled by a timer and has no physical switch. The driver cannot turn off the power;
parked mode is automatically entered after 12 hours of inactivity.
Chassis (MSWI-C)
This variant has a main switch on the chassis. When the power is turned off with the main switch, the
vehicle immediately enters parked mode. Only some relays are disconnected; most control units are
in sleep mode.
To exit parked mode with key fob, the variant LOCK-REM (the vehicle has central locking with a
remote control) is required.
ADR (MSWI-A)
Several variants with up to three switches are available. When the power is turned off with the main
switch, or the lock button on the key fob is pressed twice, the vehicle immediately enters parked
mode.
Remote (MSWI-R)
The main switch is only controlled with the key fob. When the power is turned off by pressing the lock
button on the key fob twice, the vehicle immediately enters parked mode. Only some relays are
disconnected; most control units are in sleep mode.

Functions
Vehicle modes
The vehicle modes are described from a functional perspective. For more information on how to enter
a certain vehicle mode and hardware information, please refer to the service and design & function
documentation in Impact function group 3.
Hibernate
The hibernate mode is designed to minimise power consumption during the period between
production and delivery. Available functions are ignition switch on/off, parking brake and tachograph.

Note
After delivery, the vehicle can still be forced back into hibernate mode by pressing the hazard
button in a specific sequence.

Parked
The parked mode is designed to keep the power consumption at a low level. The parked mode
means that the vehicle is stationary and the vehicle functions are inactive. The unlock, key fob and
alarm functions are always available.
Other availability functions are:

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● The parking lights are available only if they were active when the vehicle entered parked mode.

● Parking heater and parking cooler are available only when parking mode is automatically entered
due to inactivity.

● Some Body Builder functions and the refrigerator are available for some time (each on a
separate timer) after the vehicle entered parked mode due to inactivity.

Living
In living mode, the vehicle is stationary and the engine is turned off. Living mode is typically put to
use when the driver takes a break or sleeps in the vehicle. The available functions are locks, interior
lights, refrigerator, audio, comfort and recreation functions.
Accessory
In accessory mode, the driver is normally in the vehicle, preparing for take-off. All subnets except
subnet engine can be, but do not have to be, active. The available functions are climate, window lifts,
wipers, mirror adjustment and coffee maker. All the functions available in living mode are also
available in accessory mode.
Pre-running
In pre-running mode, the subnet engine is active, but the engine is not running. Available functions
are all functions except those that require the engine to be running.
Cranking
In cranking mode, all the functions needed to start the engine are prioritised. Some consumers, not
essential for engine start, are disconnected for a short period.
Running
The engine is running. Not all functions are available in running mode, such as the coffee maker.

Internal functions
Generally, some functions are noticeable to the driver (user) and others are working in the
background, never noticed but just as important. This document includes brief descriptions of some of
these internal functions.
Logged Vehicle Data (LVD)
The vehicle data logging functions collect and store vehicle data in the VMCU, ECM, TECU, ACM.

Note
This data is used by, and can only be retrieved by, the manufacturer and authorised
workshops, either via diagnostic tool (Volvo Tech Tool) or telematics. This data is used for
product development and quality purposes.

The logging functions include:

● Body and comfort logging
Logs information related to the compressor and the air conditioning.

● Power management logging

Logs information related to power supply, battery, ignition, vehicle modes etc.

● Engine logging
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Logs information related to engine protection, SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction), fuel
consumption etc.

● Customer and transport adaptation logging

Logs information related to fifth wheel usage and the power take-off.

● Diagnostic logging
Logs fault messages that have been displayed to the driver.

● Vehicle dynamics logging

Logs information related to brakes, vehicle weight, run time etc.

● Preventive maintenance
Logs information related to vehicle maintenance.

● Safety logging
Logs three categories of safety related information, incorrect use of the vehicle, aggressive
driving and driver impairment.

● Transmission logging
Logs information related to the gearbox and gear usage.

System time
The system time keeps track of the internal system time, and includes the:
● UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

● Local time (system time + offset).

It also provides timers for different components and functions, e.g. climate control and refrigerator.
To keep two similar functions apart, the clock function co-operates with system time but is a separate
function. The clock manages the local time and/or date and the alarms and notifications associated
with the timers. The system time is only accessible in an authorised workshop whereas the clock can
be set by the driver using control panels in the vehicle.

Body Builder
The Body Builder network consists of the BBM (Body Builder Module), the BBEC (Body Builder
Electrical Centre) and the BBI (Body Builder Interface). A number of switches are dedicated to body
builder functions, two hard wired and four flexible. Some functions can be controlled with the wireless
remote control.
Most of the remote functions are typically used outside the vehicle, when the vehicle is at a standstill,
with or without the engine running. A few of the functions can be used while driving slowly.

Overview

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1 Body builder module

2 Body Builder Electrical Centre

3 Body Builder interface

More information is available in the Body Builder Instructions.

Diagnostics
The service technician connects a PC with the diagnostic tool (Volvo Tech Tool) retrieves chassis
number, vehicle configuration and all DTCs. The diagnostic tool is also used for software updates,
settings and calibration.
Diagnostics is software for guided fault tracing. The illustration shows some screen captions from the
diagnostic tool software. The service technician gets a complete overview of the vehicle and all the
functions and DTCs supported by the software.

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DTCs in the diagnostic tool's diagnostics tab.

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"RCIOM (Rear Chassis I/O Module) – C107C15: Axle lock valve, Circuit Short to Battery or Open"
● RCIOM – is the name of the component from which the fault message is sent

● C107C16 – DTC identifier

● 16 – FTB, Failure Type Byte

● Air Suspension Rear Right Level Sensor Circuit – caption (description), retrieved from DTC and
DOID and describes where the fault is.

Diagnostic socket

Diagnostic connector DIA-1

The diagnostic socket is located on the underside of the dash board on the driver side of the cab.
When the driver's door is open, the socket can be reached from outside the cab. The technician uses
the diagnostic socket to communicate with the vehicle electronic system.

Appendix

Technical expressions and abbreviations

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Abbreviation/expression Explanation

CAN Controller Area Network

DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code

ECU Electronic Control Unit

Ethernet Computer networking technologies for LAN

FAS Front Axle Steering

FTP File Transfer Protocol

GD Guided Diagnostics

I/O Input/Output

LAN Local Area Network

LIN Local Interconnect Network

LKS Lane Keeping Support

Master/slave is communication where one control unit controls

Master/Slave
one or more other devices.

NOx Nitrogen Oxide

OBD On-Board Diagnostics

PGAS Power Generation and Storage

RKE Remote Keyless System

SWDL Software Download Layer

TIS Transport Information System

Topology A configuration of electronic components.

VPT Volvo Powertrain

RAS Rear Axle Steering

SAE Society of Automotive Engineers

Wire numbers
The wires are marked with four digit numbers, called equipotent numbers. The first digit indicates the
family the wire belongs to. The exception to this is ground wires, which are marked only with the
number 1, unless they are e.g. sensors grounded to a control unit, in which case they are marked
with the same four digit number as mentioned above.

First digit Family

0 Electronic

1 Ground and negative supply

2 Power supply

3 Exterior lighting

4 Comfort and Infotainment

5 Security
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6 Interior lighting

7 Communication busses

8 Body builder

9 N/A

List of included components

Component ID Abbreviation Description

A12A ABS Anti-lock Braking System

N/A BBEC Body Builder Electrical Centre

A01 FRC Fuse and Relay Centre

A03 N/A Instrument

A07 N/A Audio unit

A125 TGW Telematics Gateway

A132 N/A Alcolock control unit

Gearbox control unit

A13A TECU
(Transmission Control Unit)

A14 ECM Engine Control Module

A15 SRS Supplemental Restraint System

A155/A156 SID Secondary Information Display

A160 CIOM Cab I/O Module

A161 HMIIOM Human Machine Interface I/O Module

A162 FCIOM Front Chassis I/O Module

A163 CCIOM Central Chassis I/O Module

A164 RCIOM Rear Chassis I/O Module

A165L/R DDM Driver Door Module

A165L/R PDM Passenger Door Module

A168 LECM Living Environment Control Module

A169 N/A Video switch

A170 CCP Climate Control Panel

A173 N/A Electronic parking brake handle

A174 ACM After treatment Control Module

A175 TESP Telematics Extended Service Platform

Lane Position and Object Sensor Control

A176 LPOS
Unit

A177 APM Air Production Modulator

A179L/R FAS Front Axle Steering control unit

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A185 N/A Parking cooler compressor

A186 N/A Parking cooler control unit

A187 VMCU Vehicle Master Control Unit

A21 EBS Electronically controlled Brake System

Wireless Remote Gateway

A212 WRG
(Including Wireless Remote Control)

A26 DACU Driver Assistance Control Unit

A28B N/A ADR main switch control unit

A31 N/A Alarm control unit

A33 N/A Tachograph

A34B CCM Climate Control Module

A36 BBM Body Builder Module

B236 N/A Defog sensor

B238 FLS Forward Looking Sensor

B243 N/A Rain sensor

B246 N/A Side sensor

B250 N/A Battery sensor

B96A/B N/A NOx sensor

E127/E128 N/A Parking heater, air/water

E83R N/A Headlamp module

G01 A/B N/A Batteries

G02 N/A Alternator

Driver/Passenger Window lift AntiPinch,

M44L/R N/A
Motor

M50 N/A Electrical Steering Column Lock Motor

S14 N/A Switch, Aux. Horn /City Horn

S171 GLU Gear Lever unit

S238 N/A Sun visor switch

S247 N/A Identification lights switch

S255 ELCP Exterior Light Control Panel

S258,S260, S262, S263, S265,

N/A Flexible Switch Panels
S267, S269,S270, S271

S257 N/A SID Control Panel

S272 ILCP Interior Light Control Panel

S275 N/A Stalk module, steering column

S285 SWS Steering Wheel Switches

S36L/R N/A Driver/Passenger Door Control Panel

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S38 N/A ADR emergency switch, cab

S39 N/A ADR emergency switch, exterior

S77 N/A Emergency call switch

S95 N/A Panic alarm switch

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