Vehicle Cockpit Unit (VCU)

Manufacturer Information

Device Description

General Motors' (GM) Vehicle Cockpit Unit (VCU) 1.0 is an upgrade to the previous generation GM Cockpit ECU platform ('Info 3.x'). The GM Vehicle Cockpit System (VCS) is responsible for the user experience in GM vehicle cockpits. The VCU is a 'silver box' solution providing interfaces to displays, speakers, sensors, and optional components of the VCS.

The VCU offers the following capabilities:

• Vehicle and infotainment related information to displays (slim-IPC, ICS, auxiliary, HVAC, HUD), including processing of various vehicle camera streams.
• Audio processing for radio broadcasts, voice capture via microphones, user media playback (phone/USB), and audio enhancements (e.g., ANC).
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity.
• Various analog and digital I/O, including switches, HUDs, and sensors.

It supports two major GM electrical vehicle architectures ('Global B' and 'CLEA') and is offered in two variants: 'MID' and 'HIGH'. Regional support includes North America (NA), China (CN), and RestOfWorld (RoW).

The VCU hardware uses a dual-processor approach: Qualcomm's ARM-based automotive SoC family 8195 (High) and 8155 (Mid) for core computing, and Renesas Electronics' RH850F1KM/KH (Vehicle Interface Processor, VIP) for real-time processing.

The VCU software architecture is based on 3 run-time environments (SW domains):

• Running on VIP: AUTOSAR OS for real-time processing.
• Running on SoC:
  • Blackberry Hypervisor V2.x based on QNX7.x for host and guest environments (virtual machine).
  • Host: QNX7.x operating system.
  • Guest: Android system based on Linux kernel.

The VCU determines its geographical location using the internal GNSS chip.

Operational Conditions

External Antenna Information

Safety and Warning Notes

This section contains important safety and warning notes for handling and operating the device in series applications.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE: Used to address practices not related to physical injury.

• The product is intended and approved for installation and operation in vehicles with a rated voltage of 12 volts. Factory-set state may need adaptation for specific countries.
• Only use connecting cables and external devices appropriate for the device, with proper current carrying capability and EMC shielding. Compliance with standards is not guaranteed if the device or software is modified without Bosch agreement.
• Bosch is not responsible for damage from incorrect indicators/displays arising from improper connection or erroneous system signals.
• Do not cover ventilation openings and heat sinks to prevent overheating and malfunction.
• Do not insert foreign bodies into slots or openings; this may cause injury or damage.
• The device must not contact hot or burning objects (e.g., cigarettes).
• Clean the housing with a soft cloth moistened with tepid water. Do not use hard/sharp objects, aggressive cleaning agents (thinners, gasoline, abrasives, spray cleaners, acids, alkalis, wax), or spray liquids directly onto the device. Ensure no liquid enters the device. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth afterwards.
• The VCU housing/surface may be very hot during operation. Exercise caution and use appropriate protective equipment (PPE).

Operating Modes and Wireless Characteristics

Bluetooth and WiFi can operate together. The device uses two antennas (one internal, one external). Bluetooth signals use the internal antenna, while WiFi signals use both. A combined Bluetooth and WiFi module (Alps UGKZDA2001AC) is integrated.

Bluetooth

• Operates in the 2.4 GHz band (2402 ~ 2480 MHz).
• Supports both BDR and EDR.
• Operates in Classic and Low Energy modes within the 2.4GHz ISM Band.

WiFi

The VCU supports the following WiFi operating modes:

• Station Mode (STA): Connects to external Access Points. The device does not connect to external APs on DFS Channels.
• Access Point Mode (AP): DFS channels are not used.

Installation

Follow safety and warning notices when handling and installing the device. The VCU is installed behind the dashboard (e.g., glove box) and is not exposed to the cabin. It is fixed using a carline-specific plastic bracket.

Mounting Location: Exact mounting location is carline specific. The diagram below shows a schematic example.

Mounting Direction: Shall be vertical with connectors facing down and the antenna pointing up towards the vehicle compartment.

OEMs must adhere to the depicted keep-out zones when designing packaging and mounting the VCU in individual carlines during production.

Keep-Out Zones

VCU Antenna Keep-Out Zone: Diagrams provide specific dimensions to ensure adequate clearance for the antenna, preventing interference or physical obstruction. Key dimensions include 104mm, 33.6mm, 40mm, 20mm, 52.3mm, 22.69mm, 18.62mm, and 86.5mm.

VCU Mandatory (Minimum) Thermal Keep-Out Zone: Diagrams illustrate required clearances for thermal management, with dimensions such as 220mm, 60mm, 192mm, 80mm, and 10mm indicating spacing requirements.

VCU Mandatory (Minimum) Keep-Out Zone for metal cross-vehicle beam: A diagram shows clearance requirements relative to the metal cross-vehicle beam, with indicated dimensions of 40mm, 30mm, 25mm, 20mm, and 10mm.

Additional Installation Requirements

• Cable length to external Antenna: 1 – 1.5 m.
• Distance external Antenna to VCU (center of gravity): 55cm.
• Distance from center of external antenna to the center of internal antenna: 50 cm.
• Minimal permissible distance between VCU internal/external Antenna and nearest interior Class-A surface: 201.3 mm.

Certification Notices and Regulatory Verbiage

General Notices

• Component Name: GM VCU 1.0
• Type Designation: Cockpit Integration Platform (“CIP”)
• Model Name: VCURH1
• Certificate Holder: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Address: Robert-Bosch-Platz 1, 70839 Gerlingen, Germany

This equipment must be installed and operated according to the defined installation requirements, including the minimum distance of 201.3 mm between the VCU antenna and the nearest interior Class-A surface.

Information for Regions governed by CE

Robert Bosch GmbH declares that the radio Equipment VCURH1 is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The EU Type Examination Certificate Number is placeholder '?????' and the declaration date is 'October ???, 2023'.

The OEM must include the following information when required by regulation:

• Safety Hints.
• Table of used frequencies and Antennas (transmitting power, Gain, Antenna type, description).
• SAR Hints (safe distance for use), if applicable (radiating power >20dBm and distance <20 cm).
• Reduced declaration of conformity (in all 28 national EU languages + additional countries like Turkey).
• List of restrictions in use.
• CE sign.
• Description of the Temperature range for planned use and any degradation within this range.

The following notices must be included by the OEM in the end-user manual:

• Replace [Name of manufacturer] by name of type approval owner.
• Replace [model name] by name of product (e.g., HMI2.17).
• Replace [link] by the internet address where the full text of the EU DoC can be obtained (e.g., https://eu-doc.bosch.com/).

The document includes simplified EU Declarations of Conformity (RED) for various countries, referencing Directive 2014/53/EU. These declarations are provided in the respective national languages, with placeholders for manufacturer names, model names, and links to the full text.

Additional Country Specific Requirements

USA

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. OEMs must ensure a minimum separation distance of 20 cm between the housing and any human body to comply with FCC Exposure requirements.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Canada

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

RF Exposure Information: This equipment complies with Canada radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. It must be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and the body.

The French translation states: L'émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : 1. L'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; 2. L'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement. Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations: Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20 cm de distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps.