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OnStar Description and Operation

OnStar Description and Operation


This OnStar® system consists of the following components:


• Telematics Communication Interface Module

• OnStar® button assembly

• Microphone

• Cellular Phone Antenna

• Navigation Antenna

• Bluetooth ® antenna (If Equipped)

• Back Up Battery (If Equipped)


This system also interfaces with the factory installed vehicle audio system.

Telematics Communication Interface Module

The telematics communication interface module is a cellular device that allows the user to communicate data and voice signals over the national cellular network. Power is provided by a dedicated, fused B+ circuit. Ground is provided through the vehicle wiring harness attached to the module. The ignition state is determined by the telematics communication interface module through serial data messaging.

Special circuits for connecting the Telematic module for communication interface to a microphone, the button unit, and to affect the status light-emitting diode. The Telematic module for communication interface communicates with the rest of the car via the serial data bus.

The module houses 2 technology systems, one to process GPS data, and another for cellular information. The cellular system connects the OnStar® system to the cellular carrier"s communication system by interacting with the national cellular infrastructure. The module sends and receives all cellular communications over the cellular antenna and cellular antenna coax. GPS satellites orbiting earth are constantly transmitting signals of their current location. The OnStar® system uses the GPS signals to provide location on demand.

The module also has the capability of activating the horn, initiating door lock/unlock, slowing down stolen vehicle gradually, or activating the exterior lamps using the serial data circuits. These functions can be commanded by the OnStar® Call Center per a customer request.

OnStar® Button Assembly

The OnStar® button assembly may be part of the rearview mirror, or a separate, stand alone unit. The key unit consists of 3 buttons and a status light-emitting diode. These buttons are defined as follows:


• The answer/end call button, which is black with a white phone icon, allows the user to answer and end calls or initiate speech recognition.

• The blue OnStar® call center button, which displays the OnStar® logo, allows the user to connect to the OnStar® call center.

• The emergency button, which displays a white cross with a red background, sends a high priority emergency call to the OnStar® call center when pressed.


The telematics communication interface module supplies 10 volts to the OnStar® button assembly on the keypad supply voltage circuit. When pressed, each button completes a circuit across a resistor allowing a specific voltage to be returned to the telematics communication interface module on the keypad signal circuit. Depending upon the voltage range returned the telematics communication interface module is able to identify which button has been pressed.

The OnStar® status LED is located with the button assembly. The LED is green when the system is ON and operating normally. When the status LED is green and flashing, it is an indication that a call is in progress. When the LED is red, this indicates a system malfunction is present. In the event there is a system malfunction and the OnStar® system is still able to make a call, the LED will flash red during the call.

If the LED does not illuminate, this may indicate that the customers OnStar® subscription is not active or has expired. Push the blue OnStar button to connect to an advisor who can then verify the account status.

Each LED is controlled by the telematics communication interface module over dedicated LED signal circuits. Ground for the LED is provided by the wiring harness attached to the button assembly.

Secondary OnStar® Controls

Some vehicles may have an additional button that when pushed can engage the OnStar® system. The button may be a symbol of a face with sound waves, or may say MUTE, or be a symbol of a radio speaker with a slash through it.

By engaging the OnStar® system with this feature, the user can interact with the system by use of voice commands. A complete list of these commands is supplied in the information provided to the customer. If the information is not available for reference, at any command prompt the user can say "HELP" and the telematics communication interface module will return an audible list of available commands.

OnStar® Microphone

The OnStar®, or cellular phone microphone, can be a part of the rearview mirror assembly, or on some vehicle lines, a separate, stand alone unit. In either case, the telematics communication interface module supplies approximately 10 V to the microphone on the cellular phone microphone signal circuit, and voice data from the user is sent back to the telematics communication interface module over the same circuit. A cellular phone microphone low reference circuit or a drain wire provides a ground for the microphone.

Cellular and GPS Antennas

This vehicle will be equipped with one of the following types of antennas:


• Separate, standalone cellular and navigation antennas

• A combination cellular and navigation antenna, which brings the functions of both into a single part

• A cellular, GPS, and digital radio receiver antenna, which also incorporates the functionality of the digital radio receiver satellite antenna (XM).

• A cellular, GPS, and digital radio receiver antenna, which also incorporates the AM/FM antenna.


The cellular antenna is the component that allows the OnStar® system to send and receive data over airwaves by means of cellular technology. The antenna is connected at the base to a coax cable that plugs directly into the telematics communication interface module.

The GPS antenna is used to collect the signals of the orbiting GPS satellites. Within the antenna is housed a low noise amplifier that allows for a more broad and precise reception of this data. The antenna is connected at the base to a coax cable that plugs directly into the telematics communication interface module. The cable also provides a path for DC current for powering the antenna.

The OnStar® Call Center also has the capability of communicating with the vehicle during an OnStar® call to retrieve the latest GPS location and transmit it to the OnStar® Call Center. A history location of the last recorded position of the vehicle is stored in the module and marked as aged, for as long as the module power is not removed. Actual GPS location may take up to 10 minutes to register in the event of a loss of power.

Cellular and Navigation Signal Antenna Splitter

The navigation signal splitter is a component for dividing the navigation signal antenna signal into two paths without any transmission loss. It has two RF-connectors, one signal fakra connector and one double fakra connector. Port 1 is the input for connecting to the navigation signal antenna, port 2 is the output for the car OnStar navigation system, port 3 is the output for the navigation radio. Port 1 and 2 are galvanically coupled internally using a matching network. The OnStar system supplies the navigation signal antenna with power via port 2. Connectivity is made between port 1 and 3 though and internal coupling element and low noise amplifier. The navigation radio provides the amplifier with power via port 3.

Bluetooth ® (If Equipped)

Bluetooth ® wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. Only vehicles with steering wheel controls will have Bluetooth ® functionality. In order to utilize the vehicle Bluetooth ® system, a Bluetooth ® equipped cellular phone is required.

The Bluetooth ® antenna is a small fixed antenna connected directly to the telematics communication interface module and is used to send and receive signals from a Bluetooth ® enabled cellular phone. The antenna utilizes no cabling and is not external to the vehicle. The available features and functions are determined by the software within the device being used and the telematics communication interface module. The operating range of the signal from the vehicle is approximately 30 feet. Note that the operating range is dependent upon the cellular phone being used and battery level of the phone.

With Bluetooth ® technology customers can experience hands-free calling as their Bluetooth ® capable cellular phones are wirelessly connected to the vehicle. It will allow customers to place and receive calls using the steering wheel controls and voice recognition. The vehicle audio system will allow you to listen to your call through the vehicle speakers and adjust volume through steering wheel or radio controls.

Not all Bluetooth ® cellular phones are guaranteed to work with the vehicle"s Bluetooth ® system. Based on the cellular phone"s service provider and the manufacturer"s implementation of Bluetooth ®, not all phones support all available Bluetooth ® functionality. Bluetooth ® enabled cellular phones will be tested for vehicle compatibility and a feature compatibility list will be provided via the GM Bluetooth ® website: http://www.gm.com/vc/bluetooth/

Bluetooth ® Features Supported

The following is a list of features supported by the Bluetooth ® system. Note that not all devices will support all of the listed functions.


• Automatic reconnection - highest priority phone will automatically be connected to vehicle when vehicle ignition is on

• Hands-free dialing- via digits, redial, name tags (phone number saved to a nametag via voice recognition)

• Answering a call

• Ending a call

• Mute a Call

• Rejecting a call - ignore an incoming call

• Call Waiting

• Three-way Calling - initiated from hands-free system

• Send Number During a Call - this is used when calling a menu-driven phone system

• Transfer a Call - transfer call from vehicle to cellular phone and visa versa

• Voice Pass-Thru - allow access to the voice recognition commands on the cellular phone


Pairing a Bluetooth ® Cellular Phone to the Vehicle

In order to use hands-free calling, the cellular phone must be paired to the vehicle. Up to five devices can be paired to the vehicle at one time, but only one can be connected at any given time. To pair a phone, the customer must know how to operate the Bluetooth ® functionality of their phone. The pairing process must only be done one time for each phone, unless that phone"s information is deleted. For safety reasons, the pairing process is disabled while the vehicle is moving.

Once the Bluetooth ® cellular phone has been paired with vehicle, it will automatically connect to the vehicle when the ignition is on and the device is on. When more than one paired phone is in the vehicle, the phone with the highest priority will be connected. If the cellular phone is in use while getting into the vehicle, the phone can be switched to hands-free mode with the press of a button. In addition, a call in progress can be transferred from the vehicle hands-free mode to the phone to continue the call as the customer exits the vehicle.

Complete pairing instructions are provided in the Vehicle Owners Manual.

Back Up Battery (If Equipped)

Note

Do not disconnect the main vehicle battery or remove the telematics communication interface control module fuse with the ignition in any position other than OFF. Disconnecting power to the telematics communication interface control module in any way while the ignition is ON or with retained accessory power activated may cause activation of the OnStar® Back-Up Battery. This action is per design as the back-up battery is designed to provide power to the telematics communication interface module so an emergency notification call can be made after a vehicle collision where the main battery is disabled. Once the Back-Up Battery is activated it will stay on until it has completely discharged. The back-up battery is not rechargeable and once activated the back-up battery must be replaced.


Certain OnStar® equipped vehicles may also be equipped with a back-up battery. The back-up battery is a non-rechargeable, lithium battery intended to provide an auxiliary power source for the telematics communication interface module in the event of a vehicle collision where power from the main vehicle battery is lost.

The back-up battery is intended to have a limited life span of approximately 4 years and is designed to maintain an open circuit voltage between 16V and 9V throughout this period. This allows the battery to power the basic functions of the telematics communication interface module for least one 200 second (5 minute) call at the end of the 4 year span, should a main vehicle battery loss collision occur.

The back-up battery is connected to the telematics communication interface module through the back-up battery positive voltage circuit and back-up battery ground circuit and is protected from a short circuit by means of an internal fuse. In the event the back-up battery positive voltage circuit is shorted to the back-up battery ground circuit or chassis ground, the fuse will open and render the back-up battery permanently inoperable. The status of the back-up battery and its associated wiring is monitored by the telematics communication interface module.

Audio System Interface

When the OnStar® requires audio output, a serial data message is sent to the audio system to mute all radio functions and transmit OnStar® originated audio. The OnStar® audio is transmitted to the vehicle audio system by a dedicated signal circuit and a low reference circuit.

The audio system will mute and an audible ring will be heard though the speakers if the vehicle receives a call with the radio ON.

On some vehicles, the HVAC blower speed may be reduced when the OnStar® system is active to aid in reducing interior noise. When the system is no longer active, the blower speed will return to its previous setting.

OnStar® Sleep Cycle

The OnStar® system uses a unique sleep cycle to allow the system to receive cellular calls while the ignition is in the OFF position and retained accessory power mode has ended. This cycle enables the telematics communication interface module to perform remote functions, such as door unlock, as commanded over the air by the OnStar® Call Center, and to continue to maintain an acceptable level of battery electrical drain.

The OnStar® system uses 4 states of readiness, depending upon the type of cellular market the vehicle is in when the ignition is put into the OFF state:


• High power

• Low power

• Sleep

• Digital standby


The high power state is in effect whenever the ignition is in the ON or RUN position, or retained accessory power is enabled, and the OnStar® system is sending or receiving calls or when the system is performing a remote function.

The low power state is in effect when the OnStar® system is idle with the ignition in the ON or RUN position, or with retained accessory power enabled.

The sleep state is entered after the vehicle has been shut off and the retained accessory power has timed out while in an analog cellular area. At a predetermined time recorded within the telematics communication interface module, the system re-enters the low power state to listen for a call from the OnStar® Call Center for 1 minute. After this interval, the system will again return to the sleep state for 9 minutes. If a call is sent during the 1 minute interval, the OnStar® system will receive the call and immediately go into the high power mode to perform any requested functions. If no call is received during the 1 minute interval, the system will go back into the sleep mode for another 9 minutes. This process will continue for up to 48 hours, after which the OnStar® system will turn off until the ignition is turned to the ON or RUN position.

The digital standby power state is entered after the vehicle has been shut off and the retained accessory power has timed out while in a digital cellular area. When in digital standby mode, the OnStar® module is able to perform all remote functions as commanded by an OnStar® advisor at any time, for a continuous 48 hours. After 48 hours, the OnStar® module will go into sleep mode until a wake up signal from the vehicle is seen by the telematics communication interface module. If the OnStar module loses the digital cellular signal it will revert to analog mode and follow the standard sleep state (9 minutes OFF, 1 minute standby) based on the time of the GPS signals, this will continue until a digital cellular signal is again received.

If the OnStar® system loses battery power while the system is in a standby or sleep mode, the system will remain OFF until battery power is restored and the ignition is turned to the ON or RUN position.

Features

OnStar® Personal Calling

The hands free, OnStar® personal calling cellular phone feature is an additional feature of the OnStar® system. This feature is embedded within the telematics communication interface module; however it must be activated by an OnStar® advisor. OnStar® personal calling operates similar to most hand held cellular phones in that the availability for its usage is based on minutes or units. The customer must have a current OnStar® subscription, as this feature cannot be utilized without it. To use OnStar® personal calling, the customer must also purchase units (minutes) as outlined in the owners guide provided with the OnStar® system. Units begin to deplete, 1 unit is equal to 1 minute, as the customer makes outbound phone calls, answers inbound phone calls, or while connected to the OnStar® virtual advisor. In addition, units may also have an expiration date, depending upon the type of units purchased.

Customers have the ability to store telephone numbers within the module, referenced by a nametag for the convenience of frequently dialed numbers. After storing a nametag, the user can dial this number by initiating the OnStar® personal calling feature, speaking the word "call," and repeating the nametag assigned.

Customers have the capability to lock their OnStar® personal calling system by pressing the answer/end call button, speaking "security" and entering a 4-digit code. Once this process is complete, the user must enter the code before OnStar® personal calling is available. In the event the customer cannot remember their code and is unable to use their system, they can press the blue OnStar® button and speak to an advisor to unlock the system by means of a discrete cellular call to the vehicle.

Turn by Turn Navigation

Turn by Turn Navigation allows the driver to contact OnStar® to obtain directions for driving from a current location to a desired location. The system for Turn by Turn Navigation stores your planned route and continuously follows up your position along the route. If you deviate from the planned route, the system detects this and gives verbal messages about how the trip should continue. The driver then responds verbally to direct the system to continue the current routing or to recalculate the route because of a missed turn. On some vehicles, the Turn by Turn Navigation instructions may be displayed to the driver in the radio display or the driver information center.

OnStar® Stolen Vehicle Slowdown (If equipped)

OnStar® Stolen Vehicle Slowdown allows advisors working with law enforcement services to send a signal to limit fuel flow to the engine, gradually slowing down the stolen vehicle.

Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is an enhancement to OnStar"s Stolen vehicle Location Assistance, which uses GPS technology to pinpoint the location of a vehicle reported stolen. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is powered by OnStar's new generation of hardware (Generation 8).

Advisor Record Feature

The Advisor Record Feature allows the user to store any information given during a call with an OnStar® Advisor. Recording is activated by pressing the blue OnStar button during a call; pressing the button a second time stops the recording. The stored information can be played back by pressing the phone button and using the voice command "Advisor Playback".

Deactivated OnStar® Accounts

In the event a customer has not renewed their OnStar® account after expiration or the account was never activated, OnStar® will make a discrete cellular call to the vehicle to deactivate the OnStar® system. Before taking this action, customers are notified that the OnStar® system in their vehicle will be deactivated unless they elect to renew the account. After the OnStar® account has been deactivated, customers will experience the following:


• The OnStar® status LED will not illuminate.

• The OnStar® system will NOT attempt to connect to the OnStar® Call Center in the event of a collision or if the vehicle front air bags deploy for any other reason.

• An emergency button press will play a demo message indicating the service has been deactivated.

• An OnStar® Call Center button press will connect the customer with a dedicated sales team who can sell an OnStar® subscription and reactivate the vehicle. Depending on the type of OnStar® hardware in the vehicle, the customer may first hear a demonstration message stating there is no current OnStar® subscription for the vehicle, and directing the customer what to do to activate services.

• OnStar® personal calling will not be available, as this feature requires the customer to have a current OnStar® account. Attempts to use this feature may result in cellular connection failure messages and the inability to connect to the number dialed.


Certain vehicles that have never had an active OnStar® account, or that have been deactivated, may be unable to establish a connection with the OnStar® Call Center. When normal published diagnostic procedures do not indicate a possible cause for the no connect concern, the vehicle may have been deactivated. For deactivated vehicles, a no connect response should be considered normal operation. Further diagnosis and subsequent repair is only necessary should the customer elect to become an active OnStar® subscriber or renew the account subscription.

OnStar® Cellular, GPS, and Diagnostic Limitations

The proper operation of the OnStar® System is dependent on several elements outside the components integrated into the vehicle. These include the National Cellular Network Infrastructure, the cellular telephone carriers within the network, and the GPS.

The cellular operation of the OnStar® system may be inhibited by factors such as the users range from an analog or digital cellular tower, the state of the cellular carrier"s equipment, and the location where the call is placed. Making an OnStar® key press in areas that lack sufficient cellular coverage or have a temporary equipment failure will result in either the inability of a call to complete with a data transfer or the complete inability to connect to the OnStar® Call Center. The OnStar® system may also experience connection issues if the identification numbers for the module, station identification number, electronic serial number or manufacturers electronic ID, are not recognized by the cellular carriers local signal receiving towers.

The satellites that orbit earth providing the OnStar system with GPS data have almost no failures associated with them. In the event of a no GPS concern, the failure will likely lie with the inability of the system to gain GPS signals because of its location, i.e. in a parking structure, hardware failure, or being mistaken with an OnStar® call which has reached the Call Center without vehicle data.

During diagnostic testing of the OnStar® system, the technician should ensure the vehicle is located in an area that has a clear unobstructed view of the open sky, and preferably, an area where analog or digital cellular calls have been successfully placed. These areas can be found by successfully making an OnStar® keypress in a known good OnStar® equipped vehicle and confirming success with the OnStar® Call Center advisor. Such places can be used as a permanent reference for future OnStar® testing.

Mobile Identification Number and Mobile Directory Number

The telematics communication interface module utilizes 2 numbers for cellular device identification, call routing and connection, a mobile identification number and a mobile directory number. The mobile identification number represents the number used by the cellular carrier for call routing purposes while the mobile directory number represents the number dialed to reach the cellular device.

Operation of the OnStar® Speech Recognition Systems

OnStar® users communicate with 2 speech recognition systems. Speech recognition allows the user to speak to one computer in the vehicle, and one reached over a phone line. The computer tries to understand the users command, and responds by speaking back, or by taking the appropriate action, e.g. dialing the phone.


• Personal Calling uses a speech recognition system that resides in the vehicle. When the user presses the phone button, the system states, Ready, and listens for the user command. The user can speak commands to control the hands-free phone.

• Virtual advisor is a remote speech recognition system that the caller can access by making a phone call. The user connects to virtual advisor by requesting it during personal calling use. The user is then transferred to the virtual advisor server and talks to it via a cellular connection.


The OnStar® speech recognition systems use speech technology that is designed to understand a wide range of American English speakers. Although there is no one right way to speak English, the system will work best when users try to modify their pronunciation should they encounter difficulty. Users who do not obtain good results are advised to try the tips and workarounds found in this section.


General Tips for Better Speech Recognition

Problem Tip for Better Result
Noise

Noise may confuse the speech recognition system. You usually get better performance from the system in quieter conditions:


• The HVAC fan creates noise. Turn it down or OFF for better speech system performance.

• Driving at high speeds creates louder engine noise and wind noise. You may get better results at lower speeds.

• An open window or an open sunroof allows more noise to enter the vehicle. Close all windows for better results.

• Noisy rainstorms can also reduce performance.

• If passengers are talking while you use the speech system, it may be confused by their speech. You will get better results if all occupants of the vehicle are quiet while the system is listening for commands.


When to Speak

In Personal Calling, the system is only listening after it prompts you to speak.


• When the system prompts you to speak, you have about 5 seconds to respond. If the system does not hear a response, it will prompt you again, or cancel the transaction.

• If you begin to speak too soon, it will tell you "Slower, please." Try pausing for a half second before speaking.

• In the Virtual Advisor, the system is always listening for commands, even while it is speaking.


How to Speak

Speak forcefully, and clearly.


• The noisier the environment, the louder you need to speak. If you are in the driver seat, speak facing the front of the car. If you are a passenger, speak facing the rearview mirror.

• Speak calmly, and naturally. The system may sometimes fail your repeated attempts to give a command. If your speech is distorted by shouting or frustration, this may cause more errors.

• People with high-pitched voices may have better results by speaking in a deeper, lower-pitched voice. However, do not lower the volume of the voice.

• Avoid speaking with a rising intonation, like asking a question. Use a flat or falling intonation, like giving an answer.


What to Say

Personal Calling: One-word commands


• The Personal Calling system listens for only one word at a time. However, there are some exceptions, 2-word phrases that are spoken and understood as a single word, e.g., "virtual advisor", "voice feedback", and "my number". You can enter phone numbers only one digit at a time, and the system repeats each digit as it hears it.

• Say "Help" at the Ready prompt to hear the list of Personal Calling commands.

• Virtual Advisor can understand sentences with more than one word. It also expects to hear a 4-digit number all at once when it asks for your PIN.

• Say, "What are my choices?" to hear a list of commands that the Virtual Advisor understands.


Entering a phone number


• If you have trouble getting numbers correctly into the system, store your frequently-called number in the directory, so the system will remember them. After you have stored a number with a nametag, then you simply say "call" and the nametag to call the number.

• If the system cannot understand your numbers, ask another person to help you enter your frequently-called numbers. This person can speak the numbers, then you can speak the nametag.


Storing or dialing a number

When you have finished saying the whole phone number, you do not have to say "store" or "dial" to indicate that you are done. If you pause and say nothing, the system will ask you if you want to store or dial. Say "yes".

Creating nametags


• Short nametags that are similar may be easily confused by the system. You may get better recognition of your nametags if you make them longer, for example "George Washington" without pause, instead of only "George".

• If you want to use nametags while driving, it is best to store the nametag with some vehicle noise in the background. If you are in park while you are storing nametags, you can turn the fan on low or open windows in order to create some background noise.


Virtual Advisor 4-digit PIN

Say the 4 digits in a natural way, without pausing between digits.

An open


• When the Virtual Advisor is speaking, you can interrupt it with another command. The first word in your command helps to get its attention.

• If the Virtual Advisor has trouble understanding your commands when you interrupt, try speaking the first word loudly and clearly, then pause for an instant, then continue with the rest of the command. For example: "Get... my weather" or "Lookup... a quote for General Motors".