Description And Operation: Description
In vehicles manufactured for certain export markets, an emergency crash notification system is included in the vehicle to automatically initiate an audio emergency call (eCall) to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). An eCall can be manually triggered by the vehicle occupant if so desired. When triggered, whether automatically or manually, the vehicle eCall system will also attempt to send a Minimum Set of Data (MSD) to a public Mobile Network Operator (MNO) concerning the vehicle location and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The Emergency Assistance Module (EAM) (1) is the solid state control module in the eCall system and is located in the center of the instrument panel behind the Integrated Center Stack (ICS) Module.
The EAM (2) is connected to the instrument panel wiring harness using one 32-pin wiring harness connector (4) and three antenna connectors (3). The module is mounted to the instrument panel structural support using four bolts at each of the four mounting bosses (1).
The EAM has an internal cell phone antenna which is used in the event of the vehicle's cell phone module not operating or not operating properly.
Inputs to the EAM include:
- Global positioning information
- Emergency (SOS) button pressure status
- Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module data
- Ignition status from the Body Control Module (BCM)
- Microphone data
- Vehicle configuration
- Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) indicator status from the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
- Daytime mode from the BCM
- Language from the IPC
- Crash event data
Outputs from the EAM include:
- Phone communication to the eCall speaker
- Global positioning information to the cell phone module
- Vehicle data to the BCM
- eCall status to the BCM
- Audio mute
- Illumination of the SOS button LED
- Power and ground to the SOS button
The EAM incorporates a backup battery (2) with a life expectancy of 5-7 years that will allow the eCall system to continue to work in case of vehicle power interruption. The battery will allow call and data transfer for at least 15 minutes with callback capability for at least one hour after a vehicle emergency.
The eCall system uses a single dedicated 70 mm speaker for vocal communication with the vehicle occupants during an eCall. The speaker is located behind the lower closeout panel (1) to the right of the driver leg. It is mounted to a tri-mounted bracket by two screws and connected directly to the EAM via the wiring harness.