The demonstration car - a Mercedes-Benz E-Class - showcased the new features developed by project manager Osram in collaboration with Daimler, Fraunhofer, Hella and Infineon.
The new LED chip with 1,024 individually controllable light points is around as large as a fingernail. The combination of three such chips allows a resolution of 3,072 pixels per headlight.
The present generation of adaptive headlights on the market have several LED components that are installed in the headlights side by side and on top of each other. Additional electronic components are required to switch light segments on and off. The number of segments is limited due to the restricted space in the headlight. In the case of the production E-Class, it contains MULTIBEAM LED headlights from Hella which each have 84 individually controllable Osram high performance LEDs.
In the new approach, electronic activation of the LED is integrated in a chip, resulting in a much higher resolution, while still meeting limited space requirements.
The prototype headlights are highly efficient and generate a uniform light pattern.
Both headlights contain three LED light sources, each with 1,024 individually controllable light points. The light can be adapted to take account of every conceivable bend in the road so that there are no dark peripheral areas. With the aid of sensors in the vehicle, the surroundings can be analysed in order to illuminate oncoming traffic. This allows the driver to see these vehicles more clearly. At the same time, the beam of light does not shine on the heads of oncoming drivers, which means they’re not dazzled. As a result, such shifting headlights no longer have to be dimmed on country roads.
Based on external conditions, the variable, adaptive light distribution ensures tailor-made lighting in every situation. For example, at high speeds, the range of the light beam is increased automatically.
In city traffic, on the other hand, wider light distribution improves safety as, in addition to the road, the sidewalk and peripheral areas are also illuminated better. These functions are implemented electronically with no mechanical actuators.
The new class of smart adaptive headlights can prevent glare for other users while the surroundings remain well lit.
With glare-free full beam the driver always has the best possible light at night – with no adverse effects for other drivers. For motorists this is a clear benefit in terms of awareness – an important contribution towards reducing the risk of accidents when driving at night.
“We now want to develop this new type of high resolution LED light sources so that it’s ready for serial production and we see enormous potential for its use in headlights,” said Stefan Kampmann, Chief Technology Officer at OSRAM Licht AG.
Infineon Technologies AG developed the smart driver circuit in the LED chip. This allows each of the 1,024 light points to be controlled individually. The semiconductor manufacturer has thus managed to design it in such a way that it can be connected directly in the LED chip with the light-emitting LED array above it. Fraunhofer contributed its competence in connection technology (LED & ICs) and materials. HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co specified the main technical requirements for the light source based on requirements from Daimler.
