Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, Germany claims that, with its new Ostar Headlamp Pro, it has developed the first LED designed specifically for Advanced Forward Lighting Systems (AFS, i.e. headlight systems that, for example, adapt their illumination direction to the direction of the bend when driving through curves). The five chips of the new multi-chip LED (contained in a 20mm x 21mm package) can be individually controlled and thus flexibly switched on and off according to the driving situations and positions of other road users.
Osram Opto says that, due to LED technology, Advanced Forward Lighting Systems can be implemented more simply than before because no mechanical assemblies are required to move parts of the headlight or the complete headlight. With LEDs such as the new Ostar Headlamp Pro, the individual chips are specifically switched on and off via intelligent control. The control uses sensors and electronic components for high beam light without glare by flexibly concealing areas within the light cone of the headlight according to the specific driving situation and with dynamic adaptation to the positions of other road users. It is also due to LEDs that adaptable cornering lights and spot lights can be easily implemented for illuminating possible obstacles at the edge of the carriageway.
Osram Ostar Headlamp Pro
Picture: The Ostar Headlamp Pro LED.
Multi-chip LEDs with higher performance classes are needed for use in headlights. Osram Opto says that the Ostar Headlamp LED range features high-performance-capable technology, homogeneous luminance and temperature stability, and is hence especially suitable for high-power applications (the reason why LEDs of this family have been used since 2008 for various automotive lighting functions). In particular, for the Ostar Headlamp Pro, typical light intensity (at 500mA/25°C) is 710lm (minimum). "Osram Ostar Headlamp Pro is now the first LED specifically developed for use in AFS," says Peter Knittl, who is responsible for LED Automotive Marketing at Osram Opto. "Its five chips each with one square millimeter can be controlled individually, forming the basis for intelligent light solutions," he adds.
Optimal vision for vehicle drivers
Picture: Osram LEDs in intelligent headlight system.
"Intelligent headlight systems with our light-emitting diodes give car drivers optimal vision even on the edges of roads or with approaching vehicles, offering better protection from possible accidents," says Knittl. "Thanks to the five individually controllable chips, more than one road user can be concealed from view and the intermediate area is still completely illuminated," he adds. A distinct bright-dark contrast of 1:65 between illuminated and non-illuminated chips is required so that the AFS is as effective as possible and the light beam on the road is optimally transmitted. This means that concealed chips must be genuinely dark and must not be illuminated by their adjacent chips. An integrated shutter also enables a clearly defined light beam from the headlight.
The Ostar Headlamp Pro is being unveiled at the 10th International Symposium of Lighting Technology (ISAL 2013) in Darmstadt, Germany (24-25 September).
