Led
Using red and amber LEDs for rear functions is already state of the art.
LEDs create light by voltage-induced recombination processes in a semiconductor layer.
The emitted light is determined in its colour by the internal structure of the LED.
Compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, the main advantages of LEDs are their high lifetime (up to 100.000 hours), their low energy consumption due to the efficient conversion of electrical power into optical power and the small depth of the modules.
LED Styling possibilities
LEDs also offer a vast variety of fascinating innovative styling possibilities.
Moreover, the switch-on-time is very short.
This provides a safety benefit to following vehicles in situations requiring fast breaking response.
LEDs also need drivers (ECU) to give power supply to these special sources and to provide interfaces to the electrical networks of different cars, providing also sometimes diagnostic functions.
Applications with LED-Technology
First applications of LED technology go back to the first half of the nineties with the development of central high mounted stop lamps (CHMSL) with LEDs in 5 mm package for the Japanese market.
In the meantime, all functions can be equipped with LEDs.
These functions are tail light, fog light, turn indicator, break light and reverse light.
In 2005 Automotive Lighting launched a rear lamp with LEDs in position and break light and turn indicator.
Further projects are Lincoln MKX, Audi R8 and BMW X5.
