Introduction to Micro LED Technology in Automotive Lighting
In the realm of pixelated headlights, technologies such as DLP, Micro-LED, and LCD are taking different routes. Pixelated headlights can be seen as matrix headlights with higher pixel density, and they exist in various technological approaches like DLP, Micro-LED, and LCD, where DLP and LCD utilize light modulators to achieve pixelation.
With continuous advancements in automotive lighting technology, pixelated headlights have become a standard feature in vehicles. Currently, low-resolution ADB headlights are quite common. In previous articles, we have discussed ADB headlights, their suppliers, and the models equipped with DLP headlights. Today, we will provide a brief overview of Micro LED technology and the vehicles that are currently equipped with Micro LED headlights.
Overview of Micro LED
Micro LED, or Micro Light Emitting Diode, is the pinnacle of LED technology. At one-tenth the size of a human hair, Micro LED does not require a backlight, offers high photoelectric conversion efficiency, boasts an astonishing brightness (up to over 1 million nits), delivers exceptional contrast (greater than 10^4:1), and has a response time in the nanosecond range. Through the precise use of thin-film technology, miniaturization, and arraying techniques, Micro LED not only reduces volume significantly but also achieves unprecedented pixel control precision, paving the way for innovation in automotive displays and lighting.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Micro LED
- Ultra-High Resolution: Micro LED provides pixel-level precision control, resulting in unparalleled clarity and making each frame look lifelike.
- Wide Color Gamut and Accurate Colors: It supports a broader color range and reproduces natural colors, enhancing the vibrancy of in-car displays.
- Energy Efficiency and Longevity: Compared to traditional display technologies, Micro LED greatly reduces energy consumption and has a longer lifespan, lowering maintenance costs for car owners.
- Design Flexibility: The miniaturized design of Micro LED allows for displays of various shapes and sizes, meeting the diverse design needs of automotive manufacturers.
However, Micro LED technology is not without challenges. Its high production costs, technical complexity, and the lack of a mature supply chain remain major barriers to its widespread application. Nevertheless, as technology advances and costs gradually decrease, these issues are steadily being resolved.
Models Equipped with Micro LED Headlights
Currently, Micro-LED headlights are not widely adopted, but some models from Volkswagen and NIO have incorporated this technology. According to industry experts, compared to the mainstream DLP solution, Micro LED offers similar high performance and projection-interactive features. However, Micro LED reduces energy consumption by 40%, shrinks the size by 75%, and increases brightness by 20%, making it more compact and efficient.
1. SAIC Volkswagen Tiguan L Pro
On May 30th, the SAIC Volkswagen Tiguan L Pro was officially launched, priced between 236,800 to 266,800 CNY. The car is equipped with IQ. Light, a high-resolution intelligent projection headlamp with a pixel density of 25,600 per headlamp side. This headlamp creates a “light blanket” that spans the width of the lane, ensuring clarity on the road and enhancing the driver’s sense of safety.
2. Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg top-tier SUV model is the first vehicle to feature the h-Digi® Micro LED lighting module. This system introduces new high-definition headlights, using a three-module design to enhance ADB headlight performance and incorporate interactive features. The system projects warning messages to prevent traffic accidents.
3. NIO ET9
The NIO ET9, launched on December 23, 2023, features Micro LED units along with industrial-grade high-precision imaging lenses. This system boosts the high and low beam brightness, ultra-wide coverage, and large steering angles. The Micro LED intelligent HD projection headlamps on the NIO ET9 provide smart tracking light blankets, and intersection blind-spot warnings, and prevent blinding of oncoming drivers, significantly enhancing night driving safety.
4. Porsche New Cayenne
The new Porsche Cayenne model is equipped with Micro LED pixel headlights. Using a highly precise Micro LED array, it supports multiple lighting modes and beam adjustments. According to Benjamin Hummel, head of lighting modules at Porsche, the new design highlights the car’s four-point headlight shape, which has become a signature design element. The new headlights feature four independent light units, each with 8,192 LEDs, providing a total of 32,768 pixels for high-beam functionality, operating at up to 300 lux.
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