Ultra-Thin Automotive Lamps (8-12mm) Using Special SMT LEDs and Special Optics 2002-01-0383

LED technology can be seen in about 60% of all Center High Mounted Stop Lamps (CHMSL) in vehicles. [1] In addition, there is an increasing number of trucks and passenger cars utilizing LED technology for side markers and Rear Combination Lamps (RCL), which combines the tail, turn and stop function in one lamp. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have clear advantages over incandescent lamps: (1) longer life, (2) lower power consumption and (3) flexible - new styling possibilities. With the proper LED package in combination with extremely high-efficient optics enables the production of ultra-thin lamps (8-12mm) that can reduce the total signal lighting cost. The objective of this paper is to (1) describe the properties and advantages of LEDs, (2) outline the additional advantages of new micro-miniature SMT LED packages, and (3) illustrate the increased efficiency with thinner and more flexible SMT assemblies (i.e. micro-miniature LEDs and ultra thin optics) for total systems cost savings for TIER1 and OEMs.