The Continuous Emerging of LED in Headlamps: Challenges and Technical Solution for LED Fog Lamps 2006-01-0103

After the first series applications with LED in headlamp signal functions are on the road or close to production release, the next continuous steps are considered in the paper. Side markers and Position lamps, Daytime Running lamps and Turn Indicators are considered to be in a technology ready status. Despite the fact that fog lamps have low luminous flux and photometrical requirements, the challenges due to glare avoidance and aimability via cut off line have reached a new level. Technical concepts and performance will be discussed with measurement data evaluation. Due to the fact that different LED suppliers are on the market with different optical and mechanical solutions, a matrix evaluation will be driven for photometrical and efficiency potential. Another significant impact will be the styling influence of the exit apertures. Studies for LED fog lamps will be presented. Several LED sources require a dedicated electronic driving concept. The paper will review the concepts for switching and driving multiple LED arrays. An outlook for future applications and integration of LED fog lamps in AFS (Advanced Front Lighting) functions will be given.