Porsche Reveals New HD Matrix LED Headlamp Technology
The advanced high-beam system sets new standards in lighting for next-generation models, the German automaker says.
Porsche introduces the HD matrix LED headlamp technology it plans to install in new production models in 2023, claiming it sets new standards in “glare-free” high-beam lighting performance.
The new technology differs significantly from that used by current Porsche models, with the matrix function for the low- and high-beam function now carried out by two separate light sources in each assembly.
Benjamin Hummel, head of lighting modules at Porsche, says the move was driven by a desire to further emphasize the four-point styling that has become a signature design element of the German automaker in recent years.
To that end, the new headlamp forgoes the single high-beam matrix unit that sits in the middle of Porsche’s existing LED matrix headlamp. It is replaced by two separate HD matrix units within the lower points of each headlamp, or four units overall between the two headlamp assemblies.
Porsche headlamp 2
Incorporating new HD LED technology developed in partnership with Hella/Forvia, Infineon and Nichia, each of the four units is imbued with 16,384 LEDs or pixels. This provides a combined 65,536 pixels for the high-beam matrix function, which operates at an intensity of up to 160lx – in combination with the additional high beam it totals 300lx per headlamp.By comparison, Porsche’s existing single-unit LED matrix system offers 84 pixels per headlamp, or a combined 168 pixels between the two light sources.
Hummel says the new HD matrix setup provides added homogeneity and performance compared with the existing matrix unit.
“At 300lx, it is possible to project the high beam up to 600m (1,968.5 feet). But it is not only about a certain range. You need good light distribution within the whole field, too. We achieved this with four light sources. The brightness of the center and side areas can be continuously adjusted for added roadside illumination. Greater illumination leads to better lighting performance,” he says.
Porsche headlamp 3_0
The breakthrough that has allowed Porsche to package the high- and low-beam function of its new HD-matrix LED headlamp into two separate units per assembly is new micro-LED technology. Each LED is described as having the thickness of a human hair, allowing 16,834 separate LEDs or pixels to be packaged in each of the light sources.A newly developed HD ECU also provides automatic 3D graphic calculation of the lighting contribution of each LED, says Porsche.
Among the functions offered by the new HD matrix LED headlamp are regular low and high beam, glare-free high beam (also known as the Performance setting), adaptive highway high beam, dynamic safety zone and sign glare reduction.
Porsche also has programmed its new headlamp to provide a welcome and departure animation. Despite the headlamp’s claimed increase in performance, Porsche says it is not heavier than the unit it replaces.
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