By now it is widely known even outside the lighting community that the new Audi A8 sedan, to be launched at the end of the year, will feature matrix LED headlamps.
The intelligent system will use GPS data to optimize the lighting for the A8 driver, and forward-looking cameras for the ADB, Adaptive Driving Beam (also called Free Glare High Beam)
The matrix design utilizes 25 LEDs, arranged in five groups of five LEDs with each group mounted within a reflector. The control system can dim or switch individual LEDs in real time to adapt to the conditions at hand and optimize the driver view without any mechanical moving parts.
As the range of the oncoming vehicle decreases, the system further dims or extinguishes parts of the matrix. When the other vehicle passes, the system brings the lights back to full power immediately.
Meanwhile, the system also controls the headlamps to enhance the driver’s ability to safely navigate corners and other road features. For instance, data from the GPS system would move the beam in the direction of a coming curve in the road just before the driver would have to begin turning the steering wheel. Audi calls the feature a cornering light function.
The control system is enabled automatically, assuming the driver sets it to automatic, based on the location or type of road where the car is driven and the speed of the vehicle.
An In-depth DVN technology report will be done after we get some night driving experience with this car.
