Automotive lighting has evolved from traditional tungsten bulbs to advanced systems featuring LEDs, adaptive headlights, and laser lighting. At the core of these innovations are precisely engineered PCBs, which enhance efficiency, durability, and performance.
By enabling efficient power management, superior heat dissipation, and seamless integration with smart lighting features, PCBs play a crucial role in modern lighting solutions.
From headlights and taillights to brake lights, indicators, and interior lighting, intelligent PCB technology ensures reliability, energy efficiency, and long-lasting performance. This article explores the shift from halogen to LED and the latest advancements driving the future of automotive lighting.
What Are Halogen Lights?
Halogen lights are a type of incandescent light that uses a tungsten filament sealed in a glass bulb filled with halogen gas. They are also known as quartz halogen or tungsten halogen lamps.
Features of halogen lights are
- The light quality is bright, warm, and natural
- Moderately energy efficient
- Low upfront and higher energy cost
- Heat sensitive, and the lifespan is about ~2,000 hours
This type of light was introduced in the 1960s and is widely used for several purposes, particularly car headlights. Three main reasons to prefer halogen headlights in cars are affordable, yellowish light (as the glare for other devices is comparatively less), and ease of replacement compared to LED units. Even though many people used halogen lights in their vehicles, this light had several disadvantages that made people adapt to the latest upgrades, such as high-intensity discharge lights and LEDs.
The Rise of HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Lights
High-intensity discharge lamps have been integral in providing high-intensity illumination across various applications. They produce light by vaporizing metallic salts within an electric arc chamber, which results in greater light output compared to tungsten and halogen bulbs. Due to their high brightness and efficiency, high-intensity discharge lights are used in vehicles. And simply, you can say that the rise of high-intensity discharge lamps replaced and reduced the use of halogen lights in two- and four-wheelers.
However, the high-intensity discharge lights also decline with the rise of LEDs. This transition has opened new avenues for Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) companies, which play a key role in developing and assembling the electronic components required for modern lighting systems.
The LED Revolution
The light-emitting diodes are truly game changers, as they are widespread because of their energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and versatility, which is an adaptation to technological advancements.
LED has become a prominent name among households and manufacturers and is even preferred for use in advanced inventions.
In what ways is LED more important than High-Intensity Discharge lamps and Halogen bulbs?
Energy consumption
LED consumes less power compared to traditional halogen and incandescent lamps. That is one of the major reasons for using it in EVs. LEDs reduce the electricity load for lighting and can help the vehicle travel a long distance on a single charge.
Compactness and adaptability
The LED’s compact size offers enhanced flexibility, so designers can include this type of light in any unique designs of the vehicles, which also helps in creating a strong brand identity. More than vehicle lighting, LEDs are also utilized in EV charging stations to improve the visibility and user experience.
Improved safety advantage
Brightness and faster illumination are highly significant when it comes to safety measures. Plus, its flexibility leads the way for adaptive lighting systems, meaning the light beam patterns adjust based on the driving conditions.
Eco-friendliness
There are no hazardous materials like mercury, as they are not recyclable and produce less heat than traditional lighting. LED lights also reduce energy waste, and EMS providers further contribute to sustainability by employing environmentally conscious manufacturing processes and designing recyclable PCB components within lighting systems.
Durability and longevity
LEDs can last anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 hours, which is quite a long duration, and the lifespan is around 2 to 10 + years of usage.
Comparison of Halogen bulbs vs. HID lamps vs. LED lights
| Parameters | Halogen bulbs | HID lamps | LED Lights |
| Technology | Electric current through a heated tungsten filament and a gas-filled quartz envelope. | Creates an electric arc between electrodes in a gas-filled tube containing xenon gas to produce light. | Emit light through semiconductors that release photons when electrified. |
| Brightness | Emits a yellowish light and covers a shorter distance than HID and LED. | The brighter, white light improves visibility. However, there is a chance of glare issues. | The bright white light with high intensity can provide superior illumination. |
| Heat management | Heat emissions can affect the components in the surroundings | Generate comparatively less heat than halogens but require proper heat dissipation. | LEDs produce less heat in the light beam, and the generated heat at the base effectively manages the overall performance. |
Advanced Lighting Technologies: Beyond LEDs
Digital Lighting Systems
Systems such as matrix LEDs allow for precise control over light distribution. This adaptability enhances visibility under various driving conditions while minimizing glare for other road users. These systems improve driver awareness and reaction times just by adjusting the light patterns, which ensures enhanced road safety.
Laser And Matrix Lighting
Laser headlights utilize laser diodes to produce intense light. It is then directed onto a phosphor material to create a bright, focused beam. This technology offers an extended illumination range and improves visibility at higher speeds.
These systems consist of multiple LEDs that are individually controlled to adjust light distribution dynamically. It allows for adaptive high beams, which provide optimal illumination without causing glare to oncoming traffic.
Future of Lighting
EMS providers integrate advanced technologies such as sensors, optoelectronic components, and microprocessors into the lighting system. AI integration and sensor advancements help manufacturers create smart lighting systems for diverse needs, particularly in the automotive industry.
Smart lighting can now adapt dynamically to external conditions, such as ambient light, weather, and road curvature, using real-time data from vehicle sensors and cameras. Features like Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) technology, matrix LED configurations, and laser-based headlamps are already entering mainstream use, improving visibility without blinding oncoming traffic.
Conclusion
In short, you can consider the evolution of automotive lighting technologies as a reflection of the continuous growth of both the automotive industry and energy-efficient inventions. In addition, Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) companies are also a pivotal part of this transformation, driving the development and integration of smarter, safer, and more sustainable lighting systems.
