Hella has announced a supply deal with Volkswagen to supply LED Matrix headlights for the Touareg unveiled in China.

VW will sell the (optional) system for the new SUV under the name IQ.Light – LED Matrix headlamps.

Hella said targeted control of up to 128 LEDs provides "very precise and optimal light distribution and luminous intensity". Compared to conventional lighting systems, the LED Matrix headlamps will significantly increase safety and comfort, since they will enable the driver to recognise road details and possible obstacles at night much better and earlier.

The LED headlamps operate with individually controlled LEDs (light emitting diodes), that respectively meld into a matrix of light spots in both the low and high beam modules. Depending on the situation, these LEDs are individually controlled. The low beam consists of a matrix totalling 48 LEDs arranged on a joint circuit board. The high beam circuit board is equipped with 27 LEDs. These 75 LEDs of the low and high beams form the adaptive matrix light. 53 additional LEDs ensure that lighting functions, such as the illumination in front of the vehicle, the cornering lights and daytime running lights, the position lights and direction indicators can be shown. With two headlight units, 256 light emitting diodes will be used for the front lamps.

For the targeted activation of each LED, the respective control unit will analyse the front camera signals as well as the digital card data and coordinates of the GPS unit. Current vehicle parameters, such as the steering angle and speed will also enter the process. The combination of these data will result in the ideal LED headlamp illumination of the road and the surroundings within fractions of a second.]

In the Touareg, all this is fully automated via drive activated Dynamic Light Assist: the headlamps not turn on and off independently and adjust the light to the respective environment, topography and traffic situation. From many different signals, the car recognises whether it is in the city or on a country road, on the highway or off-road – and where other road users might currently be. The very precise operation of the headlamps throughout ensures that the lights are never glaring. The driver will thus at all times be supported by the best possible illumination without bothering other road users.

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The system also avoids dazzling the driver of the vehicle when spotlighting traffic signs since the camera-based light also reacts to signs for which it will then temporarily dim the LEDs. Even reflections caused by rain-slicked roads are noticed and reduced.

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