The new high-resolution Porsche LED main headlights with HD matrix beam offer high-resolution light distribution that is up to twice as bright as previous systems.
With the new high-resolution HD matrix technology, Porsche has developed the next generation of lighting technology. The heart of the innovation developed together with partners is a chip that combines more than 16,000 individually controllable micro-LEDs on an area the size of a thumbnail. Two of these LED chips are used per headlight – four per vehicle. This means that the headlights with HD matrix technology offer up to twice as bright and high-resolution light distribution over an area four times larger than previous top systems.
The driver benefits from the highly flexible light that the new development makes possible thanks to extremely homogeneous illumination. There are also innovative functions such as roadway lighting, work and narrow-gauge lighting, and adaptive high beam for the motorway. Powerful driving lights turn night into day at a distance of up to 600 meters. A new glare-free high beam function is used for oncoming vehicles: large areas to the right and left of the glare-free area become noticeably brighter.
The new HD matrix technology adds another very efficient component. Since HD matrix LED headlights only activate the pixels that are actually required, they consume significantly less power than other high-resolution systems for the same amount of light.
The visual signature of the four-point headlights, even at night
In addition to the 4-point daytime running light and the static cornering light, the new Porsche headlight includes two of the new HD matrix modules and two bifunctional modules for the entry light and the additional high beam. These four main light sources are arranged in a four-point design characteristic of the brand. The previous upper headlight from Porsche, on the other hand, has four auxiliary modules and a central matrix module in 84-pixel technology.
The new HD matrix technology also stands out in terms of design: for the first time, the visual signature of the Porsche four-point headlights, which is characteristic of the daytime running lights, can also be seen at night when the new system is used – with the intersection and high beam. HD matrix headlights are gradually being introduced in different series with identical module technology but an adapted design. During the development process, Porsche registered more than 25 patents for the innovative technology.
The world’s first high-resolution LED matrix light
New technologies need to merge different and sometimes conflicting requirements into a single system. For design reasons, the aim is to split all lighting functions between four units per headlight. Nevertheless, the different light sources must always be combined in such a way that they offer homogeneous and at the same time powerful illumination. Pre-design simulations were used to analyze which overall system design would best meet all requirements, including those of the customers. Accordingly, Porsche opted for the new and efficient HD matrix LED technology with 16,384 pixels per module and not for the technically achievable maximum resolution.
The design of the headlight is clearly structured. Four light modules arranged almost squarely, each supplemented by a narrow band of daytime running lights above the module, outline the four-point design typical of the brand – day and night. The two upper bi-function modules are identical in construction and provide the interior lighting and the auxiliary driving light, each with three LEDs.
The lenses produce different lighting angles. The wide-angle lens of the external HD array module light covers an angle of 40 degrees wide and 10 degrees high. The internal HD “Performance” matrix module with telephoto lens spreads light over five degrees at 20 degrees. Its illumination is therefore half as high and half as wide, but much brighter. The light distributed by the two HD modules is superimposed in the middle. The new headlight thus combines broad illumination with high intensity in the central area.
Best possible visibility in all situations
The leap in performance in lighting technology is due to this efficient light generation and the combination of the two HD matrix modules with the two bifunctional modules. With a total of 32,768 individually controllable pixels per headlight, the HD matrix modules generate high-resolution direct light. Only the light that is actually required is generated. For this reason it is called active matrix light generation.
The HD matrix light illuminates the entire 40 degree horizontal and 10 degree vertical range with a light output of over 1400 lumens and offers one of the largest and brightest high-resolution illumination areas. It covers the entire high beam range and starts just in front of the vehicle. The light can be distributed arbitrarily in this area and this flexibility makes it possible to improve existing functions and introduce new ones – always with the aim of offering the driver the best possible view in all situations.
Improved and new functions for more safety and comfort
High beam with additional high beam (high performance high beam)
If the system does not detect any preceding or oncoming vehicles and the automatic high beam is activated, the HD matrix modules switch from low beam to high beam and the additional high beam of the upper bifunctional modules is switched on automatically. This extends the headlight range and increases the performance of the high beam. More than 600 meters when the street is lit!
Glare-free high beam with a new function
If the camera detects a vehicle ahead or an oncoming vehicle, the additional high beam is deactivated and the vehicle is selectively masked by switching off the corresponding pixels of the HD matrix modules. The energy released in the process is converted into additional, functional HD light. The full breadth of available HD lighting is used to optimize anti-glare high beam lighting and improve driver visibility without dazzling other drivers. When the glare protection is activated, the amount of light from the HD matrix module is doubled to the right and left of the glare protection surface, which leads to a significant brightening of the remaining high beam range.
track lighting
This function ensures better illumination of your own lane in the form of a luminous carpet. The lane between the lane markings becomes noticeably brighter. And that regardless of the position of the vehicle in the lane. Whether the vehicle is further to the right, further to the left or in the middle, the lightweight mat adheres to the floor markings like a magnet. The function is only activated on motorways or similar roads. It enables early detection of dangerous objects and reduces lane changes by other less alert drivers in the vehicle’s lane. When changing lanes voluntarily, the illuminated carpet is briefly widened to cover both lanes when crossing the markings, so that the new lane is only illuminated more intensively after the lane change has taken place.
Construction site and narrow gauge lighting
When working areas or bottlenecks are detected, the carpet of light is automatically reduced to the width of the vehicle, including mirrors, in order to illuminate the route and make it visible to the driver. This visual aid enables the driver to better assess his position in the narrow lane and overtaking manoeuvres. Steering and speed corrections are noticeably reduced, which improves lane keeping and road safety.
Autobahn adaptive high beam
On motorways and comparable expressways, the control ensures the best possible illumination of the driver’s path and optimally adjusts the light distribution to the conditions on the motorway. The lighting is cut with a smooth transition to the central reservation, which means that oncoming drivers are not dazzled.
Welcome entertainment
When locking and unlocking the vehicle, the low beam of the four-point headlights ensures visibility and safety in front of and around the vehicle. The vehicle sends the driver off with a restrained animation: HD matrix modules generate two flagship graphics in the brand-typical four-point design, which, for example, sweep horizontally over any walls in house or garage doors before getting out. When unlocking the parked vehicle and opening the driver’s door, the light system then activates the animation in the opposite direction.
Photos: Porsche
