Adaptive headlight systems drives forward with DLP technology
Adaptive driving beam headlight technology enables automotive makers and Tier 1 suppliers to enhance driver visibility and communication. At CES 2018, Texas Instruments has unveiled its DLP technology for high-resolution headlight systems. The DLP5531-Q1 DLP chipset is believed to be the only offering on the market that combines full programmability and the highest resolution –more than one million addressable pixels per headlight — exceeding the resolution of existing adaptive driving beam (ADB) technologies by more than 10,000 times, says Texas Instruments.
Vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers can use this programmable ADB solution to design headlight systems that maximise brightness for drivers on the road while minimising the glare to oncoming traffic or reflections from retroreflective traffic signs. This DLP technology works with any light source, confirms Texas Instruments, including LED and laser illumination, and gives engineers a way to more precisely control light distribution on the road with customisable beam patterns.
The flexibility of DLP technology enables makers and suppliers to create headlight systems that pair with programmable software and smaller optics to increase performance. System engineers also have the capability to partially or fully dim individual pixels using this technology, enabling the creation of headlight systems that allow drivers to keep their high beams on while operating their vehicle in all conditions without impacting other drivers.
DLP technology for high-resolution headlight systems also enables automakers and Tier-1 suppliers to transform headlight systems into a new communication channel by projecting relevant information on the road, speculates Texas Instruments. On-road light projection can enhance communication between drivers, pedestrians and other vehicles and provide customers with a way to address future communication requirements needed for autonomous and self-driving vehicle systems.
Lead customers are sampling now. The DLP5531-Q1 chipset will be broadly available in the second half of 2018.
