Mitsubishi Electric unveils new optical module for LED headlights

Mitsubishi electric corporation announced today that it has developed a compact and highly luminous optical module for LED headlights using a unique system that simply combines a converging lens and projecting lens for more efficient LED headlights.

Even though the new system measures only 20 millimetres high and it achieves 180 percent luminous efficiency, which is equivalent to any larger 40 millimetres to 60 millimetres projecting lenses. According to Mitsubishi, the optimal light distribution control and design flexibility enhance the safety and comfort factor while driving. The new technology will be exhibited at the Mitsubishi Electric booth during CES Asia 2018 in Shanghai, China from June 13 to 15.

Headlight optical systems collect the light projected from an LED light source to form a light beam with a cutoff line for the low beam. Conventional systems use reflectors with coated mirrors that are prone to reflection loss, low efficiency and take up space due to their large size. Mitsubishi Electric, aiming to enhance night-driving safety by achieving superior visibility for the driver and the elimination of glare for other vehicles and pedestrians, has developed an optical module for LED headlights that is compact, highly luminous-efficient, equipped with advanced and precise beam-control functions, and offers design flexibility.

Showcasing accuracy in illumination

Obstacles that are not illuminated by low-beam headlights pose a challenge, so Mitsubishi Electric developed a function that projects a spot beam on obstacles detected by a sensor, enabling early identification of pedestrians, etc. for safer nighttime driving.

Furthermore, a human-system interface allows the light's colour temperature to be adjusted according to the driver's needs, thereby improving night visibility for each driver. In addition, the LED lighting control includes an ADB for passive high-beam driving to secure superior visibility.

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