News

9 March 2010

 

Osram’s OSTAR Compact LED targets light-guide-based daytime running lights using just two LEDs

Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, Germany says that it has developed the high-power OSTAR Compact LED specifically for use in vehicle headlights, in particular for daytime running light (DRL) applications based on the use of light guides. The LED's compact dimensions and capability for high drive current suit both existing and new headlight designs, says the firm. In addition to the usual point-like LED lighting solutions, linear or two-dimensional designs can be produced using only a small number of light sources.

The use of LEDs for daytime running light applications is increasing, and not only in top-of-the-line models: the energy-saving light sources are fast becoming the light source of choice in mid-range vehicles as well. Osram Opto Semiconductors is hence extending its offering of LEDs for DRL applications with the surface-mounted (SMT) OSTAR Compact. The entire automotive LED portfolio of a headlight manufacturer can now be perfectly matched, says the firm, because the high-current LEDs (such as the OSTAR Headlamp and the OSLON ECE) are available in the finely graded color classes of ECE color binning, bringing color harmony to the front of the vehicle.

With power consumption of just 5W and an operating current of 1.4A, the OSTAR Compact achieves a typical brightness of 300lm, and its 2mm2 chip provides high luminance. With such a small, high-power light source, light guide systems can be produced with just two LEDs, says Osram. The robust component also has the optimum heat removal rate of 6K/W, suiting the high-temperature zones at the front of an automobile. OSTAR Compact also requires neither a reflector nor a lens.

“Light guides are available in many different designs, from a simple rod to complex 3D versions,” says Automotive Division marketing director Peter Knittl. “To offer new designs in variable forms and an alternative to point-like DRL designs, you need one thing above all else – a small high-power light source.”

Osram Opto says that, due to its SMT package, the OSTAR Compact is easy to handle. It will also last as long as the vehicle, eliminating the need for replacement and hence saving on costs. In addition, the red and yellow versions of the OSTAR Compact can be used for signal lighting.

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Search: Osram OSTAR LEDs Daytime running lights

Visit: www.osram-os.com