Sunnyvale, CA, January 21, 2010 - In the new Audi A8, light emitting diodes from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors are responsible for the low and high beams as well as for other specific lighting functions. Apart from their efficiency and long operating life, LEDs offer enhanced driver safety through improved visual contrast, warmer color temperature, and active electronic control.

Among the most striking features of Audi's current vehicles are the LED daytime running lights installed in the headlamps. In the new top-of-the-line A8, OSRAM OSTAR LEDs have now advanced headlamp lighting beyond simple low and high beams. Special lighting functions such as motorway beams, cornering lights and all-weather lights are now handled by LEDs. The technological progress is readily identifiable " the individual light sources are visible in the headlamps, noticeably distinguishing the Audi from other automobiles at night.

The OSTAR headlamp is available as a new product platform with up to five LED chips. An innovative conversion process provides a seamless white color impression at maximum brightness levels. Typical light values achieved for each LED chip are 160 lm at 700 mA. Depending on the variant and operating current, values between 125 lm and 1100 lm are achievable. With its scalable brightness, the OSTAR headlamp is perfectly suited to all headlamp functions such as low and high beams, cornering lights, fog-lamps and even for use in daytime running lights.

"LEDs have left the niche market of limited edition and luxury vehicles and have arrived successfully in volume production," says Peter Knittl, LED automotive director at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. "As they already meet all the requirements of modern automobile lighting and are setting new standards in many respects, LEDs are perfectly suited to mass market use."

Better light - for the car's life

LEDs offer automakers like Audi significant advantages compared with conventional lighting solutions. The efficiency of LEDs provides major energy savings, which is ultimately reflected in fuel consumption as well as in CO2 emissions. LEDs also provide outstanding maintenance advantages " the operating life of LEDs is at least as long as that of the vehicle, effectively making lamp replacements unnecessary and translating into savings for car owners.

The use of LEDs also increases driver safety. The OSTAR headlamp LEDs fitted in the A8 illuminate the road surface with perfect definition, without glare, and they produce a light similar to daylight, which enhances perceptions of contrast. In the peripheral field of vision especially, i.e. where pedestrians, animals or poorly lit vehicles may suddenly appear at night, it is easier to recognize objects with white LED light. Even potholes, obstructions and worn road markings are much more visible. Another benefit is that the color temperature is close to that of sunlight, so a driver's eyes will not tire so quickly. Essentially, this technology has the potential to prevent numerous nighttime accidents.

The future of vehicle lighting

Because of LED technology, headlamps are evolving from a mechanical component to an electronic module, the operation of which is linked to the vehicle's electronic system. For an innovative glare-free full beam, for example, data from the navigation system and information from a light-based driver assistance system are combined. Thus, the lighting system can intelligently illuminate only the required parts of the road when cornering or in oncoming traffic. LED arrays play an important role here" depending on the lighting function, individual LED pixels can be switched on or off, which enables light to adjust perfectly to various conditions.

For more information, please contact OSRAM Opto Semiconductors at info@osram-os.com or call 866-993-5211.