Porsche has developed the light technology of the next generation with its new high-resolution HD matrix technology.
The core element of the innovation is a chip that combines over 16,000 individually controllable micro-LEDs onto the surface area the size of a thumbnail. Of these LED chips, two are utilized for each headlight – four per vehicle. The headlights with HD matrix technology, therefore, offer a high-resolution light distribution up to twice as bright on a surface four times larger than previous top-notch systems.
The end result is extremely homogeneous illumination and a high-performance high beam that turns night into day at a distance of up to 600 meters. The new HD matrix headlights only activate the pixels that are actually needed at any given moment, which means they consume considerably less energy than other high-resolution systems while the amount of light remains the same.
In addition, for the first time, the characteristic Porsche four-point headlight graphics of the daytime running lights can also be seen at night when the new system is used – with both low and high beams. In the development process, Porsche submitted over 25 patents to make the innovative technology a reality.
The company plans to introduce HD matrix headlights successively in different model lines with identical module technology but adapted designs. The new technology must unite differently, and sometimes contradictory, requirements in a single system. Porsche made use of pre-design simulations to analyze which overall system design would best meet all requirements, including those of customers. As a result, the company opted for the new and efficient HD matrix LED technology with 16,384 pixels per module rather than the maximum resolution that is technically feasible.
The HD matrix modules generate direct high-resolution light with a total of 32,768 individually controllable pixels per headlight. Only the light that is actually required is generated, and this is why it is known as active matrix light generation.
The HD matrix light illuminates the entire 40-degree horizontal and ten-degree vertical range with a luminous flux of over 1,400 lumens. This generates one of the largest and brightest high-resolution illumination areas that cover the entire high beam range and begins just in front of the vehicle. The light can be distributed in any way within 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 visibility in any situation.
It is expected that this headlight set will be introduced on its products in 2023.
