Automotive LED rear single light functions
Architecture solutions and LED driving concepts for LED rear lighting
Exterior rear lights play a crucial role in safety, brand recognition, and user experience. Infineon offers dedicated solutions for LED control with low power consumption and protection features under the LITIX™ brand. Suitable for various automotive rear single light functions and providing constant current control and extended LED lifetime, these drivers offer flexibility, scalability, and reduced system costs.
Infineon's broad range of LED rear lighting solutions
Infineon's LITIX™ brand offers specialized LED control solutions for automotive rear single lights. These drivers ensure low power consumption, advanced protection features, and extended LED lifespan, while also providing flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Infineon's range of LED rear single light function applications covers:
- Tail lights to signal the presence of the vehicle which are activated when the headlights are on
- Stoplights indicating that the vehicle is slowing down
- Reversing lights which signal that the vehicle is moving rearwards
- Rear fog lights signaling the presence of a vehicle when the view is below 50m
- Turn lights that show the intention of the driver regarding direction right or left
- Center high mount stop light to indicate when the vehicle is slowing down
- License plate light to illuminate the vehicle's registration number
Find out more about resistor-controlled LED lights.
- Comprehensive portfolio
- Low power consumption
- Reduced cost and space
- Enhanced safety and user experience
Resistor can act as current limiter, but not current control circuit
Infineon offers automotive rear LED lighting SPIDER+ LED for resistor-based solutions.
Infineon's automotive rear LED lighting SPIDER+ LED presents a significant advantage as a simple solution. However, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks associated with this system. Firstly, resistor-based solutions may lead to higher power losses, impacting overall efficiency. Additionally, the need to define the resistor for maximum supply voltage conditions can result in a visible decrease in brightness, particularly during start-stop-operation. Moreover, the absence of intrinsic overvoltage and temperature protection may contribute to a reduced lifetime of the LEDs. Another factor to consider is the requirement for additional circuits for diagnostics, adding complexity to the overall system. Furthermore, the LED chain length is limited, based on the LED forward voltage and minimum supply voltage, potentially constraining design flexibility. These considerations underscore the importance of carefully evaluating the trade-offs associated with utilizing this solution in automotive rear LED lighting applications.
A linear current source delivers a consistent output current to the LEDs across the entire supply voltage range and includes diagnostic functions. The LED current is regulated by the linear current source and can be readily adjusted using an external resistor. This ensures a stable output current that remains unaffected by the supply voltage.
LCS providing constant output current and diagnostic functions
This approach offers numerous advantages, including the ability to utilize LEDs at full brightness under nominal operating conditions. It also ensures consistent brightness throughout the entire supply range, even during start-stop operations, while facilitating an extended lifetime through integrated overvoltage and high-temperature protection, along with advanced diagnostic features.
However, it is important to consider potential drawbacks, such as the possibility of high power losses and limitations on the LED chain length based on the LED forward voltage and minimum supply voltage.
Discover our combined DC-DC solution for optimized output voltage.
DC-DC and LCS combination for optimized output voltage
A DC-DC converter is paired with one or more linear current sources to generate an output voltage optimized for the specific LED chain length needed. This DC-DC output voltage is then transformed into a consistent output current by the linear current source, ensuring more efficient control of the LEDs.
The linear current source regulates the LED current, while the output voltage of the DC-DC converter is fine-tuned to match the LED's forward voltage. This approach facilitates the use of various topologies (such as buck, boost, or SEPIC) to meet the requirements of different LED chain lengths and voltage ranges. Additionally, the output current remains constant and can be easily adjusted using an external resistor.
The use of this approach offers several advantages, including higher efficiency compared to a purely linear current source solution. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as an increased component count and the need for optimized PCB layout to ensure EMC performance.
Explore Infineon's product portfolio for automotive rear single light functions.
Infineon's solutions for automotive rear LED lighting
SPIDER+ LED for resistor-based solutions
- LITIX™ Linear for high-power stop light functions
- LITIX™ Basic for tail light functions
- LITIX™ Basic for cost and space optimization
- LITIX™ Power
- LITIX™ Power Flex
In this training, you will understand:
- the different LED driving concepts
- get to know the Infineon solutions regarding automotive rear LED lighting
- Recognize Infineon’s set of LED driver families for automotive rear lighting
- Apply Infineon’s chip-set in a conventional rear lighting architecture and its extension for dynamic effects
