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Automotive Exterior Lighting: Factors for a Winning Design

Written by MCC | Sep 11, 2023 6:28:03 PM

Specify the Right Products for Reliable Performance

Automotive exterior lights are designed to provide safe, reliable operation in a range of driving conditions. For many vehicles, they are also an important design element for the overall look of the automobile. 

Engineers have the skills and technology to specify the right product to maximize efficiencies without sacrificing performance. 

Automotive headlights come in a variety of technologies, including:

  • Halogen - waning in popularity for auto headlamps, these bulbs use halogen gas and produce a yellowish, dull glow compared to other technologies. The typical lifespan of a halogen bulb is 2,000 hours. 
  • HIDs - high-intensity discharge bulbs are also found in some models. They leverage Xenon gas to produce a very bright light with a blue tint. The typical HID bulb lasts 5,000 hours.
  • LEDs - light emitting diodes (LEDs) are gaining popularity for automotive headlights due to their energy efficiency and long-lasting performance — 50,000 and 100,000 hours!

 
Exterior Auto Lighting Design Factors

As consumers and manufacturers continue to push the envelope in exterior auto lighting, design engineers must weigh several factors:

  • Energy efficiency - the car's battery powers headlights and energy-efficient products reduce the power wasted, thus improving fuel economy and reducing environmental impact.  
  • Compact footprint - space may be limited for front and rear exterior headlamp components to maintain the sleek design aesthetic modern consumers expect.
  • High-temperature capability - these lights are often exposed to high temperatures from the engine and the sun. Semiconductors must withstand these conditions without damage.
  • High current handling - headlights require a large amount of current. Components that can handle high currents without overheating or failing are essential.
  • Low on-resistance - low on-resistance will result in less power loss, which can improve the headlight's efficiency.
  • Fast switching speed - exterior auto lights must quickly switch between high and low beams while maintaining the correct brightness level.  
  • Low reverse recovery time - a low reverse recovery time will help reduce the amount of noise generated by the headlight.
  • Applicable industry standards - Automotive components must meet stringent requirements and industry standards, such as AEC-Q101. MCC has a robust portfolio of Automotive-grade products for a range of applications.
 
Automotive Lighting Block Diagram

 

Recommended Products

Power Management

Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SS110Q-L
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • 1A, 100-200V
  • SMA Package

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Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SK210Q-L

  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SMB Package
  • 2A, 100-200V

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Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SK310Q

  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SMC Package
  •  3A, 100-200V

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Battery Reverse Protection

Power MOSFET: MCACL320N04YQ

  • 40V
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • DFN5060 Package

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Power MOSFET: MCG53N06AHE3

  • 60V
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • DFN3333 Package

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Motor Control/LED Driver

MOSFET: MCACL320N04YQ

  • 40V  
  • Split-Gate Trench Technology
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • DFN5060 Package

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MOSFET: MCU75N06YHE3

  • 60V  
  • Split-Gate Trench Technology
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • DPAK Package

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CAN/LIN Bus Protection

ESD Protection: ESD1524D3BHE3A

  • 15 VRWM
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

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ESD Protection: ESD24VD3BHE3

  • 24 VRWM
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

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ESD Protection: ESDSB5V0D3BHE3

  • 5 VRWM
  • AEC-Q101 Qualified
  • SOD-323 Package

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No matter your exterior Automotive lighting design objectives, we have the quality discrete semiconductors to help you deliver the ideal product for your end-users.

 

 Explore MCC’s diverse solutions for Auto and EV applications, including:

 

Body Control Module (BCM)

Infotainment

Instrument Cluster

Interior Lighting

On-board Charger (OBC)

EV Charging Station

Battery Management System (BMS)

DC-DC Converter

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

Seat Control

 

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