---
title: "Automotive Exterior Lighting: Factors for a Winning Design"
description: There are many design considerations to go into specifying components for automotive headlights. Read about them — and how MCC can help — in this blog post.
---

[News & Events](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/news)

# [Automotive Exterior Lighting: Factors for a Winning Design](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/news/automotive-exterior-lighting-factors-for-a-winning-design)

 Written by [MCC](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/news/author/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 [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/SS110Q-L) | #### Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SK210Q-L - AEC-Q101 Qualified - SMB Package - 2A, 100-200V [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/SK210Q-L) | #### Schottky Barrier Rectifier: SK310Q - AEC-Q101 Qualified - SMC Package -  3A, 100-200V [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/SK310Q) |
| #### Battery Reverse Protection |  |  |
| #### Power MOSFET: MCACL320N04YQ - 40V - AEC-Q101 Qualified - DFN5060 Package [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/MCACL320N04YQ) | #### Power MOSFET: MCG53N06AHE3 - 60V - AEC-Q101 Qualified - DFN3333 Package [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/MCG53N06AHE3) |   |
| #### Motor Control/LED Driver |  |  |
| #### MOSFET: MCACL320N04YQ - 40V   - Split-Gate Trench Technology - AEC-Q101 Qualified - DFN5060 Package [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/MCACL320N04YQ) | #### MOSFET: MCU75N06YHE3 - 60V   - Split-Gate Trench Technology - AEC-Q101 Qualified - DPAK Package [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/MCU75N06YHE3) |   |
| #### CAN/LIN Bus Protection |  |  |
| #### ESD Protection: ESD1524D3BHE3A - 15 VRWM - AEC-Q101 Qualified - SOD-323 Package [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/ESD1524D3BHE3A) | #### ESD Protection: ESD24VD3BHE3 - 24 VRWM - AEC-Q101 Qualified - SOD-323 Package [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/ESD24VD3BHE3) | #### ESD Protection: ESDSB5V0D3BHE3 - 5 VRWM - AEC-Q101 Qualified - SOD-323 Package [View Product](https://www.mccsemi.com/product-detail/ESDSB5V0D3BHE3) |

 

##### 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](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/hubfs/Automotive%20EVs%20-%20Solutions%20that%20drive%20EVs%20Forward.pdf) applications, including:

 

[Body Control Module (BCM)](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/blog/designing-body-control-modules-for-autos-and-evs)

[Infotainment](https://www.mccsemi.com/applications/automotive/infotainment-in-cabin)

[Instrument Cluster](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/blog/instrument-clusters-for-autos-and-evs-consider-these-factors)

[Interior Lighting](https://www.mccsemi.com/applications/automotive/led-backlights-touch-screen-cameras)

On-board Charger (OBC)

EV Charging Station

[Battery Management System (BMS)](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/blog/design-engineering-ev-battery-management-systems-bms)

DC-DC Converter

[Electric Power Steering (EPS)](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/blog/electric-power-steering-eps-design-considerations)

[Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/blog/designing-advanced-driver-assistance-systems)

[Seat Control](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/blog/optimizing-automotive-seat-control-design)

 

Ready to chat or request a sample? [Contact us](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/blog/automotive-exterior-lighting-factors-for-a-winning-design#hs-chat-open) today.

 

[View full post](https://solutions.mccsemi.com/news/automotive-exterior-lighting-factors-for-a-winning-design)

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