Lighting Feast Buick Matrix Pixel Matrix LED Headlight Experience

As an indispensable part of the vehicle, the headlights of Pacific Auto Network Technology Channel not only outline the "God" of the front face like the finishing touch, but also bear decisive responsibility in the active safety of the vehicle. In recent years, LED light source lamps have been widely used, which has significantly improved the overall lighting effect of vehicles. Matrix LED lights, which were once only equipped on top luxury cars, are gradually being put down to household models.

Guangde proving ground is the best place to test the actual performance of a lamp because of the high black wind in the moon. Regal GS equipped with Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlights has been waiting here for a long time. ...

Popular Science Time: What is Matrix LED Headlights?

I believe that all the old drivers were stunned by the "high beam dog" when they burned the midnight oil. The appearance of matrix LED headlights is just to avoid this situation. In the cavity of matrix LED headlamp, there are several independent LED light-emitting elements, all of which support independent switch and brightness level. When passing by or encountering pedestrians, the headlight will decide which part of the lamp will be automatically extinguished according to the information of the sensor, so as to avoid the glare of the other side and obviously improve the active safety factor.

● The first generation &; second generation

In 20 13, Audi, nicknamed "Lamp Factory", was the first to be equipped with 5-pixel matrix LED headlights on the mid-term modified model of the previous generation A8, which realized the functions of zoning lighting and dynamic steering assistance, and was the representative of the first generation matrix LED headlights with pixels below 10.

For example, the first generation of matrix LED headlights are similar to this Nokia C 1 mobile phone, and the color screen resolution is+160* 128 pixels, which provides a better experience than the early "PHS" with monochrome screen, showing epoch-making progress.

However, with the passage of time, the number of partitions of the first-generation matrix LED headlights is seriously insufficient, which leads to a cliff-like decline in the overall output brightness when some pixels are extinguished (one-fifth extinction is avoided, which means that the output is reduced 1/5). When avoiding small obstacles such as animals/pedestrians, there is a feeling that it is not worth the candle. Therefore, the second generation of matrix LED headlights with more pixels came into being.

Compared with the first-generation matrix LED headlights, the pixel number of the second-generation matrix LED headlights is less than 10-20. Compared with the first generation products, the overall output power of the second generation matrix LED headlights has been significantly improved, but it cannot be called a revolutionary evolution. At present, the matrix LED headlights of mainstream models mostly stay in the second generation.

Take a mobile phone as an example. The second-generation matrix LED headlights are similar to Nokia N73, with a screen of 320*340 pixels. At that time, it was simply a "high-definition giant screen", but it was simply a representative of "spicy eyes" by current standards, and the graininess could not be more obvious.

● The third generation

Just like the epoch-making retina display of iPhone 4, the evolution of the third-generation matrix LED headlights is revolutionary, which has truly realized the evolution from point to surface, increasing the number of LED pixels to more than 20. Among them, the outstanding representatives are Mercedes-Benz Multibeam geometric multi-beam headlights, Audi HD Matrix LED headlights, and Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlights loaded on Regal GS.

In the above picture, the Mercedes-Benz Multibeam geometric multi-beam headlight has 84 LED pixels, which is obviously superior to the Audi Q8 lamp group with only 24 pixels in illumination, but it is far inferior to Audi in illumination brightness. The third-generation matrix LED headlights obviously increase the number of pixels, which leads to the problem of heat dissipation: a light group with a single LED bulb that is too small can not achieve both concentrated light and high-intensity output. If it is not solved, the actual brightness of headlights will be worse than the previous two generations.

The Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlights experienced this time are the "latecomers" representatives of the third generation matrix LED headlights. Although the pixels are the same as those of Mercedes-Benz Multibeam geometric multi-beam headlights, they are all 84 pixels. However, due to the addition of independent auxiliary lamps and innovative side lamps, more detailed lighting effect control can be achieved without sacrificing global lighting brightness.

● The fourth generation

As I write this article, the world's first Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) equipped with the fourth-generation matrix LED headlights has been officially released. The highlight of the fourth generation matrix LED headlight group is that it has completely realized the "screen of headlights".

For example, on the W223 S-class car, each light group is integrated with three LED modules, and each module is refracted by 1.3 million micromirrors, which also makes the illumination resolution of the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-class exceed 2.6 million pixels. With headlights, information such as warning symbols and marking aids can be directly projected onto the road ahead. As long as you like, it is not impossible to use it to show movies.

Compared with mobile phones, the fourth-generation matrix LED headlights are the epoch-making Apple iPhone X, which truly realizes the full screen and is a milestone in the development of mobile phones. Like iPhone X, the information conveyed by the fourth-generation matrix LED headlights continues to increase, and it is easy to "project" words and icons on the ground, which is more in line with the trend in the next 5- 10 years.

Disassembly analysis of regal GS matrix pixel headlight group

Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlights mainly have four groups of light sources, first, the corner light module closest to the air intake grille, then the wide-angle near-light module, then the 84-pixel far-near light integrated module, and finally the LED daytime running light/turn signal bar below.

● Shell

As the "backbone" supporting the whole lamp, the shell requires high strength and positioning, otherwise it is difficult to achieve accurate irradiation control. Therefore, ordinary engineers use high-strength engineering plastics to build the shell, and reserve the wiring position well, which looks cool and neat, showing the demeanor of a big factory.

In addition, in terms of shell, the author found the familiar ZKW supplier logo. This Austrian-based headlight manufacturing company has always been the favorite of GM models. Matrix pixel matrix LED headlights are provided by ZKW's factory in Dalian.

● Core 84-pixel far-near optical integration module

In the module, the 84-pixel LED module symbolizing the highest level of the third-generation matrix LED headlight is embedded in the circuit board behind the PED lens and the internal condenser lens. By turning on and off different LED bulbs and controlling the brightness ratio of the bulbs, smooth lighting range switching and far-near lighting effect can be realized.

It is worth mentioning that, because the whole module undertakes the function of far and near light, the calorific value is very considerable. Therefore, engineers designed an extra air duct for it, which sucked air from the inside of the casing through a small fan at the front end, conveyed the air to the aluminum radiator behind the circuit board, and finally discharged the hot air from the air outlet at the top of the module, thus ensuring the module to work stably for a long time.

● Wide-angle near optical module

Compared with the high-tech 84-pixel LED module, the wide-angle low beam module is similar in appearance and equipped with PES lens, but the technical content is much lower. It can be regarded as a fixed brightness LED light group, with only two working states: on and off.

Its existence significance lies in filling the shortage of weak light irradiation range of 84-pixel LED module, enhancing the overall output light intensity, and serving as a redundant backup for the whole lamp group.

But its most surprising appearance is the huge aluminum radiator at the end of the module. Although you don't enjoy the exclusive fan like the 84-pixel LED module, you can also take away the heat on the back of the circuit board with the help of the circulating airflow and considerable heat dissipation area in the lamp group to ensure the stability of the lamp group.

● Signal lamp module

The signal lamp module, as its name implies, controls the opening and closing of the signal lamp. But unfortunately, Regal GS does not support the configuration of running water turn signals, which seems to be somewhat backward by the standard of 2020.

As the only "shell-penetrating" module, the heat dissipation of the signal lamp module directly radiates to the outside of the lamp through the metal substrate behind the circuit board. However, the larger shell opening also puts forward higher requirements for the effect of rubber sealing ring, but I believe that ordinary engineers have solved this problem.

● Corner lamp module

As a supplement that the 84-pixel LED module can't take care of both sides of the car head, the corner lamp module arranged on both sides can realize the linear adjustment of the left and right illumination brightness by controlling the switch and brightness change, which greatly reduces the illumination blind area of the whole lamp group.

It is worth mentioning that even though the turn-on time of the corner light unit is not as long as that of the two core lighting modules, the chief engineer has added a thick aluminum radiator for it. Even though the whole module is not usually seen by the owner, it is remarkable in actual work, showing a high degree of sincerity.

● Horizontal/vertical dimming module

If it is the previous self-made LED headlight group, the requirements for vertical and horizontal dimming modules will be higher. However, thanks to the inherent advantage that the 84-pixel LED module can adjust the illumination angle, the vertical and horizontal dimming modules are further simplified, and the gears and arms are only made of engineering plastics, which indirectly reduces the self-weight of the lamp group.

Analysis of Working Mode of Buick Matrix Pixel Headlamp Group

Since the hardware of Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlight group is superior, it must have top-level sensors, data processing modules and advanced algorithms, so as to truly exert its full strength.

Various data in the vehicle CAN bus, such as driving speed, road conditions around the vehicle/other vehicle positions, steering wheel input angle, etc. , collected by the control unit of Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlight group, and will automatically select the optimal mode from the 10 modes in the drawing, and adjust the lighting range and brightness in real time.

● Low beam mode

Urban and rural areas are the two most frequently used low beam modes for car owners' daily commuting. When the vehicle speed is 50 km/h, the turning signal will be turned off when the vehicle speed is 50km/h, and the irradiation range of the low beam will be extended to the right and front, so that the driver can see farther and reduce the dazzling probability of oncoming vehicles.

Low-speed cornering mode and dynamic cornering mode are mainly used to improve the visual field of the bending center side when the vehicle turns. When it is less than 50km/h, the system will make the corner light on the center side of the curve work at the maximum brightness to avoid the blind spots on both sides of the front. When the vehicle speed exceeds 50km/h, the whole irradiation range of the low beam will be linked with the input angle of the steering wheel to help illuminate the curved central part, and the effect is the same as that of the previous follow-up steering headlights.

Economic mode and bad weather mode are two "dimming" modes. The first one is to reduce the battery pressure when the engine is turned off and extend the start-stop time. The second is to prevent too bright light from being reflected back to the cockpit by raindrops, which will dazzle the driver and make the vision more transparent in bad weather.

In the stop light mode, the left and right corner lights will always be on, which helps the driver to better judge the distance between the two corners of the vehicle, which is generally similar to the urban mode.

● High beam mode

When the vehicle speed is 50km/h, Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlight group can switch from full high beam mode to anti-glare high beam mode at any time. You know, whether a light group blocks the vehicles in the same direction/opposite direction is the key to the distance between the third-generation matrix LED headlights and the second-generation products.

To be honest, I think the last high-speed mode is a bit redundant. After all, there are the above two most commonly used high beam modes, which can already cope with most high-speed road conditions. At the same time, most expressways in China have also added isolation belts in the middle of two-way lanes, which is not the usual design of American expressways without isolation belts. After all, sometimes this model can even have the opposite effect.

What is the actual experience of Buick Matrix pixel headlight group?

● Exposure range experience

In terms of the most direct linear lighting performance, Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlight group can achieve an available lighting distance of more than 400 meters. After all, in the dark, the words on the 400 m sign can still be clearly recognized by the driver.

● Compare the glare of the head car.

In order to reflect the "anti-glare" degree of Matrix Pixel matrix LED headlight group, the organizer asked a Regal GS equipped with light group and using automatic high beam mode, and an Angkewei S with ordinary high beam to drive to the vehicle where the author was riding at a speed of 70 km/h.

On the left side of the screen, Regal GS, equipped with Matrix Pixel matrix LED headlights and using automatic high beam mode, will not sway to the vehicle where the author is located at all, and you can completely see the markings in the middle of the road.

On the right side of the screen, the Angkor S model is equipped with ordinary LED headlights and high beam. As can be seen from the picture, it makes the interior of the vehicle in which the author rides as bright as day and blinds the author's eyes for a long time; However, the recognition degree of road middle markings also drops sharply, which has serious security risks.

From this simple experiment, it can be seen that Matrix Pixel matrix LED headlight group has a good shielding effect on the opposite traffic, which indirectly ensures the safety of all road participants.

● Corner lighting

Enter the vehicle menu, set the lighting mode to "Intelligent Low Beam", ensure that the lighting knob is in Auto, and press the automatic light button on the turn signal post.

After setting, ensure that the vehicle runs at a speed of about 50km/h, and the follow-up steering effect of this headlight group can be seen at the corner.

As can be seen from the figure, the Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlight group uses corner lights to illuminate part of the bending center, providing unequal light coverage distance from left to right; According to the input angle of the steering wheel, the whole irradiation range of the light can be made close to the bending center, so as to achieve the effect of "light goes with your heart".

There is no most sincere headlight of its class.

Although the Buick Matrix Pixel matrix LED headlight group is only equipped on the top-equipped Regal GS model, looking at the entire B-class car market, the price of the top-equipped Regal GS of 259,800 yuan is still very attractive under the blessing of this light group. After all, apart from the much more expensive mercedes benz c class, no rival can provide the truly third-generation matrix LED light group.

More importantly, the Buick Matrix pixel matrix LED headlight group not only stabilizes the brightness of multi-beam headlights, but also has a smooth sense of adaptive adjustment. Isn't this a gift package for fans from SAIC-GM? If you can't buy this lamp of Regal GS, it's really a big loss.

(Photo/Text/Photo: Pacific Auto Network Qin Zikai)

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