High-tech lighting: HELLA and Porsche unveil the world's first SSL | HD matrix headlamp

HELLA, the renowned automotive supplier, under the FORVIA brand have joined forces with other partners to introduce the automotive world to the first-ever high-resolution headlamp utilizing matrix LED technology. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone in the industry, showcasing the innovative capabilities. It advances vehicle lighting technology to a new level with each headlight having more than 32,000 independently programmable pixels.

Yves Andres, Managing Director Lighting at HELLA, claims that "together with Porsche and our other partners, we have realized top-notch lighting technology for the new Cayenne." "In every traffic circumstance, we provide the end user with the optimum visibility thanks to our digital headlight system SSL | HD. By doing this, we actively raise traffic safety and further improve driving comfort.

HD technology from HELLA, which was awarded the prestigious CES 2023 Innovation Award at the end of the previous year, represents a substantial evolution and miniaturization of matrix LED systems. The area needed for the light module has been decreased by up to 75% when compared to traditional headlights. Two high-resolution LED chips in the Porsche Cayenne, each smaller than a fingernail, produce more than 32,000 pixels per headlamp. One electronic control unit per headlamp, which HELLA also created as a system supplier, manages the pixels. Due to the large amounts of data involved, so-called GMSL interfaces are utilized in this situation for the first time. Additionally, HELLA has created new algorithms that enable the light distribution to be calculated in real-time, enabling the operation of two light sources per headlamp with a single control unit.

Based on this, the high-resolution headlamp system implements the most advanced new lighting functionalities in addition to further enhancing well-established features like adaptive, glare-free high beam. The best lane, for instance, can be dynamically projected onto the road at congested construction sites or on highways to aid drivers in safe vehicle direction.

The Porsche Cayenne's headlights are created and manufactured at the company's headquarters in Lippstadt, Germany. The SSL | HD module is produced in large quantities on production lines that are nearly entirely automated.

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