When Lights Are Controlled by Camera and GPS

What is the LED matrix technology that has been introduced in the revised SUPERB – the first time it has featured in a ŠKODA? And what are its advantages over the previous generation of headlights? Read our interview with an expert!

1. 7. 2019 Models Superb

Compared to previous headlights, what is their main advantage?

Matrix headlights are an upgrade of the MDF technology we are familiar with in the current ŠKODA SUPERB. The advantage over current MDF technology and its xenon lamps is that the high beam’s light cone is made up of several smaller segments that can be switched on and off as needed in real time. This allows the system to switch off only those light cone parts that could dazzle other road users. The other segments stay on and light up the road. The system can detect multiple objects simultaneously. This was impossible in the previous MDF system, which, using a screen, could only crop the entire width of the light cone.

What are the benefits for the driver?

The most important benefit of matrix light technology is that the system automatically responds to traffic situations and turns off only certain segments of the light cone. The other segments remain on and light up the road. As a result, the driver feels much safer.

Can you describe the basic parts of the headlight in simple terms?

The main heart of the headlight is a bi-functional LED module. This is the source of the dipped and full beam. Next to the module, there are three reflectors. These form part of the high-beam function and increase its power. Besides its main functions, the headlight also incorporates signal functions, i.e. daylight running, a position light and a direction indicator. These three functions rely on precision light-guide technology and give the car a distinctive look both in the daytime and at night. The positioning function also includes illuminated needles, which create an animation effect when the car is being locked and unlocked.

What are the headlights connected to in the car?

For the matrix technology to work, the headlights need input obtained from a camera located behind the windscreen. The signals are then processed by control units that send commands to the headlight according to a complex algorithm. In addition to the front camera, the system also responds to information from navigation map data. This means, for example, that full beam automatically comes on only after the vehicle leaves a built-up area.

How many people have worked – and for how long – on the development, testing and implementation of the matrix headlights for the new-generation SUPERB?

Headlight development has been a joint effort by a team of about 20 people. These are development engineers, optical engineers, smoothers (surface data creation), designers, electronic engineers, test engineers, and so on. Development takes about four years, with the vast majority of development focused on finding and validating a technical concept.