Segmented Optoelectronic Semiconductor Chip for Automotive Headlamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic semiconductor chips lack the ability to generate distinct and efficient secondary radiations with precise color delimitation and balanced luminous flux for applications like headlamps, where specific color loci and intensities are required for turn signals and daytime running lights.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor chip is segmented into independently drivable segments with specific conversion elements that generate primary radiation, which is then converted into colored and white secondary radiations, allowing for precise control over color and luminosity through the arrangement and area ratio of conversion elements, and an optical shield ensures separation of radiation types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the semiconductor chip uses a single uniform structure for radiation generation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate distinct secondary radiations with precise color delimitation and balanced luminous flux cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor chip is divided into multiple segments with different conversion elements (first conversion elements for colored radiation, second conversion elements for white radiation) arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows each region to generate distinct secondary radiations with precise color characteristics while maintaining overall chip functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the semiconductor chip are assigned different conversion element types and area ratios to achieve specific color properties locally. The first conversion elements convert blue light to yellow/orange for turn signals, while second conversion elements generate white light for daytime running lights, with each region optimized for its specific function.
2Illumination intensity
If the conversion elements are arranged with large area ratios, then the luminous flux intensity increases, but the color delimitation between different radiation types becomes blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion elements are arranged with asymmetric area ratios and spatial distributions optimized for each radiation type. The first conversion elements have specific area ratios relative to the second conversion elements, creating distinct luminous zones with clear color boundaries while maintaining high overall luminous flux output.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical waveguides and optical shields are introduced as intermediary elements to separate and guide the radiation from different conversion element regions. These intermediaries ensure sharp color delimitation at the output while allowing large conversion element area ratios for high luminous flux generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conversion elements are integrated on the semiconductor chip, then the ability to generate both colored and white secondary radiations is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion elements are pre-positioned and fixed on the semiconductor chip segments during the manufacturing process, with their spatial arrangements and area ratios predetermined to achieve the desired color and luminous flux characteristics. This preliminary positioning simplifies subsequent assembly and ensures precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple conversion elements with different functions (first conversion elements for colored radiation, second conversion elements for white radiation) are integrated and combined on a single semiconductor chip structure. This merging approach achieves radiation type versatility while using unified manufacturing processes to maintain alignment precision.
4Ease of operation
If the semiconductor layer sequence is completely removed between adjacent segments, then the electrical independence of segments is achieved, but the structural complexity and production steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor layer sequence is segmented into distinct regions with complete removal between adjacent segments, creating electrically isolated zones for different conversion element arrangements. This segmentation enables independent electrical control of each segment while maintaining a relatively simple production process through standardized removal steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables sharp color delimitation and balanced luminous flux between secondary radiation regions, meeting the color and intensity requirements for automotive lighting applications, such as turn signals and daytime running lights, while maintaining efficient radiation coupling through optical waveguides.
Implementation Method 1
The semiconductor layer sequence includes an active layer for generating a primary radiation. The primary radiation is preferably ultraviolet light or blue light.
Implementation Method 2
the first conversion element converts part of the primary radiation or the entire primary radiation that passes into the first conversion element into the first secondary radiation. The first secondary radiation preferably has a greater wavelength than the primary radiation.
Implementation Method 3
the second conversion element is designed for generating a second secondary radiation by partial or complete wavelength conversion of the primary radiation passing to the second conversion element. The second secondary radiation is particularly preferably white light.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor layer sequence having an active layer configured to generate a primary radiation having a main wavelength less than 500 nm. The semiconductor chip contains a first conversion element configured to generate a first secondary radiation and a second conversion element configured to generate a second secondary radiation. The semiconductor layer sequence is divided into segments that can be controlled electrically independently of each other and that are arranged laterally adjacent to each other. The conversion elements are attached to main radiation sides of the segments. The first secondary radiation is colored light and the second secondary radiation white light.