FEBRUARY 2026AUTOTECHOUTLOOK.COM8IN MY OPINIONILLUMINATING THE PATH TO A SOFTWARE-DEFINED FUTUREBy Matthaeus Artmann, Project Manager Advanced Systems & Technologies, ZKWLooking at the automotive industry for exterior lighting, it is clear, that light-emitting diodes (LED) have become the main photonic element utilized for all known applications, no matter if it's for road illumination or signalling. More than a decade ago, LEDs started to succeed in well-established light sources such as halogen bulbs and HID lamps. LASER was in vogue for a while, but over time became only a niche technology for very specific use cases in exterior lighting. ZKW played an important role in bringing the first full-LED-equipped headlamp and also in developing a LASER-based application.With this big shift to LEDs, some challenges occurred down the road which are still valid nowadays in my opinion. Technology-wise, it was clear from the beginning that LEDs need specific thermal management to optimize lifetime since a headlamp comprises a very harsh environment with high-temperature conditions causing degradation to semiconductors. Thermal solutions now look very similar to those from the early beginnings, like FR4-based PCBs on heatsinks with a cooling fan on the back, but advancements like insulated metal substrate (IMS) and copper inlays brought greater flexibility. I see movements that the materials used could change as a matter of sustainability and environmental health requirements, but not soon. Changing to new materials seems tempting but in my humble opinion needs a global approach, as the automotive industry with its very specific requirements on grade and quality has less power to make it happen.Through this article, Matthaeus Artmann, Project Manager Advanced Systems & Technologies at ZKW, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of exterior automotive lighting. He discusses the transition to LED-based lighting, the challenges of thermal management and the advancements in LED technology. Artmann highlights the importance of integrating high-power drivers and high-bandwidth interfaces to overcome current limitations and the shift towards centralized architectures for software-defined vehicles. He emphasizes the need for automotive suppliers to innovate and collaborate with OEMs to ensure a smooth transition and enhance the functionality and sustainability of exterior lighting systems.Matthaeus Artmann
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