As the market for automotive augmented reality head-up displays (AR-HUD) expands, ams OSRAM has set out to target the next-generation automotive display market by leveraging related light source solutions.

ams OSRAM announced on the 31st that it is supplying the 'OSRAM OSTAR Projection Compact LED,' a projection-grade RGB LED light source for automotive AR-HUD implementation.

AR-HUD is a technology that displays navigation guidance, hazard warnings, and driver assistance information directly in the vehicle's front view. With the recent proliferation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and augmented reality technology, its application scope is expanding from the luxury car market to the mid-range car market.

According to the company, the OSTAR Projection Compact LED is designed to enable high contrast ratio images when combined with a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) and an LCOS-based projection system.

The product provides a brightness of up to 16,000 nits and supports screen readability even in strong sunlight or when wearing polarized sunglasses. They also explained that it enables a wider color gamut than LCD-based methods, which can improve the visibility of navigation and warning information.

ams OSRAM stated that the LED is optimized for 0.3, 0.46, and 0.55-inch class DMD imagers to increase optical efficiency and supports a brightness improvement of 10–15% compared to the previous generation.

The OSTAR Projection Compact LED utilizes a ceramic package-based structure to enhance heat dissipation performance and is designed to operate stably even in high-brightness environments.

The company also explained that it has obtained AEC-Q102 Annex 3 certification, a reliability evaluation standard for automotive optoelectronic components.

ams OSRAM announced that it is providing optical systems and driver reference designs for the commercialization of AR-HUDs and is expanding cooperation with major automotive manufacturers (OEMs).

The company stated that the AR-HUD is moving beyond the pilot project phase into mass production and predicted that its application range will expand from mid-range to premium vehicles.