Function of Intelligent Light System - GF82.10-P-3090FQ

MODEL 218 as of model year 2015 with CODE 641 (Full LED headlamps incl. ILS and ACTIVE MULTIBEAM LED (USP!) incl. new lamp design, dynamic LED for left-hand traffic)

MODEL 218 as of model year 2015 with CODE 642 (Full LED headlamps incl. ILS and ACTIVE MULTIBEAM LED (USP!) incl. new lamp design, dynamic LED for right-hand traffic)

MODEL 218 up to model year 2015 with CODE 621 (Intelligent Light System (left-hand traffic))

MODEL 218 up to model year 2015 with CODE 622 (Intelligent Light System (right-hand traffic))

Function requirements, general

No overvoltage or undervoltage
Transport mode not activated (as of 01.06.2012)
Detailed information on the operating state of the transport mode is given in the separate function description "Energy management function".
"Engine running" or "drive train operational" signal on
Low beam ON
While the individual functions are executed, the low beams actuation is active .
Function in instrument cluster (A1) activated

The CDI control unit (N3/9) (with diesel engine) or the ME-SFI [ME] control unit (N3/10) (with gasoline engine) sends the "Engine running" or the "Drive train operational" signal over the chassis CAN (CAN E) (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 1 (CAN E1) (as of 01.03.2013), the front SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/1) and the front end CAN (CAN G) (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 2 (CAN E2) (as of 01.03.2013) to the left headlamp control unit (E1n9) on the left front lamp unit (E1) and to the right headlamp control unit (E2n9) on the right front lamp unit (E2).

The instrument cluster sends information on menu settings over the front end CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or the chassis CAN 2 (as of 01.03.2013) to the headlamp control units.

Intelligent Light System functions in general

The Intelligent Light System function enables optimum illumination of the road to be achieved during different driving situations and weather conditions. This is achieved by increasing light output and through targeted actuation of additional light sources along with various actuators in the front lamp units.

The Intelligent Light System functions include the following subfunctions:

Cornering lights function sequence
Active curve illumination function sequence
Function sequence for active light distribution

Additional function prerequisites for cornering lights

Turn signaling active and speed v < 40 km/h or steering angle detected and speed v < 70 km/h
Radius of curve r ≤80 m

Cornering lights function sequence

Actuation of the left cornering light (E1e9) or the right cornering light (E2e9) improves illumination of the edge of the road on the inside of the curve.

The direct input factors of the cornering lights actuation are the steering wheel angle, recorded by the steering angle sensor (N49), and the turn signaling function, defined by the switch position of the combination switch (S4), since they describe the driver's required direction.

The vehicle speed influences the actuation characteristic for cornering lights actuation. At slow speed, a lower switch-on point is required to ensure that the cornering lights can be activated early in urban traffic.

Schematic of light distribution for active cornering lights actuation

Fig 1: Light Distribution For Active Cornering Lights Actuation Schematic

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

At a speed lower than v = 40 km/h the request through the turn signaling function has a higher priority than the request from recognition of the steering angle, in order to ensure that the edge of the road on the inside of the curve is illuminated when the steering wheel is turned and the vehicle turns in the opposite direction (roundabout situation). When the reverse gear is engaged, only the data of the steering angle sensor is evaluated.

During forward travel, the relevant cornering light on the inside of the curve is actuated. During reverse travel on vehicles up to 31.08.2014, the relevant cornering light on the outside of the curve is actuated. On vehicles as of 01.09.2014 both cornering lights are actuated for reverse travel. A rapid change in the steering wheel angle or a request for turn signaling during forward travel and, on vehicles up to 31.08.2014, also during reverse travel, both cornering lights may be actuated temporarily. The corresponding cornering light is switched on and off with dimming.

When the function request suddenly no longer exists, the corresponding cornering light remains switched on for a holding time of approx. t = 2 s and is switched off within t = 2 s with dimming.

If the cornering lights function is requested simultaneously by the detected steering angle and the turn signaling function, the actuation sensitivity is increased. The corresponding cornering light is actuated as soon as a curve radius of r ≤450 m is detected.

If, e.g. the red phase at a set of traffic lights last for longer than t = 3 min. and the cornering light actuation is activated because of the set turn signal, then the active cornering light is dimmed and switched off. The steering column tube module control unit (N80) reads in the data of the steering angle sensor and the switch position of the combination switch directly, calculates the steering angle, and then sends it as well as the switch position of the combination switch over the chassis CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or the chassis CAN 1 (as of 01.03.2013), the front SAM control unit and the front end CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or the chassis CAN 2 (as of 01.03.2013) to the left headlamp control unit.

The vehicle speed is calculated on the basis of the wheel speeds. The Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4) (without code (233) DISTRONIC PLUS and without engine 157) or the Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (with CODE (233) DISTRONIC PLUS or with engine 157) sends information on the wheel speeds over the chassis CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 1 (as of 01.03.2013) and front SAM control unit, front end CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 2 (as of 01.03.2013) to the left headlamp control unit.

Gear range "R" is engaged by the fully integrated transmission control unit (Y3/8n4). The fully integrated transmission control unit sends the "Gear range R engaged" status over the drive train CAN (CAN C), CDI control unit or the ME-SFI [ME] control unit and the chassis CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 1 (as of 01.03.2013) to the front SAM control unit. The front SAM control unit sends the "Reverse gear engaged" signal over the front end CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 2 (as of 01.03.2013) to the left headlamp control unit.

Vehicles up to 31.08.2014:

The left headlamp control unit evaluates all the information and sends the "Cornering light ON" request over the left headlamp-LIN (LIN G1) to the left front actuation module 1, LED exterior lighting, which then directly actuates the left cornering light.

The right headlamp control unit sends the "Cornering light ON" request over the right headlamp-LIN (LIN G2) to the right front actuation module 1, LED exterior lighting, which then actuates the right cornering light.

Vehicles as of 01.09.2014:

The left headlamp control unit evaluates all the information and actuates the left cornering light. The right headlamp control unit actuates the right cornering light.

On vehicles with CODE 531 (COMAND APS) both cornering lights are switched on when approaching a roundabout. To do so, the COMAND controller unit (A40/3) sends map data over the telematics CAN (CAN A), front SAM control unit and the chassis CAN 2 to the left headlamp control unit.

Additional function requirements, active curve illumination

Vehicle moving forward
"Extended fog light" function disabled

Active curve illumination function sequence

Active curve illumination improves the road illumination when cornering. For this the low beam cone is swiveled horizontally towards the center point of the curve.

The low beams modules in the front lamp units are mounted in a retaining frame so they can be swiveled. The low beam light cone can then be moved both horizontally and vertically. When turning into a curve, the low beam module of the front lamp unit on the inside of the curve is swiveled up to μ = 12°, and the front lamp unit on the outside of the curve up to μ = 7.5°.

Schematic of light distribution for active dynamic curve illumination function

Fig 2: Light Distribution For Active Dynamic Curve Illumination Function Schematic

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The active curve lights function is carried out depending on the following set variables:

Steering wheel angle
Vehicle speed
Vehicle yaw behavior (vehicle movement)
Lane data (on vehicles as of 01.09.2014 with CODE 22P (Lane package) or CODE 23P (Driving Assistance package))

The direct input factor is the steering wheel angle, the vehicle speed influences the function's control response (gear ratio of steering angle to swivel angle).

At a low vehicle speed, a smaller conversion is required so that the light pattern does not behave in a jumpy manner (e.g. in urban traffic).

At medium vehicle speeds an immediate response is given to relatively minor changes in the steering angle and at higher vehicle speeds the responses are dampened again to a greater extent. In order to compensate for the vehicle's natural pendulum motions when driving straight ahead, an area with lower sensitivity and greater damping is provided (approx. ±6° steering angle).

The steering column tube module control unit reads in the data of the steering angle sensor directly, calculates the steering angle, and sends it over the chassis CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or the chassis CAN 1 (as of 01.03.2013), the front SAM control unit and the front end CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 2 (as of 01.03.2013) to the left headlamp control unit.

The vehicle speed is calculated on the basis of the wheel speeds. The Electronic Stability Program control unit sends information on the wheel speeds over chassis CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or the chassis CAN 1 (as of 01.03.2013), the front SAM control unit and the front end CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 2 (as of 01.03.2013) to the left headlamp control unit.

The yaw behavior of the vehicle is detected by the yaw rate sensor for lateral and longitudinal acceleration (B24/15). This sends corresponding information over the dynamics CAN, Electronic Stability Program control unit, chassis CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 1 (as of 01.03.2013), the front SAM control unit and the front end CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 2 (as of 01.03.2013) to the left headlamp control unit.

Information on the lane is sent on vehicles with CODE 22P (Lane package) by the multifunction camera (A40/11) over the chassis CAN 2 to the left headlamp control unit. On vehicles with CODE 23P (Driving assistance package) Plus the stereo multifunction camera (A40/13) sends information on the lane over the chassis FlexRay (Flex E), chassis gateway control unit (N93/7) and chassis CAN 2 to the left headlamp control unit.

The left headlamp control unit evaluates all relevant information and actuates the left active curve lights actuator motor (E1m2) directly. The right headlamp control unit actuates the right active curve lights actuator motor (E2m2) directly.

The current position of the left active curve light actuator motor is detected by the left active curve light position sensor (E1b1) and the position of the right active curve light actuator motor is detected by the right active curve light position sensor (E2b1). The signals of the active curve lights position sensors are evaluated by the respective headlamp control unit.

If the curve illumination actuation is defective, the headlamp units are, if possible, swiveled into the central position. If an active curve lights actuator motor malfunctions on vehicles as of 01.09.2014, the left light distribution actuator motor (E1m3) or the right light distribution actuator motor (E2m3) is actuated to cover up the rising part of the light-dark boundary and thereby reduce any dazzling effect for oncoming traffic.

Additional function requirements, active light distribution

Vehicle moving forward

Function sequence for active light distribution

The active light distribution encompasses the following subfunctions:

Function sequence for motorway lights
Function sequence for extended fog light

Additional function requirements, freeway lights

Extended fog light function disabled
Radius of curve r ≥800 m

Function sequence for motorway lights

The freeway lights improve the illumination of the road by increasing the range of the low beams without blinding the preceding traffic.

The freeway lights are activated at speeds typical for the freeway or expressway.

This function is realized on vehicles up to 31.08.2014 through vertical deflection of the light cone and by increasing the light output on vehicles as of 01.09.2014 by changing the light distribution and increasing light output.

Vehicles as of 01.09.2014:

The front lamp units are equipped with a new "multibeam technology". The light sources for implementing the high beams function are equipped with 24 LEDs that can be actuated independently of each other. The formation and intensity of the light cone can be influenced depending on which LEDs are actuated.

The motorway lights function is deactivated when it is raining. Rain is detected by evaluating the windshield wiper signal (Windshield wiper out of park position). If the windshield wiper is in the park position less than t = 600 ms, this is evaluated as continuous wipe. Rain is detected if the continuous wipe function is active for t > 2 min.

Schematic of light distribution for active freeway lights function

Fig 3: Light Distribution For Active Freeway Lights Function Schematic

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The motorway lights function is carried out depending on the following set variables:

Steering wheel angle
Vehicle speed
Vehicle yaw behavior (vehicle movement)

The yaw behavior of the vehicle is detected by the yaw rate sensor for lateral and longitudinal acceleration. This sends corresponding information over the dynamics CAN, Electronic Stability Program control unit, chassis CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 1 (as of 01.03.2013), the front SAM control unit and the front end CAN (up to 28.02.2013) or chassis CAN 2 (as of 01.03.2013) to the left headlamp control unit.

Vehicles up to 31.08.2014:

The left headlamp control unit evaluates all the relevant information. As of a vehicle speed of v = 90 km/h and a curve radius of r > 800 m for a driving distance greater than s = 2.5 km, the light output of the low beams is increased in the long range. To this end, the left headlamp control unit sends the "Increase light output" request over the left headlamp LIN to the left front actuation module 2, LED exterior lighting. The right headlamp control unit sends the "Increase light output" request over the right headlamp LIN to the right front actuation module 2, LED exterior lighting. The front actuation modules 2, LED exterior lighting then increase the level of light emission by increasing the light output.

The light output for the low beams at close range remains unchanged.

The left headlamp control unit as from a speed of v = 110 km/h and a curve radius of r > 800 m for more than s = 1 km driving distance, actuates the left headlamp range adjustment actuator motor (E1m1).

The headlamp unit of the left front lamp unit is raised. The range of the low beams is thus increased. The maximum lift is reached at v = 130 km/h.

If the vehicle speed drops to less than v = 80 km/h, the motorway lights function is deactivated.

Vehicles as of 01.09.2014:

The left headlamp control unit evaluates all the information and actuates the left light distribution actuator motor. The right headlamp control unit actuates the right light distribution actuator motor.

The current position of the left light distribution actuator motor is detected by the left light distribution position sensor (E1b2) and the position of the right light distribution actuator motor is detected by the right light distribution position sensor (E2b2). The signals of the light distribution position sensors are evaluated by the respective headlamp control unit.

The headlamp control units operate in a master-slave combination whereby the left headlamp control unit acts as the master and synchronizes the right headlamp control unit over chassis CAN 2. The left headlamp control unit also sends the "ILS light distribution" request over the chassis CAN 2 to the left front LED matrix lamp unit control unit (E1n11) and to the right front LED matrix lamp unit control unit (E2n11).

The left front LED matrix lamp unit control unit generates the "Motorway light" by increasing the light output of the LEDs for the left front adaptive high beam (E1e24).

The right front LED matrix lamp unit control unit generates the "Motorway light" by increasing the light output of the LEDs for the right front adaptive high beam (E2e24).

Additional function requirements for extended fog light function

Rear fog lights actuation active

The front SAM control unit reads in the status of the rear fog light button (S1s10) in the exterior lights switch (S1) directly.

Function sequence for extended fog light

The extended fog light function improves the illumination of the edges of the road and reduces the internal dazzling.

The light cone of the front lamp unit facing the inside of the road is set to a symmetrical light distribution and steered outwards at vehicle speeds below v = 70 km/h.

Schematic of light distribution for active extended fog light function

Fig 4: Light Distribution For Active Extended Fog Light Function Schematic

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The front SAM control unit sends the rear fog lamp actuation status over the chassis CAN 2 to the left headlamp control unit.

Vehicles up to 31.08.2014:

The left headlamp control unit evaluates all of the relevant information and actuates the left headlamp range adjustment actuator motor and the left active curve lights actuator motor. The headlamp unit of the left front lamp unit is lowered and swiveled outwards by μ = 8 °. Internal dazzling is reduced and illumination of the road surface at the side is improved.

In left-hand traffic the corresponding actuators in the right front lamp unit are actuated.

Vehicles as of 01.09.2014:

The left headlamp control unit evaluates all the information and actuates the left light distribution actuator motor and the left active curve lights actuator motor. The headlamp unit of the left front lamp unit is swiveled outwards by μ = 8° and the part of the light-dark boundary that slopes upward to the right is covered. Internal dazzling is reduced and illumination of the road surface at the side is improved.

The current position of the left light distribution actuator motor is registered by the left light distribution position sensor, and the position of the left active curve lights actuator motor by the left active curve lights position sensor. The signals of the position sensors are evaluated by the left headlamp control unit.

In left-hand traffic the corresponding actuators in the right front lamp unit are actuated.

If the extended fog light function is active, the active curve lights function is deactivated.

If the high beams function is requested while the "Extended fog light function" is active, the position of the headlamp unit is retained.

The separate daytime running lamps (up to 31.08.2014) are switched off because of the possible self-dazzling effect.

The extended fog light function is deactivated under the following conditions:

Low beams malfunction
Actuator motor malfunction

When testing and adjusting the front lamp unit, ensure that the extended fog light function is not active.

Electrical function schematic for Intelligent Light System	MODEL 218 up to model year 2015 with CODE 621 (Intelligent Light System (left-hand traffic)) MODEL 218 up to model year 2015 with CODE 622 (Intelligent Light System (right-hand traffic))	PE82.10-P-2067-97XAA
Electrical function schematic for Intelligent Light System	MODEL 218 as of model year 2015 with CODE 641 (Full LED headlamps incl. ILS and ACTIVE MULTIBEAM LED (USP!) incl. new lamp design, dynamic LED for left-hand traffic) MODEL 218 as of model year 2015 with CODE 642 (Full LED headlamps incl. ILS and ACTIVE MULTIBEAM LED (USP!) incl. new lamp design, dynamic LED for right-hand traffic)	PE82.10-P-2067-97XAB
Overview of exterior lights system components		GF82.10-P-9998FQ