Xenon lamp

Fig 1: Identifying Xenon Lamp (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Identifying Xenon Lamp (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.

The xenon lamp is a gas discharge lamp and therefore does not have a filament. The light is generated by an electrical discharge between two electrodes. The igniter is the capsule in which the discharge takes place and is filled with xenon gas and metal halogens under high pressure. The discharge generates a large amount of visible light and a certain amount of ultraviolet radiation. The xenon lamp has an outer casing that reduces the dispersion of ultraviolet radiation.

The xenon lamp is driven by the headlamp/AHL control module. The control module sends high voltage pulses to the ignition transformer for turning on the lamp. The ignition transformer, which is integrated in the xenon lamp, generates the ignition voltage (approx. 23,000 volts) that is required to turn on the lamp. Once discharge is in progress, the voltage requirement will drop to around 85V.