LED ambient lighting leads the rapid development of future interior lighting (Part 2)

Microchip's In-Car Ambient Lighting Module reference design demonstrates microcontroller-based control of RGB LED devices. The module can be remotely controlled by the main body controller via the LIN bus. The modules are available in a very compact 10x20 mm board format and contain a PIC16F1829LIN solution, which includes a LIN transceiver, voltage regulator, 8-bit PIC microcontroller and RGB LED. LIN commands are interpreted by the module to control color mixing (16,383 colors) and brightness (1023 levels).

　　Figure 3 (1) Microchip’s PIC16F1829LIN RGB ambient lighting board (part number APGRD007 front)

　　Figure 3 (2) Microchip's PIC16F1829LIN RGB ambient lighting board (part number APGRD007, reverse side)

　　The kit comes with four modules that can be assigned as lighting zones in a LIN or J2602 network. These modules can also be used with Microchip's LIN Serial Analyzer (part number APGDT001) to quickly create a valid LIN RGB network right out of the box.

　　The microcontroller-based solution provides the flexibility and integrated functions required for future RGB LIN-based interior lighting applications. A carefully considered system architecture design allows the use of low-cost 8-bit microcontrollers without sacrificing performance. This allows OEMs to offer color interior lighting in high-volume, best-selling models, thereby improving the product's value proposition and enhancing driving comfort and safety. Additional functions such as proximity sensing and capacitive touch switches can be easily implemented with PIC microcontrollers at almost no additional cost, further increasing system value.