OLED technology has come a long way since its inception. In 1987, researchers at Eastman Kodak sandwiched thin, carbon-based semiconductor layers between an anode and a cathode. This marked the invention of the first organic light emitting diode (OLED).
Over the past decade, solid state OLED technology has been a focal point of research and development within the lighting industry. This has led to its integration into a range of commercial applications. OLED panels are large surface area emitters, in contrast to the point light source emission that inorganic LEDs provide. This unique feature allows for flat and flexible OLED lighting panels that enable new design possibilitiess.
OLEDWorks, since its founding in 2010, has emerged as a world-class manufacturer of sustainable OLED lighting solutions. Our commitment extends beyond conventional applications; we’ve channeled our expertise into automotive lighting solutions under the Atala brand.
Atala products have the:
Thinnest profile of 1 millimeter (mm) or less,
Highest brightness, and
Longest lifetimes of OLED lighting on the road.
Atala products have also passed stringent reliability testing of world-leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers. These characteristics and more reflect the superior quality and reliability of our robust and automotive-certified Atala OLED technology.
Atala is the Thinnest Automotive OLED
Atala products boast a range of qualities that place them among the best automotive lighting solutions in the world. OLEDs are naturally diffuse, highly uniform, and free of glare—characteristics that are crucial for wide angle visibility applications. These include tail, stop, and turn signaling that must quickly catch the attention of drivers and other road users.
Atala embodies a thin panel profile, creating space for seamless integration into rear modules or compact interior applications. It leaves behind the lenses, diffusers, and other optical elements that inorganic LEDs require to achieve high-quality light.
Thin-film encapsulation involves protective layers or housing that shield sensitive components from moisture, dust, and physical damage. It ensures the longevity and reliability of OLED panels within the challenging automotive environment. OLEDWorks' flexible encapsulation protects Atala products while enabling the development of panels that curve to the contours of the car. This opens a completely new dimension of design and allows car makers to distinguish their vehicles from competitors.
Atala is the Brightest Automotive OLED
In 2021, OLEDWorks first introduced OLED lighting panels to the automotive market in the redesigned Audi A8. This allowed customers to personalize rear lighting in the A8 model range, with up to four distinct lighting signatures.
OLEDWorks' industry leading multi-stack OLED technology enables higher panel brightness that sets us apart from our competitors. This is because our approach allows more active material inside the OLED architecture. Atala panels, as demonstrated in the redesigned Audi A8, have an impressive 2000 cd/m2 brightness.
At CES 2024, OLEDWorks showed an Atala prototype that demonstrated a new stack architecture and formulation capable of reaching a maximum brightness value of 20,000 cd/m2. Once commercialized, this will expand Atala applications beyond tail lighting and into stop and turn applications. Atala reflects OLEDWorks' manufacturing excellence—setting new industry standards and pushing the boundaries of OLED lighting technology.
Atala Reflects Superior Quality and Reliability
OLEDWorks engaged in significant technology development to ensure that Atala products reach the stringent durability and reliability standards expected within the automotive industry. Atala panels:
Adhere to stringent quality control measures,
Maintain longevity throughout the vehicle's lifetime, and
Withstand challenging environmental conditions, including temperature extremes, moisture, and vibrations.
Atala panels are robust and automotive certified. Table 1 displays the reliability testing performed on Atala panels by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers:
OLEDWorks’ manufacturing facility holds certifications for IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, 14001, 45001. We maintain full tracking capability through our factory MES system. This ensures that every Atala product meets both OLEDWorks’ and the customer’s expectations for superior quality and reliability.
Integrate Atala Lighting into Your Roadmap
Atala OLED lighting offers unmatched design freedom and superior functionality. OLEDs and LEDs are complementary automotive lighting technologies; however, their respective characteristics make them suited for different applications:
OLEDs provide wide viewing angles and display-like light appearance of light. This is better suited for tail, stop, turn, logos, and similar applications.
LEDs provide focused beams of light, preferrable for headlight applications.
OLEDs, featuring lightweight and space-saving capabilities, are ideal for interior car lighting. They also offer exciting possibilities for personalization and branding to increase revenue potential. Digital OLEDs provide greater opportunities to change the look and feel of a car with the simple push of a button.
As OLED technology gains traction in the automotive industry, OLEDWorks is strategically positioned to meet market demands with Atala. As the world-leading OLED lighting supplier, we are constantly expanding our offerings and improving technical performance to align with carmakers' and Tier 1 suppliers' needs.
Learn more about Atala OLED products and technical considerations for implementing them within your vehicle by reading our Guide for Automotive Manufacturers.