Performance and Perspectives of Light Sources for Signal Lamps

The most important changes in signal lamps took place in the '90s, with the introduction of new, alternative light sources. Light-emitting diodes and neon tube systems were able, for the first time, to concomitantly achieve freedom from maintenance and new design via their use in Center High Mounted Stop Lamps (CHMSL), side-marker lamps and rear panels.

This paper presents a comparison of the technological and economic performance of contemporary signal lamp light sources, and attempts to provide a perspective of developments over the forthcoming years.