The HIGH-S-LIGHT BOOST-SYSTEM

The HIGH-S-LIGHT series is a custom integrated lighting system designed to match the illumina-tion requirements of various test configurations. In the late 1980’s KHS introduced the “BOOST mode technique” that is currently used in the KHS HIGH-S-LIGHT series products.

To optimize the performance of the HIGH-S-LIGHT system, a step sequence of operation pioneered by KHS is used. First, the control system provides a stand by mode, where the power to the HIGH-S-LIGHT array is less than 50% output for the warm-up period. This greatly reduces the heat load on critical test objects and instrumented dummies. Additional heat load reduction can be provided by a de-focused automatic array positioning system. For the critical time of the test, a power level of 200% is provided to the HIGH-S-LIGHT system, leading to about 215% of light intensity during this time.

With many years of experience and extensive research KHS has defined the operational timing coupled with facility integration that optimizes the efficacy for film and video sensitivity. The HIGH-S-LIGHT technology also increases lamp useful lifetime thus reducing the cost-per test. KHS provides an extended lamp warranty when utilized in a HIGH-S-LIGHT system. Spot and on board HIGH-S-LIGHT systems complete the product range, and cover the lighting requirements of nearly any test configuration or high speed event recording requirement.

The HIGH-S-LIGHT Luminary

The HIGH-S-LIGHT is offered as spotlight and floodlight configurations with various wattage ranges, which are utilized to meet the specific demands of the application and customer requirements. For the most common use (large area illumination for safety tests) our medium angle floodlight design provides the best results regarding high illuminance and maximum uniformity. All HIGH-S-LIGHT luminaries are equipped with special “metal halide global” (MHG) lamps that provide “daylight” spectrum (color temperature of about 6.000 K), a high luminous efficacy and a very good match to the sensitivity of high-speed film and video.

The Power Supply

The lamps will be operated on electronic power supplies (EPS). The EPS-Modul 4000/200 drives the lamp with square wave current and controls the output power. This reduces the modulation of the luminous flux to about ±1% and provides flicker free pictures. The EPS-Modul offers operation modes from 50 to 200% of the nominal lamp power. The 200% mode, “BOOST mode” offers more than twice the lamp power rated light intensity for about 10 seconds.

The 50% mode, “Standby mode” is used to reduce the heat radiation to the samples before the test is executed. Due to spectral shifting that occurs during the stand-by mode the infra-red spectral portion is reduced to about 30% providing an additional heat load reduction. This is critical when specific temperatures of the test objects must be maintained for test accuracy and test repeatability.

The Control System

For the performance of high-speed tests a specifically defined time sequence must be followed. Reliable integration of the lighting system functions to the master test control system must be in place. For the test set-up the operator utilizes radio remote and/or PC control to find the best lighting configuration for the specific test. Once defined, these configurations are stored as files for later recall. When a test is to be performed, all aspects related to positioning, control, feedback, HIGH-S-LIGHT performance and operation are integrated into the complete test sequence control. This insures that for each and every test the lighting system will perform properly.

The Positioning System

Today it is possible that you have two vehicles in motion coming from different angles impacting into each other. Even with a well defined “area of concern” uncontrollable things can happen within this area. To maximize the utility and adaptability of the HIGH-S-LIGHT system a versatile and adjustable mounting/positioning system is specially designed for each installation and application. KHS has been installing high-speed photography lighting systems for over 20 years. KHS knows how to maximize your investment by designing and installing a positioning system that will meet your testing needs now and in the future. There is no substitute for experience during this phase of a HIGH-S-LIGHT system design. For the illumination of crash test events the lighting systems are often moveable in three axis (X/Y/Z) and KHS has again provided proven leadership in this specialty field with fully rotational mounting systems. High quantity and superior quality illumination directed to the area required is the key to superior photographic/video recording of safety test events.

To meet high demand by automotive customers and Government regulation for increased automotive safety, the automotive industry is moving ever faster with research and development of new safety system technology. In addition, camera, high-speed video, dummy and data acquisition/analysis methods are also improving at a rapid pace. With the field of high-speed photography/video lighting system as a core competency, KHS is in a unique position to focus research and development efforts directly at the issues related to this specialty lighting application. From big steps, like the development of the “BOOST system” to small steps that provide ease of use and faster more economical test set-up, KHS is focused on meeting your expectations regarding high quality safety testing. Our greatest resource is our close co-operation with users and focus on the development of new testing technology provide a strong base required to design custom-made lighting systems to meet safety testing objectives.