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Rain sensor/light sensor, function - GF54.21-P-4123-04Q

Presentation of function overview of rain/light sensor 

Fig 1: Presentation Of Function Overview Of Rain/Light Sensor
G07253699Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Function principle 

Function requirements:

Function principle 

Infrared light is radiated from the IR transmitter unit (2) and guided to the windshield (4) via the lens (1). The intensity of the light reflected at the windshield (4) is measured by the IR-receiver unit (3) which is located at the other end of the lens (1)

The light intensity measured by the IR receiver (3) is a measure for the quantity of water on the windshield (4) The smaller the measured intensity the larger the quantity of water on the windshield (4).

Reading out via the rain/light sensor 

The rain/light is connected with the interior CAN via the overhead control panel control module as interface

The front SAM control module with fuse and relay module (model 209) or driver-side SAM control module with fuse and relay module (model 211) or left front SAM control module (models 215, 220) transmits a request to the rain/light sensor via the interior CAN, this then conveys the instantaneous degree of wetting for each request.

The automatic driving light actuation actuates the low beam in the following cases:

and in the case of a detected sensor failure.

The above-mentioned switch-on conditions are considered separately and the driving lights are switched on when at least one of the conditions is met.

A detection of fog is not recognized. In fog the driving lights must continue to be switched on manually

Measurement and compensation 

Via the serial interface the rain/light sensor receives information as to which wiper system it should actuate (reversing wiper system or two-stage), or whether the driving light should be switched on and emits the signals necessary for actuation