What is bixenon and xenon. Xenon or bixenon: which is better to choose. What characteristics should you pay attention to when choosing

Motorists are quite practical creatures. All the efforts of manufacturers and motorists are always aimed at achieving the most comfortable driving experience and achieving maximum driving safety. Especially the achievement of this kind of positive aspects when driving is relevant at night, when visibility is severely limited. In addition, quite often motorists are faced with the problem that oncoming headlights are dazzling. There used to be times when additional headlights were installed on the car.

This is directly related to the fact that many accidents happen due to the small and insufficient amount of lighting. However, in the modern world there is a different solution to this problem. The fact is that manufacturers have come up with a new type, which are based on gas-discharge lamps, whose technical indicators are simply unique. So, these lamps are able to increase the brightness, in comparison with conventional ones, three times. These lamps are called xenon lamps because they use an inert gas. Therefore, in the modern automotive nature, two types of lamps are distinguished: xenon and bi-xenon.

1. General concepts of xenon and bixenon.

It is important to note that xenon lamps are filled with gas, and the main difference from conventional lamps is the absence of an incandescent filament device. The principle of operation of this kind of lamp is quite simple: a high voltage arises between the two electrodes, which can cause the gas to glow, which is located directly in the lamp itself. Thus, a xenon lamp has constant radiation, the change of direction of which is impossible.

The bi-xenon lamp is such a xenon lamp. Nevertheless, this device is outfitted with a mechanism by means of which there is an opportunity to change the direction of the glow. The role of such a mechanism in this design is played by a metal shutter, which moves under the influence of a magnet. With this movement, different parts of the lamp open.

2. The main differences between xenon and bixenon.

All newcomers to the automotive business, who are generally not satisfied with the regular headlights, which do not illuminate the night road in the best way, will probably first try to correct this situation by replacing the light bulbs with new ones. Nevertheless, before proceeding with the selection of high-brightness lamps, you should familiarize yourself with which particular class of lighting equipment will be more preferable.

The main visual difference from Bixenon is that the devices have different operating modes. Thus, a conventional xenon light source, which has no improvements in the design features of the optics, can operate only in one mode - near illumination. The bi-xenon lamp has a difference in the fact that in its arsenal there is the possibility of illuminating objects also in the high beam mode.

Switching between lighting modes in biosenon installations occurs by changing the position of the arc, which transmits the light. Thus, the electrodes are located in a movable body, the ability of which is to move inside the bulb, which is triggered by an electronic command. The very design of a conventional xenon lamp is a fairly rigid fixation of the electrodes directly inside the bulb. At the same time, the possibility of changing the position is completely absent.

If we consider the question of what is better than xenon or bixenon, then all the visual and design differences of lamps should be taken into account. In addition, you should pay attention to their compliance with certain types of headlights. In modern cars, headlight units are divided into two types: separate, where each separate lighting mode has its own lamp and mono, in which the lamps are installed with devices for combining low and high beam.

Based on this, the headlight lamps, which have two incandescent filaments, will be replaced only by bixenon. In dual-mode xenon, installation is also provided in headlights, which are of a separate type.

3. What is better to choose xenon or bixenon.

Many experienced motorists question the advisability of installing all kinds of bi-xenon lighting packages. So, many owners of very bright light, which comes from bi-xenon lamps, who have recently been content with halogen lighting, note a strange tendency that in the high beam mode the picture does not change at all, or only worsens.

Thus, this problem lies in the difference between bi-xenon properties and identical xenon ones. In addition, this problem is additionally determined directly by the design of the headlight. Xenon light, in which the spectrum approaches blue as the temperature increases, has a significantly higher and higher frequency of oscillations than the yellow halogen color, therefore, it is rather intensely scattered.

In addition, halogen twin-filament lamps are in most cases used without lenses, as a result of which they require an additional diffuser in order to fully illuminate the passing road section. The xenon lamp, as well as the bi-xenon lamp, which are installed in a halogen class headlamp, in low beam mode will dazzle all oncoming drivers, although the illumination of the road section will be excellent. The high-frequency high-frequency bi-xenon light, which is installed on a conventional headlight, will be scattered quite intensely, as a result of which there will be a rather low brightness of the spot located in front.

Despite the fact that discharge lamps have a rather low efficiency, which is due to the direct configuration of the headlight, many motorists believe that it is better to install xenon or bi-xenon rather than having light, which is dimmer and more dangerous. So, many specialists who understand all the design aspects of the devices under consideration are inclined not to install bi-xenon lamps precisely because of the imperfection of their design. So, the correct installation of the xenon device will not only be less costly, but will also give a rather positive effect.

The correctness in the methods of mounting xenon in separate halogen headlamps will consist in several aspects: you must first install the lenses and polish the headlight diffuser. This is done in order to remove all refractive elements.

In the case when a multi-xenon lamp is mounted, a high level of illumination intensity will be ensured by artificially focusing a certain beam of light in a single area. All motorists who will meet along the way will not feel any special level of discomfort and trouble from the fact that these headlights are working. The main beam, namely the lamp, should be set.

4. Comparisons of xenon with bixenon.

It should still be more specific to dwell on what are the main differences between xenon lamps and bi-xenon lamps. To put it in the simplest language, xenon lamps are capable of giving only low beam, while bi-xenon lamps are capable of switching the light from low to high. Bi-xenon lighting is based on changing the focal length, while a conventional xenon lamp can change its position through a floating bulb or a switching reflector-shutter.

Thus, the overwhelming majority of xenon headlights equip those executive cars that are equipped with almost flashing beacons. Headlights of this kind are capable of providing excellent illumination of the road. When replacing the usual halogen headlights with xenon ones, the motorist will simply be dumbfounded by how he could previously move without them. It is important not to forget that it is the brightness of the light that is an indispensable condition that will ensure safe movement on the road. The light of this kind of lamps will not dazzle all oncoming motorists. With all this, these lamps last at least two years and are quite economical.

Xenon and bi-xenon headlights have an identical glow formation principle. In addition, the indicators of brightness, economy and reliability are also the same. Nevertheless, if the car provides for separate optics, then you should turn your attention to bi-xenon headlights. Their installation can be done by yourself if you have instructions. When buying directly, you should pay attention to the designation of the lamp base.

In conditions of limited visibility, and especially at night, any car turns into a means of increased danger, since at this time the likelihood of emergencies increases significantly. To prevent this, many drivers use different means. The most popular of them have recently become. They are devices based on the use of such lamps. It is customary to divide two types of lamps - xenon and bi-xenon. This article will talk about how xenon differs from bixenon. It should be noted that both one and the other device can improve visibility several times.

Such technologies are now used as standard equipment in many executive cars. Bixenon and xenon lamps (the difference between them is described below) provide very high-quality illumination of the track. The usual ones lag behind in this indicator very significantly. Another advantage of gas discharge lamps is that, despite their brightness, they do not blind the eyes of drivers moving in the opposite direction.

Xenon concept

Xenon is powered by an inert gas. It differs from conventional automotive lighting devices in the absence of a filament. The main principle The work of xenon is based on the fact that a high voltage passes between a pair of electrodes. It is this that makes the gas that the lamp is filled with glow. At the exit, radiation is generated, it is constant and does not change its direction. they are quite economical, because the minimum period of their use is about two years. As for the required voltage pulse for the device, it is created at the expense of Xenon compared to standard lamps, the cost of xenon is higher, but this price can be called justified, because the device increases traffic safety.

Bixenon concept

The first thing that distinguishes xenon from bixenon is the time of its appearance. The fact is that bixenon as a type of gas-discharge lamps was invented a little later. A mechanism is built into it, the purpose of which is to change the direction of light radiation. This device is a metal shutter (it is also called a "floating bulb"), the movement of which occurs due to the action of a magnet. This allows you to open different areas of action. The switching itself is carried out by cutting off part of the luminous flux. As of today, in the list of the best lighting fixtures, the leading indicators belong to this type of lamp.

Problem of choice

When operating a car, the safety of the driver and his passengers is undoubtedly of paramount importance. Motorists often improve some parts of the car, including lighting. In this regard, many of them are wondering which is better: bixenon or xenon? Most experts recommend opting for a more modern first option. At the same time, it should be noted that the installation of xenon headlights will also provide much better lighting compared to filament lamps.

Brightness, reliability and economy

The fundamental difference in lamps such as xenon and bixenon, as already noted, lies in the organization of focusing. In terms of such parameters as efficiency, reliability and degree of light brightness, they are the same. In the case when the car is not equipped with dividing optics, it is better to give preference to the bi-xenon, which can be installed even independently, without certain skills. In this case, it is important to just study the instructions well. As for the choice of goods, here attention should be paid to the designation of the base.

Low and high beam

The key difference for lamp types such as xenon and bixenon is the use of lighting modes. The fact is that the first type is used only for obtaining low beam. As for bi-xenon discharge lamps, the technology used for them makes it possible to change their focal state, in other words, to switch the low beam to the high beam, and vice versa.

The cost

The difference between xenon and bixenon in monetary terms plays an important role in the choice. The minimum cost of a set of the first type of gas-discharge lamps, taking into account the installation, will be about 1900 rubles, for the very simple set of the second type you will have to pay about 3000 rubles.

The most common combination

The most popular among drivers who are well versed in how xenon differs from bixenon is now used by a combination when halogen lamps are used for the high beam and xenon for the low beam. The explanation for this is very simple. The fact is that a very bright high beam is usually only required for long trips outside of cities. As statistics show, most drivers make about 90 percent of trips over short distances, usually within the boundaries of settlements.

conclusions

Knowing how xenon differs from bixenon, making a choice in favor of one or the other is quite simple. Both types of headlights are sold in almost all car dealerships and can significantly improve driving safety. The main thing to remember: such headlights are a source, therefore, the operation of a car should not be allowed if they malfunction, you need to urgently contact a service center. Failure to do so increases the likelihood of a fire hazard.

To summarize, it should be noted that the principle of operation for xenon and bi-xenon headlights is identical. Standard lamps of the first type can operate in both low-beam and high-beam modes. In the second type, this possibility is combined in one headlamp, in other words, the bixenon switches by correcting the direction of the light flux. Therefore, many experts prefer it. At the same time, both technologies are modern, and most motorists make their choice based on their budget, vehicle configuration and personal preferences.

The first thing that any car owner should do before entering the track is to ensure the safety of himself and other road users. This is why the choice of lighting elements is so important. Indeed, the reaction of the motorist to the events taking place around him depends on the quality of road lighting at night.

The differences between these two types of lighting are not very big. Each system has both advantages and disadvantages. But the driver, when comparing the differences between xenon and bi-xenon, must take into account not only his convenience, but also the comfort of drivers driving in the opposite lane.

Attention! Too bright a front light can dazzle and cause an accident.

To prevent this from happening, you must know what are the differences between xenon and bixenon. After all, such knowledge will allow you not only to choose the right lamps, but also to install them correctly, taking into account the features of each design.

Now, to ensure better performance of xenon or bixenon, whole intelligent systems are being installed that are designed to improve the performance of lighting devices. They themselves choose the position of the lighting lamps depending on a variety of factors.

Why more and more drivers are thinking about installing xenon and bixenon

The answer to this question is pretty simple. Old incandescent lamps do not provide the proper level of illumination; moreover, in terms of safety, they are significantly inferior to modern counterparts. But that's not all. Their service life is much shorter. Even quality devices powered by outdated technology are inferior to xenon or bixenon systems.

Not only do conventional vacuum tubes have a shorter lifespan, they also consume much more energy. Because of this, the car consumes much more gasoline. In turn, to senone and Bixenon are much more economical. This is their main difference from outdated technology.

But before proceeding to installing xenon or bixenon on a car, you need to figure out what is the difference between them. This will allow you to make the right choice and provide a good overview on the road, as well as guarantee the safety of other road users.

Educational program on xenon

To understand the differences between this type of headlights and bixenon, let's go into history a little. Undoubtedly, the idea to light the road appeared many centuries ago. Even the carriages had primitive lighting devices. Naturally, comparing them with modern lighting systems is at least unreasonable.

But when it comes exclusively to cars, the differences between headlights of different generations will help you see the benefits of new devices. At the very beginning, the lighting systems were powered by propane.

Only many years later, cars with vacuum lighting devices appeared on the market. Their differences in performance were so significant that propane analogues almost immediately disappeared from the market.

Attention! The last turn before the advent of xenon technology was the halogen.

Finally, in 1992, Philips developed the first lighting fixture to use xenon technology. Its full name is High Intensity Discharge. Bixenon became the logical development of xenon.

Comparison of xenon and bixenon

Design features

To begin with, replacing conventional bulbs with xenon is not such an easy task as it might seem at first glance. The fact is that in old cars all standard optics need to be modernized. After all, xenon works on a completely different principle.

First, you will need to install some extras under the hood. Secondly, you need to make certain changes to the on-board network. Finally, you need to decide what is the difference between xenon and bixenon, and what type of lighting is right for you.

It's worth starting with the fact that there are no differences in principle in the work of xenon and bixenon. They work thanks to the inert gas inside the glass bulb. It has two electrodes. High voltage current flows through them.

Attention! When xenon and bixenon work, the inert gas starts to glow due to the voltage transmitted through the electrons.

The main difference between xenon and bixenon lies in the operating modes available for the two systems. In most cases, xenon is used in low beam headlamps. In turn, the bi-xenon is suitable for both high-beam and low-beam lighting. This is its main difference and advantage.

There is a difference in the very design of the headlights. When it comes to xenon, the system should have two separate lamps. One will be responsible for the high beam, and the one with xenon for the low beam.

The difference between bixenon and xenon is that the first can be easily used to turn on the low and high beam. Movable electrodes in the system allow you to change the lighting as it is convenient for the driver depending on the time of day and the situation on the road.

Attention! Movable electrodes move inside the bulb.

Some bi-xenon designs work in a slightly different way. The difference is that there is a special metal shield. Sometimes car manufacturers use a curtain as an alternative.

The curtain and metal screen are moved by an electromagnet. As a result, the desired lamp element opens or closes. Bixenon is considered the ideal choice for cars in which high and low beam are provided by a single lamp.

To understand how xenon differs from bixenon, you need to consider specifications each kind of lighting lamps. The most important parameter is color temperature. For example, if we compare halogen with xenon, then the ratio will be 3100 to 4500. Other advantages of xenon include:

  • natural lighting,
  • stylish appearance,
  • vibration resistance.

In order to be able to illuminate the road normally, gas discharge lamps must have both white and yellow light. Otherwise, you will either blind the motorists driving towards you, or you will not have sufficient lighting.

The blue tint of light has the highest color temperature. Despite this, blue lamps should not be used continuously. The fact is that such a shade greatly tires the eyesight.

Moreover, the more Kelvin, the higher the scattering intensity. This is due to the fact that the frequency of the wave oscillations increases significantly. As a result the lens cannot always combine the rays into one stream. A metal screen can save the situation.

Features of bixenon

In fact, the Bixenon represents the next milestone in the development of lighting products. Due to the ability to work in two modes, a huge number of car owners choose it. For a better understanding of the difference between bi-xenon and simple xenon, consider some of the technical features of bi-xenon devices:

  1. The technology is powered by conventional xenon.
  2. The design has a shutter, the position of which can be changed by means of a button.
  3. The lens has its own unique base.
  4. The device is mounted on a body with a base from a simple halogen lamp. Special rings are used as adapters.

High-quality bi-xenon provides instant switching between low and high beam.

Optimal choice

An important difference between xenon and bixenon is the price. No wonder bixenon is considered a budget replacement for halogen lamps. With xenon, things are a little different. If you take the usual option, then it is inexpensive. However, its quality is questionable.

More expensive and high-quality lamps powered by xenon are quite another matter. In them, the arc is static with respect to the axis of the electrodes. As a result, the light beam is much more stable. The budget models are not very good in this parameter.

Attention! If you want to change only the low beam, xenon is the best choice.

In turn, the main difference between the bixenon is the ability to change the light. This makes it an excellent alternative to halogen lamps, providing both low beam and high beam.

Alternatively, you can also consider installing xenon bulbs with bilens. This design is able to provide high-quality high beam with a special screen, which is located in the lens.

Outcome

As you can see, the differences between xenon and bixenon lie in design and usability. But it is based on the same technology, with some design changes. At the same time, xenon without additions is used for low beam, and bixenon is universal.

To better understand the differences between them, first let's talk about what xenon and bixenon are. So:

  • Xenon does not have filaments like conventional lamps, but it burns due to gas. Such a lamp burns due to the fact that the high voltage between the two electrodes provokes the combustion of the gas with which the lamp is filled. The xenon lamp does not have the ability to change the direction of the glow.
  • Bixenon is the same xenon, but unlike the latter, it has a mechanism due to which it becomes possible to direct the glow. This mechanism has the principle of a shutter that moves under the influence of a magnet and thus slightly opens / covers different areas of the lamp.

Compare xenon and bixenon

In simple terms, the main difference between these lamps is that the xenon version can only give low beam, while the bi-xenon version is universal in this regard - it can turn on both the near and far. In bixenon, the focus (far and near) of conventional xenon is changed, which is able to change its position using a curtain reflector or a floating bulb.

Xenon is often installed on executive cars. Such headlights illuminate the roads remarkably, and replacing the usual halogen with xenon ones, you will be surprised at how you did without them before. And high-quality lighting is a guarantee. The light from such lamps does not blind drivers who drive in the oncoming lane, the lamps themselves are more budgetary and serve in the worst case for 2 years.

The design principle of lamps for xenon and bixenon is identical, they also do not differ in terms of brightness, efficiency and reliability. However, if your car lacks separate optics, then it is better to prefer bi-xenon. You can put them without outside help, if according to the instructions.

Let's sum up

In conclusion, let's draw some conclusions:

  • Both versions of lamps have an identical principle of glow formation.
  • Classic xenon can be placed in both high and low beam, and biksenon combines both types of lighting.
  • Bixenon switches thanks to a mechanism that changes the direction of the light.
  • Bixenon is installed instead of two-filament lamps.
  • Bixenon is more expensive than xenon.

After the appearance of such a source of bright head light as xenon, driving a car has become much safer. Indeed, thanks to the installation of these lamps on their cars, drivers received brightness and a wide angle of illumination not only at night, but also in bad weather conditions.

What is Bixenon for?

Many motorists who are familiar with the principles of xenon and / or use, very often do not know what a bixenon is, why it is needed and how it differs from xenon, in more detail in the article - how does xenon differ from bixenon. But the answer is very simple.

In machines for obtaining low and high beam, as a rule, two lamps of different power are used - xenon or others. So the bixenon replaces two of them at once, since it has the ability in its design, even with indivisible optics, to change the direction of light, i.e. switch the latter - from far to near and vice versa.

The principle of operation of the bixenon.

And in order for these radiation parameters to change, designs of various types can be used in bixenon lamps.

1. Bixenon lamps with standard caps.

They have a design of movable flasks that can change position along the horizontal or vertical axis. Their movement takes place with the help of electromagnets, the work of which provides very fast switching of light between modes.

The main advantage of this design is its fast response to signals. Consequently, the change in direction of the flow of light occurs without perceptible delay, which makes it easy to adjust the amount of road lighting.

2. Discharge lamps equipped with an H4 socket.

In them, the bulb moves along its horizontal axis back and forth. In this case, when this element moves backward, the lamp starts to radiate in the "high beam" mode, and when it moves forward, accordingly, a change occurs and the "low beam" is turned on.

3. Gas-discharge lamps equipped with HB5 and H13 bases.

In such bi-xenon lamps, the illumination is controlled by changing the location of the bulb corners, i.e. lifting it up or lowering it down. In this case, the bulb itself occupies the same position as the filament in halogen lamps.

4. Bixenon lamps using a curtain reflector.

In them, a special shutter is installed between the lens and the gas-discharge lamp, the purpose of which is to open or block the light fluxes with each change in the radiation parameters. In this case, the dampers themselves can be both rotary and retractable. The former, in contrast to the latter, reflect the headlights radiation on them with mirror surfaces, which leads to better illumination of distant sections of the road.

Pros of bixenon.

In addition to the possibility of high-quality lighting at different distances, lamps equipped with bixenon have many advantages over their counterparts:

  • its main positive characteristic is considered not only a long service life, but also a relatively low energy consumption (almost twice as economical as analogues), and the fact that there are no filaments in bixenon also speaks of its increased resistance to various shocks and impacts on bad roads ;
  • the operational life reaches 4 thousand hours, which is several times longer than the life of halogen automobile lamps;
  • the gas-discharge lamps in question are also appreciated by car owners for the vastness and range of the luminous flux created: when driving a car equipped with bi-xenon lamps, the driver can clearly see in the dark how roadbedand most of the curb;
  • the light stream created by the bixenon can easily cope with rain or fog, i.e. precipitation is not reflected in it.