Refond Mini LED Backlight Powers Audi's Next-Gen Smart Cockpit Interaction

Recently, SAIC and Audi jointly unveiled the all-electric Audi E5 Sportback, which has quickly drawn wide attention from both the industry and consumers with its avant-garde design, balanced focus on intelligence and driving performance, and highly competitive pricing.

A highlight of the new model is its next-generation immersive intelligent cockpit, which inherits Audi's classic MMI design concept and integrates Refond Optoelectronics' innovative Mini LED backlight solution. This technology enables the creation of the personalized "Audi Smart Island" touch panel, seamlessly linked with the central control display. Together, they not only enhance cockpit identity but also deliver an exceptional interactive experience.

Launched under Audi's new China-focused EV brand AUDI, the E5 Sportback marks both the starting point of Audi's electrification strategy and a reimagining of luxury and intelligence. At the heart of this transformation is the Audi Smart Island, a key breakthrough in smart cockpit evolution.

The Smart Island touch display leverages Refond's Mini LED backlight solution. With COB white-light design and fine-pitch Mini LED technology as its core, Refond breaks through conventional display limitations. Using surface light emission, the solution achieves finer pixel pitch, higher brightness, and higher resolution, laying the technological foundation for Audi's "natural interaction at your fingertips" concept.

For the 2.43-inch ultra-fine-pitch screen, Refond advanced packaging structure and backlight module design by pioneering the industry's first Mini COB white-light solution. This eliminates QD conversion films, significantly increases brightness, saves thickness space, and enhances reliability—meeting Audi's requirements for high integration and innovation in Smart Island design. The result enables ultra-thin, high-reliability displays while providing greater flexibility for vehicle interior layouts.

In terms of performance, Refond introduced the industry's first Mini COB White Local Dimming technology, empowering the Smart Island with precise regional dimming. This reduces power consumption, extends product lifespan, and significantly enhances contrast and dynamic display performance. Even under direct sunlight, the display remains vivid and sharp, while halo effects are effectively suppressed, ensuring lifelike imagery and an immersive visual experience. This marks the first automotive application of Mini COB white-light technology, setting a new industry benchmark.