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Utilization of new technologies, such as LEDs, light guides, and electro-luminesence (EL), in courtesy lighting offers promising opportunities in styling, packaging, and functionality. Although these lamps are not as strictly regulated as other automotive lighting, considerable investigation is required to meet the desired styling and performance. In this paper we present the results of a study on running board lighting. This investigation was used to guide development of external courtesy lighting, where direct light, reflected light, contrast, and directionality are all design considerations.

Design Sensitivity Analysis (DSA) is applied to a thermal data base for automotive lamps. The DSA predicts temperatures on lamps with dimensions and light sources different from those in the data base. Predicted temperatures closely agree with the measured temperatures. These predictions are done early in the design phase and allow use of a Cardinal thermal data base than a Conventional one. The DSA can also be used in designing lamps for thermal safety.