Alps  Electric  has  developed  the  “ATMC1Z9  Series”  Bi-direction  Type Autofocus  Actuator 1   for  Cameras  for  integration  into  13-megapixel  smartphone  camera  modules.  The  new product achieves low power consumption and a low profile. Mass production is already underway. 

 

TOKYO-  December  3,  2015

 

China  is  home  to  the  world’s  biggest  market  for  smartphones,  but  until  just  a  few  years  ago  was  largely dominated by models commonly referred to as “shanzhai,” or knock-off, products. Now these low-cost, low-end smartphones are being superseded by mid-range and high-end models released by leading local manufacturers. In terms  of  operating  systems  and  other  software,  the  phones’  specs  are  comparable  to  one  another,  meaning differentiation must be achieved elsewhere. One way is by enhancing camera performance.  
 

As of 2015, more than 90 percent of smartphones in the Chinese market have autofocus functionality. Of those, around  70  percent  are  fitted  with  lenses  and  camera  modules  supporting  eight-megapixel  resolution,  while roughly 35 percent support 13 megapixels. 2  The shift in consumer preferences toward high-end smartphones is expected to continue with 13-megapixel models forecast to make up the largest market segment.  
 

Alps Electric has responded by developing and starting mass production of the ATMC1Z9 Series Autofocus Actuator for Cameras supporting 13-megapixel resolution and realizing low power consumption as well as a low profile. The new product is the industry’s first bi-direction type actuator for 13 megapixels.  It realizes power savings, consuming around one third the power used by existing preload type actuators, and enables high-speed focusing.  And  with  dimensions  of  8.5 × 8.5 × 2.8mm, the actuator has one of the  slimmest profiles in  the industry, contributing to greater flexibility and quality in casing design.  
 

Bi-direction type actuators set the initial position of the lens at a frequently used focal distance (position) and adjust focus by moving the lens from that point in one direction or the other (bi-directionally) depending on whether the current is positive or negative. This shortens the distance the lens has to travel, thereby reducing the amount of power required to move the lens and enabling high-speed focusing.  
 

To be able to stop and start movement of  a suspended lens while still managing to restrict lens tilt requires a high degree of precision in flat spring assembly. Alps Electric achieves this using mold design, simulation and automated machine design technologies. Lens tilt is less than one tenth of a degree during lens drive.  
 

1. An electronic component that adjusts focus by moving multiple lens holders according to the change in current via magnets and a coil built into the component. Also called a voice coil motor (VCM).
2. According to Alps Electric research  

 

Features  
1. For 13-megapixel cameras (lens barrel size: M6.5)  
2. High precision achieved, with a tilt of less than 1/10th of a degree during lens drive  
3. Automated production enables stable quality and supply  
 
 
Principal Applications  
・Camera modules for smartphones  
・Other applications, such as camera-integrated office equipment  
 
 
Planned Release  
Sample price:    \1,500 (incl. tax)  
Monthly output:    4 million units (November 2015)  
Development:    Furukawa Plant, Engineering Headquarters (Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture)  
Production:    Wuxi Alps Electronics Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. of China)  

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Companies Website:
http://www.alps.com/e/

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