16-megapixel, 2.8mm Low-Profile Actuator with Bi-directional Drive for Low Power Consumption

 

April 25, 2016

Alps Electric has developed the “ATMJ1Z95 Series” Bi-direction Type Autofocus Actuator for Cameras for integration into 16-megapixel smartphone camera modules. The new product achieves low power consumption and a low profile. Mass production is already underway.

Smartphone manufacturers have in recent years sought to differentiate flagship models andmid-range to high-end models partly by enhancing camera performance and developing thinnerproducts. In China, the world’s biggest market for smartphones, 13-megapixel smartphones arenow the norm and further performance enhancements and even thinner designs are anticipated.

Generally speaking, for a device to take sharp, high-resolution photos it requires a powerful imagesensor, as well as a large-diameter imaging lens for collecting as much light as possible. At the same time, electronic components integrated into smartphones need to be thin to maintain designappeal while also helping to save battery by consuming little power.

Responding to these challenges, Alps Electric has developed the ATMJ1Z95 Series Bi-directionType Autofocus Actuator for Cameras enabling both compatibility with large-diameter lenses andlow power consumption. The ATMJ1Z95 Series supports large lenses with a diameter of 6.9mm andhas dimensions of 9 × 9 × 2.8mm for a slim profile.

Alps Electric has been mass producing the ATMC1Z9 Series, a low-profile actuator for13-megapixel resolution, since last year and the addition of the new ATMJ1Z95 Series providesspeedy support for even further advances in smartphone camera performance.

In addition, the new series sets the initial position of the lens at a frequently used focal distance(position) and adjusts 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. Compared to preloadtype actuators, this shortens the distance the lens has to travel, thereby reducing the amount ofpower required to move the lens to around one third and enabling high-speed focusing.

Furthermore, original mold design and automated machine design technologies have been appliedto put in place a high-quality production system with extremely low variance. High precision is alsorealized, with a tilt of less than one tenth of a degree during lens drive.

 

Features
1. For 16-megapixel cameras (lens barrel size: 6.9mm diameter)
2. Bi-directional drive realizes low power consumption
3. High precision achieved with a tilt of less than 1/10th of a degree during lens drive
4. Automated production enables stable quality and supply

Principal Applications
・Camera modules for smartphones
・Other applications, such as camera-integrated office equipment

Planned Release
Mass production: From February 2016
Sample price: ¥1,500 (incl. tax)
Monthly output: 1 million units (May 2016)
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://www3.alps.co.jp/

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