M3-F developer's kits | specifications | customization

M3-F Focus Modules

Precision focus for the smallest OEM cameras

M3-F customizable focus modules add precision lens motion to the smallest OEM cameras. M3-F modules are small enough to replace fixed lens holders and simple to integrate into your camera system.

 

Advantages

• Small: complete, compact system with NO external control board
   
• Superior image quality: no liquid medium, NONE of the attendant issues with transmission, clarity and temperature sensitivity
   
• Low voltage, low power use: runs on 3.3V input, holds focus with power off
   
• Simple system integration: accepts high-level motion commands over standard serial interface (I2C or SPI)
   
• Flexible, production-ready system: compatible with standard M8 to M12 lenses and standard imager formats
   
• Cost-effective system solution: single-lens system with embedded closed-loop drive circuit for high repeatability with low external processing requirements.

 

Applications

Improve performance of miniature cameras for biometric detection, medical devices and imaging, machine vision, conferencing systems, miniature surveillance cameras, video cameras, computer cameras, projectors and targeting systems.

 

The application note M3-F focus modules in camera system design describes the use of the M3-F module in camera systems. It includes module details, comparison to other focus techniques, block diagrams and integration information, and discussion of bi-directional vs. uni-directional repeatability and other performance considerations.

 

Developer's Kits

New: A complete OEM SmartCamera Developer's Kit is available from D3 Engineering. This kit features an M3-F focus module, Sunex lens, image sensor of your choice, and D3 Engineering's SmartCam electronics with autofocus algorithm and TI DaVinci DSP.  Learn more about the SmartCamera Developer's kit.

For development using other DSP, New Scale's M3-F module developer's kit includes an M3-F focus module that you can control from your PC using our New Scale Pathway™ Software. This provides a simple and powerful platform for easy evaluation of the module as well as for your system development. You can interface directly to the module via its serial interface for prototyping. Lens and image sensor are NOT included in this kit.  Buy an M3-F developer's kit online.

 

The M3-F modules in the Developer's Kits can accept a broad range of lenses and accommodate image sensors up to 17 x 17 mm including 1/2" and 1/1.8" formats.  For lens recommendations and guidelines for determining your image sensor and lens compatibility, please read the design note “Checking Optical and Imager Geometry in DK-M3-F”.

 

 

 

Download developer's kit data sheet with drawings (889K PDF)

M3-F Developer's Kit Specifications
The following specifications refer to the Developer's Kit module. We customize production modules to your OEM specifications.
Lens type (lens not included)	M12x0.5mm Accepts smaller lenses (to M8x0.35) with adapter from your lens supplier
Lens weight*	< 5 grams
Travel range	up to 1.5 mm
Housing dimensions	20 x 22 x 16 mm
Max image sensor area (image sensor not included)	17 x 17 x 1.25 mm (including 1/2" and 1/1.8" formats)
Speed	> 5 mm/s
Resolution	0.5 µm
Hysteresis	none
Repeatability	Uni-directional: +/- 5 µm Bi-directional: +/- 20 µm
Linear accuracy	+/- 30 µm
Angular alignment (static tip/tilt)	<  +/- 1 degree
Angular movement (dynamic tip/tilt)	<  +/- 0.15 degrees
Static concentricity	<  +/- 0.25 mm
Dynamic concentricity	<  +/- 0.02 mm
Input voltage	3.1 to 3.6 V
Input power**	< 0.5 Watts (5mm/s with 5g mass) < 0.13 Watts quiescent
Temperature and humidity***	5°C to 70°C (lower possible)  <70% relative humidity non-condensing
Mean time before failure	>2M cycles (fixed orientation) 500,000 cycles (random orientation)
Weight of module (without lens)	5.8 grams
Compliance	CE, RoHS

*Fixed orientation will allow for heavier lenses.

** Power depends on input voltage, speed and load.
*** Ask us about lower temperature requirements

 

M3-F Developer's Kit Ordering Information
Model	Description
DK-M3F-1.8-TRK-1.5-C	Developer's kit with M3-F module, USB adapter and New Scale Pathway software. Configured for I2C interface.
DK-M3F-1.8-TRK-1.5-S	Developer's kit with M3-F module, USB adapter and New Scale Pathway software. Configured for SPI interface.

Customize your M3-F module

The M3-F developer’s kit provides a system to evaluate this micro-mechatronics system under light-duty performance. The M3 design platform allows us to quickly create a customized focus module to your exact OEM specifications.

 

Send us your specifications for a customized M3-F focus module. We'll respond with a proposal and can deliver prototypes in as little as 8-10 weeks.

 

You may also consider our other imaging solutions including UTAF modules for phone camera applications, and our custom system development capabilities.

 

Or contact us today to discuss your focus requirements.