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Micro Optic Systems

New Scale's SQUIGGLE micro motors and tiny TRACKER sensors add precision motion to micro optic systems. They improve speed and precision, reduce power use, and enable the use of smaller lenses to reduce system size.

 

SQUIGGLE micro motors are smaller, more power-efficient and more precise than stepper motors. Unlike MEMS actuators, they also provide the long travel required for zoom.

 

TRACKER position sensors are high-resolution devices tiny enough to fit in existing micro optical systems. Unlike optical encoders, they do not require a light source or external zero reference sensor.

 

We work closely with OEM designers to create custom motion systems for micro imaging applications ranging from consumer digital cameras to medical and industrial endoscopes. Several reference designs are available for customization to fit your needs. Check out the examples below and then contact us to get started.

Customizable Auto Focus Module

Our optical focus module demonstrates a customizable, precision focus system for board cameras using M6 to M12 lenses. It provides more than 2 mm of lens motion for focus from less than 100 mm to infinity. Modules typically measure less than 20 x 20 x 16 mm and are designed to fit the OEM board camera's PCB. Each module incorporates one SQL-RV-1.8-6 SQUIGGLE motor and one TRACKER NSE-5310  (chip-on-board) position sensor and is driven by New Scale's NSD series piezo motor drive ASIC.

 

Learn more:

 

Reference Design: Micro Zoom Module

Our micro zoom module reference design demonstrates 0.5 µm resolution in a thin 6.5 mm module. It offers 4 mm optical zoom stroke (customizable to 30 mm). It incorporates two SQL-RV-1.8-6 SQUIGGLE motors and two TRACKER NSE-5310  (chip-on-board) position sensors. The magnetic position sensor means that no light source is needed for the sensor. It provides absolute position sensing (with external flash memory) - no zero reference sensor is needed. The module is driven by New Scale's NSD series piezo motor drive ASIC.

 

Learn more:

 

 

Application Example: Improving Focus in Digital Still Cameras

TRACKER position sensors improve focus and zoom in digital still cameras, video cameras and similar products. Used to upgrade existing open-loop stepper motor systems or replace optical encoders, this sensor reduces power use and enables faster, more precise focus and/or zoom.

 

Learn more:

 

 

Other Mobile Applications

SQUIGGLE motor technologies are being applied to optical image stabilization (OIS), shutter control and aperture control.

 

These technologies are also promising for use in other miniature mobile products, such as adding motorized focus to the next generation of pico projectors or for use in augmented reality applications (near eye micro displays, retina trackers, monocular depth pointing).

 

In addition, New Scale is also developing an ultra-thin autofocus (UTAF) actuator for use in mobile phone cameras.

 

 

Ready for Mass Production

TDK-EPC (EPCOS), our partner for multi-layer co-fired piezoelectric ceramics, is a EUR 6.8 billion global manufacturer of electronic products and routinely produces millions of multi-layer piezoelectric actuators per month to demanding automotive quality standards.

 

We also work with our licensed manufacturing partners ALPS and Tamron for high-volume production of SQUIGGLE motors and modules.


Learn More

Contact us for engineering samples and reference designs. Or visit the online store today to purchase evaluation kits for SQUIGGLE motors and TRACKER position sensors.  

 

 

 

 


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