Phone Cameras
Today nearly two billion mobile phones have digital cameras and an
additional 800 million cameras are shipped each year. Recent
emphasis on “smart phones” has created the need for faster focus for
more rapid picture taking and continuous auto focus (CAF) for
clearer video capture.
New
Scale's ingeniously small motion systems enable designers to
incorporate these features - and more - into smaller phone handsets.
We work closely with handset makers, module designers and systems
integrators to create complete motion systems for phone camera and
other mobile applications.
UTAF™ (Ultra-Thin Autofocus) modules
New Scale's custom UTAF actuators combine a motor with a linear
guide mechanism to create an ultra-thin autofocus lens module. It is
based on our patented UTAF
piezoelectric motor, in which an
ultrasonically vibrating beam is oriented perpendicular to the
optical axis and contacts the lens at two points to maximize
stability and driving force. A unique vibration mode optimizes
resolution and speed for the autofocus function. The actuator
assembly is
only 3.8 mm high - thinner than the lens assembly. Therefore the
lens, not the motor, determines the module size.
The UTAF motor is produced under license by New Scale's technology
partner, TDK-EPC (EPCOS), using multi-layer co-fired ceramic processing.
It is manufactured as a single part that operates directly from the
phone battery, less than 2.8 V.
A reference ultra-thin autofocus module design using an M-6.5 mm
lens measures 8.5 x 8.5 x 3.8 mm, compatible with SMIA85 packages.
Compared to voice coil actuators, the UTAF module offers:
- Continuous autofocus for > 5-megapixel cameras at the same or
lower cost
- Lower operating power - total power usage reduced more than
90%
- Less lens jitter and tilt - 6x improvement for > 5 MP
cameras
- Lower height - more space for adding mechanical shutter
- Wider temperature range
- Greater shock resistance - no weak flexures for guidance
The UTAF module is driven by a single ASIC with on-board speed
control. The driver accepts 2.3 V to 5.5 V input from the phone
battery and uses 1/3 less power than similar piezo motor drive
solutions.