|
April 20, 2005 - Victor, NY - New Scale Technologies, Inc.
has created a new division to develop and manufacture tiny piezoelectric motors for mobile phone
cameras. The Mobacam Division products move optics to achieve auto focus and
optical zoom in phone cameras.
"The race to improve phone camera image
quality is creating a new market for one billion miniature motors,"
said David Henderson, President of New Scale.
"Our patented SQUIGGLE motor technology is
ideal for this application, and the Mobacam Division gives us an
agile, fast-response team to meet the requirements of this exploding
market."
Most of the more than 300 million phone
cameras produced in 2005 will use fixed optics. By 2007, more than
500 million phone cameras will be manufactured, and most will have
auto focus and optical zoom, according to Future Image's 2005 Mobile
Imaging Report. These phone cameras require new motor technology,
because conventional motors are too large and use too much power.
"Today's digital cameras use conventional
electromagnetic motors with iron, copper and magnets," Henderson
said. "But electromagnetic motors have reached their limits in terms
of miniaturization. Phone camera designers need motors four times
smaller than conventional motor technology can deliver."
|
A tiny SQUIGGLE motor is shown next
to a phone camera lens and a dime. The patented piezo motor uses
ultrasonic vibrations in a threaded nut to directly rotate a mating screw,
producing precise linear motion. It offers:
- Diameter < 4 mm
- Length < 10 mm
- Stroke > 4 mm
- Sub-micrometer resolution
- Speed up to 10 mm/s
- Force > 1 N
- Optional position sensor
|
In contrast, piezoelectric ceramic
SQUIGGLE motors are easily miniaturized to phone camera dimensions.
SQUIGGLE motors use ultrasonic vibrations to produce precise
bi-directional linear movement. Compared to conventional
electromagnetic motors, SQUIGGLE motors offer:
- A simple and low-cost design, with 90 percent fewer parts and no gears
- Five times greater power efficiency for longer battery life
- Ten times better precision
- Quieter operation
Mobacam is actively seeking partners and
investors to accelerate the SQUIGGLE product roadmap. A reference
camera design under development includes position sensors and
single-chip ASIC drive and control electronics. The company is
working with several semiconductor suppliers to create ASIC
(application specific integrated circuit) solutions.
Sample SQUIGGLE motors are available for
purchase today. High-volume production can begin six months after
order placement, with high-volume pricing of a few dollars per
motor.
About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies
makes miniature ceramic motors that enable our customers to create smaller products. Our patented
SQUIGGLE motors
are bigger than MEMS devices but smaller than conventional motors.
We generate precise movement using ultrasonic vibrations, which
makes our piezoelectric motors powerful, precise, simple, and compatible with extreme
environments.
For more information contact:
David Henderson, President
New Scale Technologies, Inc.
Phone 585-924-4450
Fax 585-924-4468
dhenderson@newscaletech.com
www.newscaletech.com
back to top
© 2005 New Scale Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy.
|
