ALPS Develops and Commences Mass Production of “ATMC1Z9 Series” Bi-direction Type Autofocus Actuator for Cameras

Achieves Low Power Consumption and a Low Profile

Munich, Germany, January 18, 2016 – ALPS has developed the “ATMC1Z9 Series” Bi-direction Type Autofocus Actuator¹ for Cameras for integration into 13-megapixel smartphone camera modules. The new product achieves low power consumption and a low profile. Mass production is already underway.

China is home to the world’s biggest market for smartphones, but until just a few years ago was largely dominated by models commonly referred to as “shanzhai,” or knock-off products. Now these low-cost, low-end smartphones are being superseded by mid-range and high-end models released by leading local manufacturers. In terms of operating systems and other software, the phones’ specs are comparable to one another, meaning differentiation must be achieved elsewhere. One way is by enhancing camera performance.

As of 2015, more than 90 percent of smartphones in the Chinese market have autofocus functionality. Of those, around 70 percent are fitted with lenses and camera modules supporting eight-megapixel resolution, while roughly 35 percent support 13 megapixels² The shift in consumer preferences toward high-end smartphones is expected to continue with 13-megapixel models forecast to make up the largest market segment.

ALPS has responded by developing and starting mass production of the ATMC1Z9 Series Autofocus Actuator for Cameras supporting 13-megapixel resolution and realizing low power consumption as well as a low profile. The new product is the industry’s first bi-direction type actuator for 13 megapixels. It realizes power savings, consuming around one third of the power used by existing preload type actuators, and enables high-speed focusing. And with dimensions of 8.5 × 8.5 × 2.8mm, the actuator has one of the slimmest profiles in the industry, contributing to greater flexibility and quality in casing design.

Bi-direction type actuators set the initial position of the lens at a frequently used focal distance (position) and adjust 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. This shortens the distance the lens has to travel, thereby reducing the amount of power required to move the lens and enabling high-speed focusing.

To be able to stop and start movement of a suspended lens while still managing to restrict lens tilt requires a high degree of precision in flat spring assembly. ALPS achieves this using mold design, simulation and automated machine design technologies. Lens tilt is less than one tenth of a degree during lens drive.

Features

For 13-megapixel cameras (lens barrel size: M6.5)
High precision achieved, with a tilt of less than 1/10th of a degree during lens drive
Automated production enables stable quality and supply

Principal Applications

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

Specifications

Model: ATMC1Z9 Series
Dimensions (W×D×H): 8.5 × 8.5 × 2.8mm
Lens barrel size: M6.5 × P0.25mm (ISO metric screw thread)
Stroke (when facing upward): ≥ +220µm (@ +90mA), ≤ -30µm (@ -20mA)

¹ An electronic component that adjusts focus by moving multiple lens holders according to the change in current via magnets and a coil built into the component. Also called a voice coil motor (VCM).
² According to ALPS Electric research

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
ALPS Electric (Tokyo: 6770) is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electronic components for mobile devices, home electronics, vehicles and industrial equipment. With the philosophy of “Perfecting the Art of Electronics” ALPS Electric supplies over 40,000 different components to about 2,000 companies all over the world. For more information, visit www.alps.com.

ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 2013 the European Head Office has been located in Munich and as such co-ordinates the Sales, Marketing and Product Engineering activities of our branch offices in Munich, Düsseldorf, Paris, Milton Keynes, Gothenburg as well as our sales office in Milan.