Autofocus Camera Module comes in miniature package.
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Press Release Summary:
Based on Xlinea(TM) Shape Memory Alloy actuator, 1AF-S85M65 has 8 parts and occupies 8.5 mm footprint. Volume occupied by actuator enables M6.5 lens barrel to be fitted, promoting image quality. Compatible with standard assembly processes, module has 3.5 mm profile and meets industry standard drop test and reliability requirements. Camera module integrators need only to add their selected image sensor assembly and lens barrel to AF Module to form completed camera.
Original Press Release:
1 Ltd Announces the Launch of a New Miniature Autofocus Module and a Manufacturing Partnership with Seiko Instruments
3GSM, Barcelona - 12 February 2007, 1 Ltd announces the launch of a new 8.5mm footprint, 3.5mm height autofocus camera module, 1AF-S85M65.
This new AF module takes miniaturisation to a new level and meets handset manufacturers' requirements for a robust, miniature module that is suited to mass-market applications.
Based on 1 Ltd's proprietary Xlinea(TM) Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator, the module is very simple and has only eight parts. This design simplicity results in the module being inherently robust ensuring it meets the industry standard drop test and reliability requirements. The small volume occupied by the actuator enables a large M6.5 lens barrel to be fitted, so improving image quality. The actuator is also very efficient, requiring approximately 1/3 the power drawn by voice coil motors.
In the highly competitive camera module market, 1 Ltd's development programme has been kept confidential for nearly two years. Only a small group of leading module manufacturers has been provided with early access to the module design. Following the completion of the development programme and exhaustive testing, 1 Ltd is now ready to publicly launch 1AF-S85M65, the world's first commercially available SMA camera.
1 Ltd is targeting the volume cameraphone market where AF applications demand high performance, compact form-factor and reliability. 1 Ltd's Sales Director David Lewis said, "We have listened to our customers and responded with a new product which provides a compelling mass-market solution for autofocus. Our proprietary technology also provides a platform to meet our customers' future requirements for further size reduction".
The new module is being manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII), one of the world's leading precision manufacturing companies. Tony Hooley, 1 Ltd's CEO said, "SII's long established expertise in the manufacture of miniature mechanical assemblies make them an ideal partner for 1 Ltd. Our customers value SII's commitment to quality and customer service". SII is establishing module production facilities in Japan and Thailand to meet escalating demand. Masao Kasuga, SII's General Manager of MM Planning & Development Department, commented, "We are delighted to be working with 1 Ltd on this exciting project. The use of SMA greatly simplifies both the module design and the manufacturing process, resulting in higher yields and reduced production costs".
Camera module integrators simply add their selected image sensor assembly and lens barrel to the AF Module to form a completed camera.
The new module is compatible with standard assembly processes and therefore provides a quick and easy way for camera module integrators to assemble the autofocus camera module. AF Modules based on XlineaTM actuators are also available for manufacture under license from 1 Ltd for those companies wishing to produce their own products 'in-house'.
Samples of the AF Module will be demonstrated at 1 Ltd's stand, G28 in Hall 1, during 3GSM, Barcelona which runs from 12 to 15 February.
1 Ltd is now accepting orders for samples of the 1AF-S85M65 and mass production quantities will be available in Q3 2007.
For further information or to arrange a meeting at 3GSM please contact:
David Lewis, Sales and Marketing Director:
david.lewis@1limited.com
Mobile +44 (0)7765 403613
About 1 Ltd
1 Ltd provides the world's leading OEM's with innovative technology solutions, based on proprietary actuator technology and digital signal processing. Typically, 1 Ltd's technology is applicable to very high volume consumer products.
Xlinea is a trademark of 1 Ltd
http://www.1limited.com
About Seiko Instruments
Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) was established in 1937 as a key watch manufacturing company for the Seiko Group. Based on its sophisticated micromechatronics and nanotechnology techniques developed through decades of experience in precision machinery manufacturing and low-power consumption technologies, the company provides micromechatronic products and services including watch and HDD components; semiconductors, FPD and electronic devices; network solutions systems; nanotechnology equipment; scientific instruments; and large-format inkjet printers.
http://www.sii.co.jp/
