Manufacturing Stations assemble digital camera modules.
Press Release Summary:
CMAT© (Camera Module Assembly and Test) stations enable digital camera OEMs to produce different models on same equipment and production lines with minimal changeover. Automated alignment and test stations assemble lens to camera sensor on PCB in up to 6 degrees of freedom. With support for automated assembly of various digital camera sensors and lens housing designs, stations are built to order for optimal performance. Included software provides variety of quality tests.
Original Press Release:
AEi Introduces Next Generation Manufacturing Stations for Digital Camera Modules
NEW CMAT© SYSTEM IS MORE FLEXIBLE, VERSATILE, AND FASTER
Wilmington, MA - August 1, 2006 Automation Engineering Incorporated (AEi®), a global supplier of high precision automation systems, announces the availability of its next generation of automated alignment and test stations for digital camera modules. AEi's CMAT© (Camera Module Assembly and Test) stations enable digital camera module OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to produce different models on the same equipment and production lines with minimal changeover requirements. AEi's CMAT stations assemble a lens to a camera sensor on a printed circuit board in up to 6 degrees of freedom (although usually only 5 are necessary). The CMAT station positions a lens assembly in X, Y, Z and across the corners in pitch and roll to achieve an even focus across the focal plane. The first generation CMAT is in factories in Asia and Europe.
According to AEi Chief Technology Officer Andre By, "We've also enhanced our suite of available alignment and image testing algorithms enabling digital camera module OEMs to cut cycle time requirements by as much as 30 percent compared to our previous assembly and test station designs. This is about 500 to 1000 percent faster than manual methods."
Miniature digital camera modules with high image quality and the optional availability of automated focus and zoom are increasingly popular in higher-end cell phones, automotive safety systems, consumer product, and medical and other precision sensing/instrumentation applications. Industry analyst estimates the total world market for camera modules in 2006 at 690 million units shipped, increasing to 792 million by 2008.
CMAT Features Support Popular Camera Designs; Industry Standards
AEi's CMAT stations support automated assembly of a variety of different digital camera sensors and lens housing designs. They also enable assembly of camera modules that incorporate automated focus and zoom using piezoelectric, voice coil, or other integrated actuators. In addition, CMAT's interface electronics and software support currently used communication busses and approaches, plus emerging standards such as those promoted by SMIA and other industry groups.
Alignment and Test Algorithms Optimize Camera Module Assembly
CMAT software includes MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) analysis and advanced proprietary algorithms to calculate focus scores in the center and four corners of an image. This enables rapid and optimal alignment of the lens to the camera sensor, at a far better cycle time and repeatability than can be done manually. Other quality tests such as particle checking, distortion measurement and color verification of the completed camera can also be performed once the lens is in focus. Including these tests at the alignment step helps screen out bad components and assemblies earlier in the manufacturing process rather than waiting until a camera module is fully assembled and packaged.
Pricing & Availability
AEi's CMAT stations are available now. Built to order for optimal performance, CMAT manufacturing stations support the most demanding flexible automation applications in the camera module industry. Designed and built by AEi using a high degree of modularity, specific unit pricing is determined by manufacturing functions and features required by the customer application and the number of units ordered, among other factors. For more information, or a quote to deliver and deploy CMAT manufacturing stations, contact AEi customer support at (978) 658-1000, or sales@aeiboston.com.
About Automation Engineering, Inc.
Automation Engineering Inc. (AEi) is a leading supplier of high-precision automation systems across the optoelectronics, medical devices, consumer products, aerospace/ defense, and other world-wide markets. AEi provides comprehensive design for manufacturing, process development, and pre-production build services in addition to complete turn-key automated manufacturing stations and lines. For more information, visit AEi's website, www.aeiboston.com.
CMAT copyright 2006, Automation Engineering Inc. AEi is a registered trademark of Automation Engineering Inc.
