Focus module offers 3x tilt and linear accuracy

15th August 2014

Siobhan O'Gorman

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Datasheet

A replacement for New Scale Technologies' M3-F focus module, with compatible size and identical electrical connections and software commands, has been released. The M3-FS, offering three times tilt and linear accuracy, minimises pixel shift with changing camera orientation.

For straightforward system integration, the focus module which features embedded closed-loop control, takes simple high-level motion commands from the camera processor. Requiring low power to move and hold the lens, the M3-FS operates on 3.3 VDC.

While the M3-F has a molded polymer structure and internal pin-bushing lens guide, the M3-FS has a aluminium structure and ball bearing lens guide, enabling three times tilt and linear accuracy. The 20x23x16mm module, which accepts lens diameters up to M16, provides zero-clearance bearings, resulting in high stability.

Built on New Scale’s M3 micro-mechatronic module platform, the 'all-in-one' M3-FS module is ready to plug-and-play directly with the OEM system processor and power supply. The module also integrates New Scale Technologies’ SQUIGGLE piezo motor, drive, sensing, guide and control technologies, creating what New Scale Technologies describe as the 'world's smallest' closed-loop linear or rotary motion solution.

Providing ten times the precision to that of stepper focus systems, the M3-FS meets the demanding optical requirements of high-performance embedded camera systems. When compared to liquid lens systems, the module also accepts a wider range of high-performance lens assemblies with larger aperture (up to M16) and higher transmission. As well as this, the focus module has one third of the lens tilt and ten times less pixel shift to that of plastic camera mechanisms. This applies even when the camera is moving.

Along with high-performance industrial, medical and scientific OEM cameras, the M3-FS focus module is also suitable for use in miniature handheld, portable and mobile systems. The DK-M3-FS-1.8-61.5-M12/16 developer’s kit is available now at $900.

“The M3 focus module is the world’s only all-in-one focus system for OEM cameras, working directly from the camera processor with no additional control electronics needed,” said David Henderson, chief technical officer at New Scale Technologies. “The new M3-FS offers even higher performance in the same easy-to-integrate platform.”