ALPS Develops and Commences Mass Production of “ATMJ1Z7 Series” Bi-direction Type Autofocus Actuator for Cameras

Drives Large-Diameter Lenses and Realizes Low Power Consumption

Munich, Germany, July 08, 2015 – ALPS has developed the “ATMJ1ZX7 Series” Bi-direction Type Autofocus Actuator1 for Cameras for integration into smartphone camera modules. The new product drives large-diameter lenses and realizes low power consumption. Mass production is already underway. Cameras incorporated into smartphones are increasingly high-performance and models allowing high-resolution photography that stands comparison with compact digital cameras have been on the rise in recent years. Generally speaking, for a device to take sharp, high-resolution photos it requires a powerful image sensor, as well as a large-diameter imaging lens for collecting as much light as possible. At the same time, smartphones require their electronic components to help save battery by consuming little power. Responding to these challenges, ALPS has developed the ATMJ1Z7 Series Bi-direction Type Autofocus Actuator, which supports both large-diameter lenses and low power consumption. The ATMJ1Z7 Series is available in two types, supporting large lenses with a diameter of either 7.05mm (for 16-megapixel resolution) or 8.0mm (for 20-megapixel resolution). Mass production began in February 2015 and June 2015 respectively. Both types have the same specs and dimensions of 10 × 10 × 4.3mm. This makes it easy to switch to the larger lens, helping to reduce the design workload. In addition, whereas existing lens-drive actuators are preload types, driving the lens in only one given direction (uni-directionally) using a positive current, the ATMJ1Z7 Series sets the initial position of the lens at a frequently used focal distance (position) and adjusts 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 lowering the amount of power required to move the lens. Furthermore, original mold design and automated machine design technologies have been applied to put in place a high-quality production system with extremely low variance. High precision is also realized, with a tilt of less than one tenth of a degree during lens drive. Features Mounts a large lens with a diameter of 7.05mm or 8mm Low power consumption realized using bi-directional drive 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: ATMJ1Z7 Series Dimensions (W×D×H): 10.0 × 10.0 × 4.3mm Lens barrel sizes (diameter): 7.05mm / 8.00mm Stroke (when facing upward): ≥ +300µm (@ +100mA, ≤ -50µm (@ -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).

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.