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     Your update on ingeniously small motion systems
September 2009
Greetings!

Welcome to this issue of New Scale News, your quarterly update on miniature motion technology and applications.

This month we focus on micro optic applications of SQUIGGLE motors and TRACKER position sensors. Check out our latest application notes and videos!
 
In this issue
~ Optical zoom module app note
~ New focus module video
~ Mini position sensor improves digital camera performance
~ New SQUIGGLE motor drives
~ October meetings
~ New app note: Tiny optical zoom module
zoom video
A reference design for a tiny optical zoom module demonstrates how we design and produce micro modules that allow you to embed higher-resolution imaging in smaller devices.

The module integrates two SQUIGGLE motors and two TRACKER position sensors. It provides 4 mm of travel and 0.5 �m closed-loop position resolution for two lenses. All components are contained in a thin 6.5 x 13 x 23 mm footprint. 
 
Our new application note describes the module in detail, including a motion system block diagram and descriptions of the imaging components needed, the lens holders and rail system, the motors and drive chip, and the position sensors.

Advantages over other zoom modules and typical performance are discussed.
~  New video: optical focus module
focus module video
Our optical focus module demonstrates a customizable, precision focus system for M6 to M12 lenses. It provides more than 1 mm of lens motion for focus from less than 100 mm to infinity.

The module measures less than 20 x 20 x 16 mm and can be designed for PCB mounting. It incorporates one SQUIGGLE motor and one TRACKER position sensor.

~ New app note: Miniature position sensor improves autofocus and zoom in digital still cameras

TRACKER postion sensor enhances digital camera performanceThe TRACKER™ NSE-5310 miniature position sensor allows designers to quickly and easily improve autofocus and zoom mechanisms in existing digital still camera, video camera and similar product designs. Use this sensor to:  
  • upgrade open-loop stepper motor systems by adding closed-loop feedback control.
  • replace existing optical encoders with a smaller, higher-resolution solution.
In both cases, adding the TRACKER will reduce power use and enable faster, more precise focus and/or zoom. This higher precision can allow you to use smaller optics, as well, further reducing your system size.
 
This application note describes the benefits and use of TRACKER position sensors in miniature camera lens systems.

~ New drive solutions for SQUIGGLE motors
NSD-1202 piezo motor driver New Scale recently announced availability of its next-generation piezo motor controller ASIC and new motor control reference designs for its miniature SQUIGGLE micro motors, the world's smallest linear motors.

The new NSD-1202 ASIC (shown) allows independent velocity control of two SQL-1.8 SQUIGGLE motors. The new MC-3300 and MC-1100 motor controllers / reference designs introduce motor frequency tracking to ensure constant speed and optimal performance of SQL-series SQUIGGLE motors independently of temperature.
 
~ October meetings

56th ICAT Smart Actuator Symposium
Penn State, State College, PA USA | October 6-7 | more about ICAT
CEO David Henderson will present "Advanced Micro Motion Systems: Piezo Motors, Adaptive Drives and Smart Sensors." We look forward to seeing our fellow ICAT members - please email us if you'd like to make an appointment. 

MEDTECH 09
Skaneateles, NY USA | October 5 | More about MedTech
MedTech's annual fall conference and member meeting will bring together professionals from across the Upstate New York biosciences community to explore trends, issues, and best practices in new product development, managing risk, and growing biosciences companies.
 
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