Alps Electric Develops the FP85 Series of Two-Megapixel Camera Modules for Mobile Phones; Fixed Focus, Macro Facility and Autofocus in Compact Casings of Identical Size

Alps Electric (Pink Sheet:APELY) has developed the
three-model FP85 Series of two-megapixel camera modules for mobile
phones. The modules have casings of identical size, and feature fixed
focus, macro facility and autofocus respectively. Alps will commence
sample shipments from early June 2006.
Alps led the industry in developing three camera modules of the
same compact casing size (8.5mm wide x 8.5mm deep x 6.1mm high). The
modules feature fixed focus, macro facility and autofocus
respectively.
To create the macro facility and autofocus functions, parts such
as actuators that manipulate lenses in order to adjust focus had to be
attached to fixed-focus camera modules, which served as the base. This
meant that the modules themselves had to be made larger. By leveraging
its high-precision processing and packaging technologies, Alps has
enabled mobile phone manufacturers to choose between three focus
functions all packaged in the same compact casing size. This
contributes to a more diverse selection of mobile phones for users.
Lenses are the major component of camera modules. By employing its
optical design technology, Alps has already developed high-resolution,
aspheric plastic lenses that are thin and compact. Alps is thereby
meeting the needs for higher-resolution, more attractive picture
taking.
Actuators are needed to manipulate lenses for focus functions.
Alps has created actuators that maximize the capacity of macro
facility and autofocus functions. Alps employs a voice coil system
that uses magnetic simulation technology for macro facility, and a
piezo system for autofocus.
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Principal Applications

Mobile phones

Planned Sales
Sample shipments: From early June 2006
Sample prices:
Fixed focus: 10,500 Yen (tax included)
Macro facility: 15,750 Yen (tax included)
Autofocus: 21,000 Yen (tax included)

Monthly production: 3 million units (total for three models, planned
for December 2006)

Development: Communication Devices Division, Soma Plant (Soma City,
Fukushima Prefecture)

Production: Communication Devices Division, Soma Plant (Soma City,
Fukushima Prefecture)

Specifications
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Product name FP85 Series
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Dimensions 8.5mm x 8.5mm x 6.1mm
(W x D x H)
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Image sensor resolution 1600 x 1200 (UXGA)
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Image sensor format 1/4 inch
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Lenses Aspheric plastic (3)
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Viewing angles 49 degrees (Horizontal)
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Connection Socket
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