Alps Alpine : Begins Mass Production of SMA Actuator
January 10, 2023 at 01:57 am EST
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Press Release | Alps Alpine Begins Mass Production of SMA Actuator | Alps Alpine
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2023
Press Release
Actuator Lineup Bolstered to Support Additional Image Stabilization Functionality
Alps Alpine Begins Mass Production of SMA Actuator
Information listed here is shown as of the date of release. Please note that production, sales and programs may be terminated or contents such as specifications and prices may be modified by the time you read this information.
Jan 10, 2023
Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6770; President & CEO: Toshihiro Kuriyama) has commenced mass production of a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, bolstering its lineup of actuators for smartphones.
Background
Smartphone users demand greater sophistication of camera functionality and incorporating image stabilization features into low-priced models is one area expecting growth. Alps Alpine has an extensive track record supplying voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for smartphones and now looks to expand actuator sales with the addition of an SMA actuator to the product lineup. Orders for the SMA Actuator are already being accepted and mass production is underway.
About SMA Actuators
Electricity is passed through shaped memory alloy (SMA) wire of approximately 30µm diameter, causing it to expand and contract, driving the lens carrier. The structure eliminates the need for a coil and magnets. Travel can also be accurately ascertained by measuring the resistance in the wire, removing the need for a position sensor. This contributes to smaller actuators as well as simpler position control.
Features (Advantages) of the SMA Actuator
• Magnets and coils are not used as the driving source, contributing to smaller cameras. A roughly 40% smaller projected area when installed is achieved compared to an Alps Alpine VCM actuator with a same-sized sensor.
• There is no magnetic circuitry and therefore no magnetic interference, contributing to greater freedom in end product design, including the use of multiple cameras.
• Thrust is more than 10 times greater than an Alps Alpine VCM actuator with the same cubic dimensions. This enables use of heavier lenses to support anticipated increases in sensor size. For a lens weighing 1,000mg, the SMA Actuator requires only 60% of the installation area otherwise used by an Alps Alpine VCM actuator.
• The SMA Actuator was developed at Alps Alpine's Nagaoka Plant and Furukawa R&D Center.
Schedule
Alps Alpine will start expanding sales to new customers in January, following the customers who have already started mass production.
Alps Electric Co. Ltd. published this content on 10 January 2023 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 10 January 2023 06:56:12 UTC.
Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. specializes in the production and marketing of electromechanical components. Net sales break down by family of products and services as follows:
- electronic components (52.4%): mobile phones, household items and industrial equipment components (switches, connectors, encoders, captors, etc.);
- audio and communication equipment for automotive (37.8%);
- logistics services (8.2%);
- other (1.6%).
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: Japan (19%), China (19.2%), Americas (16.5%), Germany (10.7%), and other (34.6%).
ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD 
