Pressefach: ALPS Electric Europa GmbH

Alps Develops the FP85 Series of Two-Megapixel Camera Modules for Mobile Phones

Fixed Focus, Macro Facility and Autofocus in Compact Casings of Identical Size

FP85 Series

(PresseBox) Düsseldorf, 24.05.2006, Alps 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. The FP85 Series will be on display at the ALPS SHOW 2006 being held at the New Takanawa Prince Hotel ( Hiten, Sakura and Uzushio Rooms ) in Minato-ku, Tokyo, for three days from May 24.

Camera phone use is becoming more widespread in Japan and throughout the world. As mobile phones continue to evolve into information terminals, the camera functions on mobile phones are used not only to take conventional photographs, but also to shoot pictures of detailed text such as train timetables, as well as to read two-dimensional bar codes. At the same time, mobile phone cameras have increasingly high resolutions for more beautiful pictures, and some camera phones with pixel numbers on par with digital cameras have appeared on the market.

In light of this trend, 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.

Previously, camera phone modules varied in size according to their functions. 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.

Features
Camera phone modules with a choice of three different focus functions in the same 8.5mm-square casing size

1. Choice of fixed-focus, macro facility or autofocus functions
2. Uses Alps’ proprietary high-resolution aspheric plastic lenses
3. Alps developed its own actuators optimized to the varied focus functions

Principal Applications
Mobile phones

Planned Sales

Sample shipments: From early June 2006

Sample price: 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

Product name: FP85 Series
Dimensions ( W x D x H ): 8.5mm x 8.5mm x 6.1mm
Image sensor resolution: 1,600 x 1,200 ( UXGA )
Image sensor format: 1/4 inch
Lenses: Aspheric plastic ( 3 )
Viewing angles: 49° ( Horizontal )
Connection: Socket

Über ALPS Electric Europa GmbH

Seit seiner Gründung im Jahr 1948 hat sich ALPS zu einem der führenden Hersteller von elektronischen Komponenten entwickelt. Derzeit produziert ALPS in seinen Hauptgeschäftsfeldern – Komponenten, magnetische Bauteile, Kommunikation, Peripherieprodukte und Automobilelektronik – innovative Produkte mit hohem Zusatznutzen, die zum Fortschritt in einer digitalen Gesellschaft beitragen. ALPS ist ein weltweit tätiges Unternehmen mit 23 Produktionsstätten in acht Ländern und 60 Vertriebsniederlassungen in 13 Ländern. Der konsolidierte Nettoumsatz für das am 31. März 2003 zu Ende gegangene Geschäftsjahr beträgt 602 Milliarden Yen.

ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, Tochterunternehmen der ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., wurde 1979 gegründet. Seit 1989 hat das europäische Head Office seinen Sitz in Düsseldorf. Hier arbeitet ein Team von Spezialisten aus Verkauf, Marketing und Produktingenieurwesen. Von Düsseldorf aus werden die Aktivitäten der Niederlassungen in München, Paris, Milton Keynes und des europäischen Vertriebs koordiniert. ALPS Nordic AB, eine 100%ige Tochter der ALPS Electric Europa GmbH mit Sitz in Schweden, bietet Dienstleistungen für den skandinavischen Markt an.

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