Date: 28/09/2011

Thin auto-focus IC for compact cameras and phones

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has introduced 0.15mm-thin auto focus voice coil driver IC with both pulse width modulation (PWM) and linear current regulation support for compact cameras, smartphones and mobile devices.

By designing in PWM mode, the DRV201 reduces the power consumption of the auto focus function by 75 percent, which helps extend the battery life of devices that include a compact camera module, as per TI.

Key features and benefits of the DRV201 as listed by TI include:
Flexible selection of operation mode with I2C configuration.
Advanced ringing compensation feature results in fast lens settling time for faster focus - 10-mS settling time compared to 150 mS without ringing compensation.
Robust on-chip protection (open and short-circuit detection/protection, thermal protection and under-voltage lockout).
0.15-mm package height.

Availability and pricing: The DRV201 is available now in a 0.8-mm x 1.48-mm PicoStar package, priced at $0.95 in quantities of 1,000.

For more information visit: www.ti.com