TI introduces industry's first autofocus driver in ultra-thin packaging for compact camera modules

Highly flexible auto focus driver supports both PWM and linear current regulation to extend camera battery life

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Sep 22, 2011, 09:00 ET

DALLAS, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today introduced the industry's first auto focus voice coil driver with both pulse width modulation (PWM) and linear current regulation support. The DRV201 provides designers the flexibility to select the PWM or linear regulation for compact cameras, smartphones and mobile devices. PWM current regulation is up to 75-percent more power-efficient than traditional designs using linear mode. The DRV201 is housed in TI's PicoStar™ packaging, which is the industry's thinnest package at 0.15 mm, enabling low-profile camera modules. DRV201 also integrates advanced ringing compensation in the silicon, to allow faster lens stabilization and to work well with a wider selection of lens and voice coil motor actuator suppliers. For samples and evaluation modules, visit www.ti.com/drv201-pr.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110922/DA72898)

The auto focus function is generally the most power-hungry and battery-draining aspect of using the camera in smartphones and other 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.

Key features and benefits of the DRV201

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.

Tools and support

TI offers a variety of tools and support to speed the implementation of the DRV201 device:

DRV201 evaluation module: www.ti.com/drv201-evm-pr.
DRV201 IBIS model: www.ti.com/drv201-ibis-pr.

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.

Find out about TI's motor control portfolio by visiting the links below:

Download TI's 2011 Motor Solutions Guide: www.ti.com/motorguide-pr.
Ask questions and help solve problems in the Motor Drivers Forum in the TI E2E™ Community: www.ti.com/e2emotor-pr.
Check out motor drive and control selection guides, training, videos, application notes and block diagrams: www.ti.com/motor-pr.

TI spins motors

TI combines a rich history in motor drive and control, a broad portfolio of analog and microcontroller products and a comprehensive offering of tools, software and support to deliver efficient, reliable, cost-effective motor solutions. Customers can get the right solutions at the right performance level to quickly spin any motor, including AC induction (ACIM), brushed DC, brushless DC (BLDC), PMSM and stepper.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be – smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do – from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks

PicoStar and TI E2E are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated