Auto focus control ic developed for smartphone camera modules

The programmable solution offers fast, accurate auto focus convergence while generating minimal noise interference. "There is a growing demand for improved smartphone camera features – specifically for fast, accurate, power friendly auto focus," said Tomofumi Watanabe, general manager of ON Semiconductor's SANYO product division. "We developed this compact and highly power efficient auto focus solution for the specific needs of smartphone applications. It provides an effective, single chip solution to the technical limitations that have challenged many of our industry leading wireless communications customers." The LC898212XA-MH features digital logic with a closed loop control system and a function for a positioning sensor. Its closed loop architecture is said to provide for more accurate auto focus control while also lowering power consumption relative to open loop solutions. The control circuit filter coefficients are adjustable via an I2C interface, allowing the LC898212XA-MH to be programmed for optimal convergence time when paired with different actuators. The device also incorporates an improved pwm drive system to further lower power consumption.