µPistons™ Technology
For decades, MEMS actuators have been known to possess a weak structure in their comb-drive electrode configuration, resulting in limited force and out-of-plane stroke.
However, about 10 years ago, the founders of Sheba Microsystems, then at the University of Toronto, introduced an innovative solution by inventing the piston-tube electrode configuration. This breakthrough overcame the limitations of the traditional comb-drive structure and paved the way for significant advancements in piston-tube technology, leading to the state-of-the-art version we see today.
The piston-tube electrodes take advantage of a larger capacitive area, allowing for substantial stroke and increased force. This advancement has enabled Sheba’s MEMS actuators to achieve autofocus and Optical Image Stabilization in embedded vision and compact cameras.
Additionally, the µPistons™ design makes the MEMS actuators resilient against severe shocks and impacts encountered during drop tests, as the electrodes are well-supported and interconnected with each other.
However, about 10 years ago, the founders of Sheba Microsystems, then at the University of Toronto, introduced an innovative solution by inventing the piston-tube electrode configuration. This breakthrough overcame the limitations of the traditional comb-drive structure and paved the way for significant advancements in piston-tube technology, leading to the state-of-the-art version we see today.
The piston-tube electrodes take advantage of a larger capacitive area, allowing for substantial stroke and increased force. This advancement has enabled Sheba’s MEMS actuators to achieve autofocus and Optical Image Stabilization in embedded vision and compact cameras.
Additionally, the µPistons™ design makes the MEMS actuators resilient against severe shocks and impacts encountered during drop tests, as the electrodes are well-supported and interconnected with each other.
Unique Approach:
Moving Bond-Wires
Unique Approach: Moving Bond-Wires
Sheba’s patented approach moves the lightweight sensor to achieve autofocus – instead of moving the lens.
Wire-bonding on a floating, moving structure has been a challenge; however, Sheba has developed over the years the know-how of the direct wire-bonding from the sensor the outer PCB.
The moving bond wires are stiff, thus they don’t sway, touch each other, or break during severe drops, shocks, or vibrations.
Wire-bonding on a floating, moving structure has been a challenge; however, Sheba has developed over the years the know-how of the direct wire-bonding from the sensor the outer PCB.
The moving bond wires are stiff, thus they don’t sway, touch each other, or break during severe drops, shocks, or vibrations.
Robust and automated wire-bonding process
that has been developed over the years
Robust and automated wire-bonding process that has been developed over the years
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Advantages
Small Size Actuator
Thin actuator fits perfectly
under the sensor.
Lower Power Consumption
The MEMS actuator acts as a capacitor; it consumes low power.
Fast speed
Settling time is < 2ms
Sub-micron Accuracy
Generates ultra fine motions
as small as 100’s nm.
No Electromagnetic Interference
No negative effect on the device’s antenna.
No Hysteresis
Highly repeatable motion
with sub-micron precision.
Flexibility with Lens Type and Design
Enable large aperture lenses.
Less Dynamic / Moving Tilt
The tilt angle is <.03 degrees.
Compatible with Large Sensors
No limitation on the size of
the sensor format.
Small Size Actuator
Thin actuator fits perfectly
under the sensor.
Lower Power Consumption
The MEMS actuator acts as a capacitor; it consumes low power.
Fast speed
Settling time is < 2ms
Sub-micron Accuracy
Generates ultra fine motions
as small as 100’s nm.
No Electromagnetic Interference
No negative effect on the device’s antenna.
No Hysteresis
Highly repeatable motion
with sub-micron precision.
Flexibility with Lens Type and Design
Enable large aperture lenses.
Less Dynamic / Moving Tilt
The tilt angle is <.03 degrees.
Compatible with Large Sensors
No limitation on the size of
the sensor format.
Drop Test
Thermally stable, highly rugged
and handles shocks.
Thermally stable -40 to 150° C
Best-in-Class Solutions for Embedded Vision and Compact Cameras
Highly Reliable Technology
Sheba autofocus actuator technology has passed all major reliability tests including the following:
| Test | Spec | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
High Temp. storage test |
85℃ / 120 hours |
Pass |
|
Low Temp. storage test |
-40℃ / 120 hours |
Pass |
|
High Temp. High Hum. |
85°C / 85%RH / 200 Hours |
Pass |
|
Life cycle |
100M cycles Drive the MEMS at full stroke using a triangle wave at 100 Hz for 12 days |
Pass |
|
Thermal cycling |
1 cycle profile: Temperature start at 25°C; Cool down to -40°C at 3°C/minute ramp rate; Soak for 20 minutes; Heat up to 85°C at 3°C/minute ramp rate; Soak for 20 minutes; Cool down to 25°C at 3°C/minute ramp rate. Repeat 600 cycles |
Pass |
|
High Temp.
Operational |
75℃ / 120 hours |
Pass |
|
Low Temp. Operational |
-20℃ / 120 hours |
Pass |
|
Tumble test |
1m chamber. Total: 100 drops. Speed: 8 RPM |
Pass |
|
Microdrop test |
Test Jig: 90g, Drop Height: 10CM Each 6 faces drop 300 times, total 1800 times. |
Pass |
|
Drop test |
Height: 1m to concrete floor, 6 faces/2 times, total 12 times Conditions: free fall using vacuum machine. MEMS is assembled into a camera module. Jig weight is 90g |
Pass |
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