Actuator Technology
Optical lens system has various motors for zoom, iris and VC (Vibration Compensation).
Tamron constitutes an elaborated lens system, in accordance with required function and quality, by selecting an optimal motor among ultrasonic motor(ring type/standing wave type), brushless motor, stepping motor, voice coil motor and by developing actuator control system depending on each motor. Tamron’s strength is the system design with Actuator, Control Circuit and Software thoroughly by itself to integrate motor and optical system.
Tamron aim to solve many challenges in new applications and fields by utilizing the technology of quietness, high-speed, high-durability and high-torque cultivated throughout optical lens system.
Brushless motor (HLD)*
Simultaneously perform compact and high torque
High-precision Auto Fucus is necessary for high-resolution and high magnification lenses used in 4K/8K ultra high definition cameras. Motors precisely driving lens group require a high torque, high controllability and additionally compact size. Furthermore, high-speed, high-durability and quietness are required for Auto Focus along with the increase in the needs of movie shooting by mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera.
To fulfill the demand, Tamron newly developed the brushless motor, HLD (High/Low torque-modulated Drive).
The brushless motor can control always to the maximum torque while having a compact size.
With HLD’s non-mechanical contact between commutator and brush, superior quietness and high-durability are achieved when changing the driving speed from low to high.
HLD is expected to help enhance the performance of various consumer products and industry applications.
*HLD (High/Low torque-modulated Drive)
Technical features
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FEATURE 1
Superior high torque while having a compact size by Tamron’s original magnetic circuit and mechanism
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FEATURE 2
High torque performance contributes to the reduction of the number of gear units as well as downsizing of the actuator, superior controllability, high-responsivity and quietness
Examples of applications
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High torque lens drive
Lenses for 4k/8K high resolution cameras/camcorders
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Lens drive required for high-speed and high-durability
Surveillance cameras
※The photo is for illustrative purposes only.
Ultrasonic motors (USD, PZD)
High torque and controllability linked with optics
USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) and PZD (Piezo Drive) used in Tamron’s AF (autofocus) lens are independently developed.
Tamron worked to create an original actuator and it became the first company in the world to succeed in applying an actuator with piezoelectric ceramics elements to a lens drive, thus original AF lenses have been developed and released.
Ultrasonic motors having high torque, superior quietness and high holding force under a non-energized state, is not affected by magnetic force. While utilizing the characteristics Tamron realized significant volume reduction compared to the previous actuator structure.
Tamron has achieved great optimizations with optics by developing original control circuits and software that are able to fully derive ultrasonic motor’s performance.
Technical features
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FEATURE 1
Realized stability and durability of torque under photographic lens environment
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FEATURE 2
With original control system, high-precision (µm order) positioning control of lens group is achieved
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FEATURE 3
Realized optimization of optics as originally developed actuator system (Motor, control circuit, software)
Note：Three features are common to the both USD and PZD.
Ultrasonic motors USD
Ultrasonic motors PZD
Examples of applications
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Various lens drives for large diameter lens and telescope
Lens driving motor for remote sensing, photographic lens and long-distance surveillance camera
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Motor used in magnetic field environment
Lens driving motor used in magnetic field generated by MRI and in power plant
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Lens for 4K/8K high resolution cameras
※The photo is for illustrative purposes only.
Optical VC (Vibration Compensation) system
Design systems thoroughly
There are three types for compensating the camera-shake and Tamron’s Vibration Compensation system is based on optical technology consisting of a three-axis voice coil motor, a position sensing hall sensor and gyro-sensor for detecting angular vibration.
Compensating the vibration can not be realized with a motor independently. Lens capable of having optical compensation is executed with feedback control responding to an angular velocity from gyro sensor and the imaging performance is maintaining while shooting.
Tamron design thoroughly the three developments “VC mechanism (ACT) development including optical design”, “Sensor signal processing circuit technology”, and “Control software development” and realize a fine drive and stopping accuracy in micron order.
With a unique AI algorithm, Tamron engage in a seamless Vibration Compensation corresponding to various shooting conditions. Moreover, a variable optical axis (beam bending) is possible by utilizing VC technology.
From now on, utilizing the VC technology is in our view to be widely used such as wearable devices, a long- distance monitoring devices and a moving equipment such as robot.
Technical features
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FEATURE 1
Expand VC technology and know-how cultivated through photographic lenses to various lens system and applications
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FEATURE 2
Design system thoroughly with VC mechanism (ACT) development including optical design, Sensor control with analog circuit development and Control software development
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FEATURE 3
Developed Unique AI algorithm capable of VC for various shooting scenes
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FEATURE 4
Variable optical axis (beam bending) utilized with optical axis compensation
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Fusion of three technologies
Technology intro video: Vibration Compensation(VC) system
Technology intro video: Variable optical axis with Vibration Compensation(VC)
Examples of applications
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Vibration compensation for hand shaking: Photo shooting, binocular, compact telescope(monocular)
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Vibration compensation installed in moving equipment: Robot (AGV, collaborative, arm, heavy machine)
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Effect on coarse pointing and fine pointing by a variable optical axis: Variable optical axis for laser, Free Space Optics (FSO), Visible Light Communication (VLC)
※The photo is for illustrative purposes only.
Feel free to contact us
We look forward to putting Tamron technologies to work within your business.
