ABOUT
Cambridge Mechatronics (CML) conceives, develops and pioneers innovative actuation solutions for consumer electronics. This involves the development and provision of semiconductor devices, software and other Intellectual Property. CML has a portfolio of over 100 patents with many more filings in process.
Initially CML focused on audio applications. It developed ASICs and software to control arrays of transducers such that they produce multiple concentrated sound beams. This led to CML's multi-patented Digital Sound Projector (DSP) platform, universally acknowledged to be the best means of delivering front rendered 5.1surround sound. DSP can be found in the highest quality soundbars and televisions sold by Beko, Grundig, Loewe, Mitsubishi, Pioneer and Yamaha. In the 12 months to March 2010 CML enjoyed record revenues and the shipment of the 500,000th DSP-based product.
During the development of DSP, CML gained great expertise in precise electronic control of actuators and began looking for other opportunities that could take advantage of this. Soon CML was introduced to the problem of moving lenses in miniature cameras for the purposes of auto-focus.
The emerging smart phone segment was and is demanding cameras with ever-higher pixel densities, increasing low-light performance, faster focus resolution times, smaller form factors and of course much lower costs. It was clear to CML that the mature auto-focus actuation technologies based on Voice Coils and Piezo electric materials were not going to be able to keep up with these requirements.
CML decided to apply the Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Nickel-Titanium to the auto-focus problem, as it had the potential to be the basis of the smallest, strongest and simplest actuators. This involved much fundamental research into the electromechanical behaviour of SMA and the development of a tiny but clever ASIC to control this behaviour. The first mass production of an Auto-Focus Lens Assembly manufactured under license from CML occurred in April 2010. These units were integrated into a 8.5mm 8 MPixel Camera along with CML's Xlinea ASIC. CML's partner SAES Getters supplied the SMA wire used in the lens assemblies.
Going forward CML expects to see its ASICs and IP used in ever- lower cost mobile phone handsets as well as enabling higher quality cameras for smart phones. CML is developing actuation products for new digital imaging applications and for other unrelated markets.