Samsung Electro-Mechanics Mass Produces Optical 10x Zoom Folded Camera Module... "First Implementation in Korea"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced on the 1st that it has developed an optical 10x zoom folded camera module and is supplying it to global smartphone manufacturers.

Optical zoom is a function that brings distant subjects closer without image quality degradation, and the higher the distance between the image sensor and the lens, i.e., the focal length, the higher the optical zoom magnification. Samsung Electro-Mechanics explained, "This is the first implementation of a folded-type optical 10x zoom in a smartphone camera in Korea."

In 2019, Samsung Electro-Mechanics developed a folded camera module that secures focal length by refracting light in a periscope form, achieving 5x optical zoom without the camera protruding. However, even when applying the folded method, increasing the optical zoom magnification caused the camera module length to increase, reducing space efficiency inside the smartphone.

To solve this problem, Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced that it developed a dual folded camera module that refracts light twice to double the focal length while increasing the camera module length by only 25%. Additionally, to reduce the camera module height, it applied a proprietary lens with the top and bottom of the lens cut. In particular, it minimized losses that could occur during the light refraction process through low-loss surface coating technology, and by applying a high-sensitivity sensor ball guide actuator, it enabled precise image stabilization for clear photos even with a long lens operating distance.

Shim Ikchan, Executive Director and Head of Samsung Electro-Mechanics Module Development Team, said, "Recently, camera modules have become a major differentiation point for smartphones, and market demand for ultra-compact, high-magnification optical zoom is increasing," adding, "Samsung Electro-Mechanics supplies differentiated products desired by customers through independent technology that designs and manufactures core components such as lenses and actuators."

Camera modules are used in various fields such as smartphones and automobiles, requiring high-level technologies including high image quality, miniaturization, slimness, low power consumption, and high rigidity. Samsung Electro-Mechanics supplies camera modules to major smartphone manufacturers based on core technologies necessary for camera modules such as lens design, mold technology, and in-house manufacturing of high-performance actuators, and is expanding transactions with global automobile manufacturers based on technologies accumulated in mobile.