“10x optical zoom without katuktu” … Samsung Electro-Mechanics, camera module development

A 10x optical zoom camera module has been developed that can solve the so-called katuktu (a protruding structure where the camera protrudes).

Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced on Day 1 that it is developing and mass producing a folded camera module that implements a 10x optical zoom while minimizing camera bulge.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics executives and employees have folded camera modules with 10x optical zoom. [사진=삼성전기 제공]

Optical zoom is a function that brings a distant subject closer and takes a picture without deteriorating image quality. To implement high-magnification optical zoom, the distance between the image sensor and the lens must be increased. This increases the length of the camera module and makes the camera protrude outward.

To solve this problem, Samsung Electro-Mechanics developed a folded camera module that refracts light in the form of a periscope and implemented a 5x optical zoom in 2019.

In particular, this time it refracted the light twice and managed to increase the optical zoom magnification by 2 times.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics emphasized that it is the first in Korea to implement 10x optical zoom in folded form in a smartphone camera.

This product, developed by Samsung Electro-Mechanics, is mounted on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the highest model in the Galaxy S21 series.

Ik-chan Shim, head of module development team at Samsung Electro-Mechanics, said: “Since the camera module is used as an important point of differentiation for smartphones, the market demand for ultra-small optical zoom and of great increase is growing. “We are supplying the differentiated products that we want.”

Meanwhile, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is supplying camera modules to leading smartphone manufacturers based on core technologies required for camera modules, such as lens design and mold technology, and internalizing the manufacturing of actuators from high performance. It also revealed that it is expanding transactions with global automakers based on accumulated technology in mobile.

The camera module is a variety of It is used in the field and high-level technology is required, such as high definition and small size, slim and low power consumption, and high rigidity.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics builds on the core technologies required for camera modules, such as lens design and mold technology, and the internalization of high-performance actuator manufacturing. We are supplying camera modules to major smartphone companies and expanding transactions with global automotive companies based on accumulated technology in mobile devices.