December 11, 2017 — Smaller, thinner smartphone camera modules can provide pin-sharp image stabilization and make extra space for new handset features, leveraging the reduced size, increased performance, and advanced vibration immunity of STMicroelectronics’ L20G20IS miniature 2-axis MEMS[1] gyroscope.
As the newest member of ST’s highly integrated Optical Image Stabilization device family, the L20G20IS measures just 2.0mm x 2.0mm x 0.7mm, liberating an extra 1.29mm2 of board space (compared to the previous 2.3mm x 2.3mm L2G2IS) to help shrink camera-module size and simplify circuit design. Its superior suppression ratio of 6dB gives outstanding optical correction to banish camera shake from smartphone photography.
The L20G20IS maintains its extreme accuracy even when soldered on the latest ultra-thin substrates, which are typically only 0.2mm or 0.3mm thick and increasingly used by handset designers to create new super-slim and flat cases with no “camera bump.” By eliminating the effects of substrate deformation as the smartphone is moved, the L20G20IS keeps the Zero-Rate Level (ZRL) within specification to ensure consistent measurements for image stabilization.
Overall noise performance is also significantly enhanced, with rate noise density (RND) of 3.8mdps/√Hz, configurable phase delay down to 1° at 20Hz, and typical ZRL of ±5dps, all contributing to crisper photos from smartphone cameras. At up to ±200dps, the full-scale range is undiminished, while sensitivity and temperature stability are both improved. An integrated temperature sensor ensures best-in-class compensation, to help users capture sharp images even with long exposure times.
Among other improvements coming from ST’s state-of-the-art MEMS-device capabilities, the L20G20IS boots in less than 70ms, up 30% faster than the L2G2IS, and draws less than half the current by operating at just 1.4mA.
There are also power-down and sleep modes, which allow smart-camera software to save even more battery energy.
The L20G20IS is compatible with single- or dual-camera modules, and is available now in the 12-lead 2mm x 2mm LGA package. Pricing is from $1.69 for orders of 1000 pieces.
