SMALL, PRECISE, SMART … IN MOTION

M3-FS and M3-F Focus Modules
Tiny, all-in-one smart motion modules
for positioning optics in OEM cameras
FEATURES

Tiny “all-in-one” solution: no external control board neededSuperior image quality: sub-micron lens movement with very
low tilt. Now with higher dynamic stability

Low voltage & power: 3.3 VDC input, zero power position holdSimple system integration: accepts high-level motioncommands over standard serial interface (I2C or SPI)

Flexible, production-ready system: compatible with M8 to
M16 lenses and with typical image formats from 1/3” to 1/1.8”



Lowest cost, fastest time to market: Fully-engineered “plugand play” solution

Precision lens control for highest image quality
M3-F and M3-FS focus modules add high-resolution lens motion, withexcellent dynamic stability, to the smallest OEM vision systems. Each
module is a complete closed-loop motion solution and requires no more
space than a typical fixed lens mount. Very low power is needed tomove the lens and zero power is needed to hold the lens in any position,
making the M3 Focus Module ideal for battery-powered devices.
All M3 smart modules have embedded closed-loop control. They need
only simple high-level motion commands from the camera processor,
making system integration fast, simple and cost-effective.
Precise lens position control (0.5 µm resolution) and best-in-class bidirectional repeatability enable you to capture the sharpest images inthe shortest time. Designed for long life with high performance, M3
modules are not susceptible to temperature or power variations.

APPLICATIONSHigh-resolution cameras forminiaturized systems and handheld,
portable or mobile instruments• In-vitro diagnostics (IVD)• Robotic inspection• Miniature microscopes• Surveillance & remote sensing• Biometric identification• Imaging arrays• Process control & machine vision• Guidance, targeting & UAVs

Your
CameraBoard
M3-FS
ModuleYour M8
to M16

Small, precise and smart: M3-FS
and M3-F focus modules are easily
integrated with your image sensor
board and lens. The complete, dropin focus solution requires no more
space than a fixed lens holder.

Improved dynamic stability and precision
The new M3-FS focus module is a drop-in replacement for the original
M3-F focus module. The aluminum structure and innovative ball bearing
guide mechanism deliver a 3x improvement in tilt and accuracy. The
new M3-FS features superior dynamic stability, minimizing pixel shift
with changing camera orientation. This makes it ideal for miniature
handheld, portable and mobile systems. Maximum lens diameter is M16.
The original M3-F focus module, with machined Delrin housing and a
pin-bushing guide, remains an economical choice for lower-precision
requirements or fixed camera positions. Maximum lens diameter is M12.

New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w w w . n e w s c a l e t e c h . c o m ~ Phone (585) 924-4450

All-in-one motion modules run
on 3.3 VDC and can be evaluatedusing a PC with USB adapter and
New Scale Pathway™ software,
included in the Developer’s Kits.

M3-FS and M3-F Focus Modules

Simple integration
Integration with camera processor
Both the M3-FS and M3-F smart focus modules feature embedded
closed-loop control. You provide simple, high-level motion commands
from the camera processor over a standard I2C or SPI interface.
Lens installation and alignment
Install your lens using the threaded inside diameter of the M3 module.
The M3-FS accepts a maximum M16 diameter lens, or an M12 lenses
with a standard adapter. Smaller lenses may be feasible depending on
the optical design. The M3-F accepts a maximum M12 lens directly.
For typical camera integration, “active alignment” is required to alignthe optical centerline of the lens orthogonal to the image sensor by
moving the M3 module and lens as a single assembly.
After alignment, the base of the module is typically secured to theimage sensor board using shims, adhesive and screws. The lensback focal distance is then set by rotating the lens in the threads andsecuring it with a small amount of adhesive in the threads.

Specifications

The M3 Advantage: New Scale’s M3
micro-mechatronic module platforms
provide the smallest, highest resolution, and most repeatable closed-loop
positioning solutions available. These“all in-one” smart modules require no
separate electronics and are ready toplug-and-play directly with yoursystem processor and power supply.
You achieve the fastest time to market
with the lowest total cost.
Each M3 smart module is a fully engineered solution that integrates ourpatented and proprietary motor, drive,
sensing, guide and control technologies. These unique components combine to create the world’s smallest
closed-loop motion solutions.

Model

M3-F

M3-FS

Lens Type(Lens not included)

Accepts M12x0.5 mm lens.
Accepts smaller lenses to M8x0.35 withadapter by special order

Accepts M16x1 mm
Accepts M12x0.5 mm with standard adapter.
Other sizes by special order.

Lens Weight (note 1)< 5 grams< 5 grams (all orientations)

Travel Range

Up to 1.5 mm

Up to 1.5 mm

Housing Dimension

20 x 22 x 16 mm

20 x 23 x 16 mm

Image Sensor Area
(image sensor not included)

17 x 17 (see drawing)

17 x 17 (See drawing)

Maximum Speed

5 mm/s

5 mm/sResolution

0.5 μm

0.5 μmRepeatability

Uni-directional: +/- 8 μm
Bi-directional: +/- 20 μm

Uni-directional: +/- 2.5 μm
Bi-directional: +/- 5 μm

Linear Accuracy± 30 μm± 12 μm

Static Tilt<± 1 degree<± 0.7 degree

Dynamic Tilt<± 0.15 degrees<± 0.05 degrees

Static Concentricity<± 0.25 mm<± 0.25 mm

Dynamic Concentricity<± 0.02 mm<± 0.002 mm (Typical)

Input Voltage

3.1 to 3.6 V DC

3.1 to 3.6 V DC

< 1 W (5mm/s with 5g mass)< 0.13 W quiescent
5° to 70°C (lower possible)<70% RH non-condensing< 1 W (5mm/s with 5g mass)<0.13 W quiescent
5° to 70°C (lower possible)<70% RH non-condensing

Lifetime (note 4)>2 million cycles (fixed orientation)
500K cycles (any orientation)>10 million random moves while not exceeding 1.2 km total travel.
See note 4Digital Interface

I2C or SPI

I2C or SPI

Weight of module (without lens)

5.8 grams

8 grams

Compliance

CE / RoHS

CE / RoHS

Input Power (note 2)
Temperature /RH (note 3)

Note 1: Fixed orientation may allow for heavier lens operation. Please consult the factory.
Note 2: Power depends on input voltage, speed & load.
Note 3: Consult the factory for lower temperature requirements.
Note 4: M3-FS specification corresponds to 10 million moves with average random move of 120 µm. Lifetime depends on application and use case. Please consult factory to discuss yourspecific system design.

New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w w w . n e w s c a l e t e c h . c o m ~ Phone (585) 924-4450

M3-FS and M3-F Focus Modules

M3-FS focus module
The M3-FS focus module is a drop-in replacement for the M3-F module.
It has the same electrical connections, the same software commands,
and nearly identical size. It has a new anodized aluminum housing withpreloaded zero clearance ball-bearings for precision motion.
M3-FS-1.8-1.5-M16 focus module – accepts M16x1 threaded lensM3-FS lens motion guides arepreloaded ball bearings with very
low friction and zero internal
clearance. This precision guide
produces excellent lateral stability
and minimum pixel shift when thecamera is moving and changing
orientation.

All dimensions in mm

Kit, M3-FS-M16 to M12 Adapter
Threads into M3-FS module toaccept M12x0.5 lensM3-F focus module
The M3-F focus module has a machined Delrin housing with pin-bushing guides for lens motion.
M3-F-1.8 focus module - accepts M12x0.5 threaded lensM3-F has pin-bushingguides for lens motion.

New Scale Technologies, Inc. | w w w . N e w S c a l e T e c h . c o m | Phone (585) 924-4450

M3-FS and M3-F Focus Modules

Developer’s Kits
M3-F and M3-FS Developer’s Kits provide convenient engineering
evaluation and demonstration of focus in your camera in just a few
minutes. New Scale Pathway™ software allows you to perform
manual focus operations immediately from your PC.
Developer’s Kits are available from select distributors and regional
representatives. For links and contact information see
https://www.newscaletech.com/micro-motion-modules/m3-fs-m3-ffocus-modules/.

Ordering information
M3-FS high-performance focus module
NEW M3-FS

Description

DK-M3-FS-1.8--1.5-M12/16

M3-FS Developer’s Kit including M3-FS-1.8-1.5-M16
focus module with ball bearing guide. USB adapter, M16
to M12 lens adapter, cables, instructions and New Scale
Pathway™ software.

M3-FS-1.8-1.5-M16
M3-FS-1.8-1.5-M12
Kit, M3-FS-M16 to M12
Adapter

M3-FS Smart Focus Module with ball bearing guide
For M16x1 threaded lens (lens not included)
M3-FS Smart Focus Module with ball bearing guideWith adapter for M12x0.5 threaded lens (lens not included)

Plug-and-Play
New Scale
Pathway™
SoftwareFlex Cable(Detachable)

USB Adapter
M3-FS-M16 to M12
Adapter included in
M3-FS Kit
M3-F or M3-FS
Focus Module

Converts M16x1 threaded bore to M12x0.5

Original M3-F focus module
M3-F

Description

DK-M3-F-1.8-TRK-1.5-S

M3-F Developer’s Kit including M3-F module with pinbusing guide. USB adapter (SPI), cables, instructions
and New Scale Pathway™ software.

M3-F

M3-F Smart Focus Module with pin-bushing guide
For M12x0.5 threaded lens (lens not included)

Developer’s Kits include a focus
module, USB adapter, cables and
New Scale Pathway™ development
software. M3-FS kits include anadapter for M12 lenses. (Lenses notincluded.)

Application-Specific Solutions
We can quickly create customized focus modules to meet your exact
OEM specifications including longer travel, custom lens interface,mounting requirements and unique environmental considerations.
Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Learn More
Visit www.newscaletech.com for application notes, CAD files, STEP
file models and programming guides.

New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w w w . n e w s c a l e t e c h . c o m ~ Phone (585) 924-4450

M3-FS and M3-F Datasheet | 11.22.2022