Active Sensor Alignment

Manufacturing high-volume electro-optical systems that demand world-class imaging performance and reliability leads to the use of higher resolutions and smaller pixels. Additionally, achieving higher MTF and advanced optical performance poses challenges to the consistency and repeatability of the entire sensor-lens assembly.

Optimizing the performance of electro-optics modules requires accuracies beyond what mechanical tolerances or manual alignment alone can achieve. To ensure maximum, quantified performance while maintaining production efficiency and cost control, machine-controlled active alignment and testing—done on the Teledyne Adimec SPS3000 — is essential.

The Teledyne Adimec active alignment machine is the third generation sensor positioning system called SPS3000.

Teledyne Adimec is a specialist in the design and manufacture of advanced imaging solutions, providing customized camera and production process designs for high-volume alignment and testing of high-performance camera-lens modules. Our expertise extends beyond the limitations of M12 optics, enabling support for applications that demand superior image quality and performance compared to mass-market automotive, VR, and consumer drone systems.

To address these requirements, Teledyne Adimec has developed alignment capabilities for larger optical assemblies and image sensors with larger pixels and/or higher resolutions than those commonly used in high-volume markets. This approach increases overall sensitivity while maintaining high MTF performance across the entire image, delivering the image quality needed for demanding professional and industrial applications.

The SPS3000 was validated against the worldwide industry standards of optical metrology.

Alignment of:

  • Sub micrometer position accuracy
  • 1/3” to 35 mm sensors
  • <3.0 µm pixels
  • 6 degrees of freedom alignment (Z, Rx, Ry, Rz, X, Y)
  • 9 MTF field points
  • Focal lengths from 3 to 30 mm (with possibilities to extend)