Victor, N.Y. — New Scale Technologies, Inc. has expanded its family of piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors with the introduction of the high-resolution SQ-306s that is 50% shorter than previous models. It also offers improved resolution and higher electrical power efficiency for longer battery life in mobile devices including auto focus and optical zoom assemblies in camera phones.

Measuring 4 mm x 10 mm, the new motor delivers a 2 N force, and offers an enhanced 100-nm position resolution and a shorter 5-mm travel. The speed can be precisely controlled from 0.001 to 10 microns per second. They are suitable medical devices such as implantable and wearable drug pumps, and MRI-compatible instruments.

The company touts that these new linear motors are five times more efficient and ten times more precise than conventional electromagnetic motors. In addition, they use 90 percent fewer parts and require no gear reduction, which eliminates many failure modes, said the company. Another key benefit is that the new devices are inherently inexpensive to manufacture in high volume because of its simple mechanical design.

The company is currently working with semiconductor suppliers to develop a fully-integrated single-chip SQUIGGLE drive system.

Pricing for sample SQ-306s motors is $800 for single units. High-volume production will begin later in 2005.

New Scale Technologies, Inc., 1-585-924-4450, www.newscaletech.com