Rotary Micro Stages
m3-RS Rotary Smart StageS
New Scale has created a number of rotary micro stages and positioning modules featuring our patented piezoelectric motors along with integrated position sensors, bearings, drive electronics and embedded firmware. The M3-RS Series of completed designs are available for special order.
Please contact us about custom development of rotary micropositioning stages.
NOTE: Standard M3-RS-U models are available by special order only. Existing customers please contact tech support.

SPECIAL ORDER: M3-RS-U-360 Rotary Microstage
This smart stage is only 12 mm in diameter including the embedded controller. It was developed for a scientific application requiring precise rotational positioning in a limited space. It delivers continuous 360° rotation.
This design is available for special order in volumes. It can be used as a basis for custom rotary modules for beam alignment and positioning, optical tuning with gratings or filters, and sample alignment.
Application Examples

Application Example: Mirror Positioning
An M3-RS stage as a single-axis mirror positioning system
Application Example: Beam Steering
Two M3-RS stages in a two-axis, two-mirror beam steering system
Typical performance for a custom M3-RS-U Smart Stage with a 3-mm long mounted mirror
Attribute | Value |
---|---|
Beam diameter (max) | 2 mm |
Range of motion | +/- 20 degrees (continuous 360 degree motion without mirror stops) |
Speed | >1100 deg/sec |
Acceleration | >1,000,000 deg/sec² (note 1) |
Stall torque (min) | 0.04 N-mm |
Holding torque (min) | 0.08 N-mm (zero power) |
Recommended maximum payload mounted to rotating shaft (payload must be balanced) | |
Mass | 3 g |
Inertia | 350 g-mm² |
CLOSED-LOOP performance (with built-in position sensor) | |
Recommended step frequency | up to 100 Hz |
Resolution (encoder resolution) | 0.025 deg (440 µrad) absolute |
Repeatability | +/- 0.05 deg (880 µrad) |
Accuracy | 0.25 deg (4400 µrad) |
Maximum closed loop step & settle times* | 0.5 deg step: 9 ms 5 deg step: 14 ms 20 deg step: 21 ms |
OPEN-LOOP performance (external position sensor provided by user – see application note) |
|
Resolution | <0.0057 deg (<100 µrad) |
Accuracy | Typically better than 10% of distance travelled after calibration |
Maximum open loop step times* | 0.05 deg step: 0.5 ms 0.5 deg step: 1.6 ms 5 deg step: 6 ms 20 deg step: 10 ms |
Input voltage | 3.3 VDC |
Power consumption (typical) input directly to stage | 500 mW active, moving 190 mW active, ready 50 mW standby |
Power consumption (typical) input via USB interface BREAK-OUT BOARD (one-axis developer’s kit) |
675 mW active, moving 365 mW active, ready 150 mW standby |
Power consumption (typical) input via USB interface DEMO BOARD (two-axis developer’s kit) |
1200 mW active, both axes moving 580 mW active, ready 200 mW standby |
Stage mass | 3 g |
Operational lifetime | 100 million random positions |
Temperature and relative humidity | 0 to +60 °C, non-condensing |
Conformance | CE / RoHS |
Controller | Integrated into stage, 64 MIPS no external controller needed |
Communication interface: | I²C, SPI, UART or analog servo Input directly to M3-RS |
Note 1: With 0.99 g-mm2 inertial load of standard mounted mirror M3-RS-U-Mirror-01-11
Internal Stage …..0.39 g-mm2
Mirror Clamp …… 0.45 g-mm2
Mirror ………… 0.15 g-mm2
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Total Inertia…… 0.99 g-mm2
Learn More
The M3 Smart Module Platform
M3 Smart Modules integrate a piezoelectric SQUIGGLE® micro motor, precision mechanical guide system, position sensor, microprocessor, and drive electronics into one tiny package. Eliminating the need for external controllers, they offer the smallest system size and easiest integration into OEM systems.
Custom Engineering
We use our configurable M3 Smart Module platform to develop custom motion modules and systems that meet your exact requirements. We also develop full-custom micro motion systems. Ask us about a motion system feasibility study, the first step to faster, lower-risk product development.