Operating on 3.3V power and high-level digital motion commands, miniature motion control system targets precision applications such as RF, microwave and photonics tuning; optical controls
Victor, NY – January 12, 2011 – New Scale Technologies today announced the latest product in its M3 Micro-Mechatronics Module family: the miniature M3-L closed-loop linear motion module. With 0.5 micron position resolution and a total package size of less than 27.5 x 13 x 7.5 mm, the M3-L module is the smallest, highest-resolution closed-loop linear motion control system on the market.
It is ideal for precision motion control of variable inductors, trimming capacitors and optical elements for RF, microwave and photonics tuning applications. It also adds reliable motion to a wide range of miniature optical and hand-held instruments; aerospace and UAV controls; and biomedical systems including fluid controls, microspectrometers and microsurgery.
New Scale will demonstrate the M3-L device at Photonics West in San Francisco January 25-27 (booth #610).
All motion and control functions are fully integrated into the M3-L module, including a piezoelectric linear micro motor, position sensor, guide mechanism, motor driver, control processor and software. The module runs on 3.3V input for battery-powered operation. The standard serial interface (I2C or SPI) accepts PID closed-loop system tuning parameters, as well as high-level input commands such as “move specified distance.” No external controller is needed.
The M3-L module is offered with a bullet nose for pushing or an eye end tip for pulling loads. Typical travel range is 6 mm. New Scale also develops custom OEM modules including bi-directional (push/pull) systems, modules with custom travel range up to 20 mm, and multi-axis configurations.
The M3-L module draws approximately 500 mW of power while moving and 200 mW quiescent. Weight is approximately 4.5 grams without tips.
“The M3-L linear module offers unrivalled precision in the smallest possible spaces,” said Ralph Weber, product manager at New Scale. “This latest innovation based on our M3 Micro-Mechatronics Module platform demonstrates our continuing leadership in miniaturization and micro-mechatronics integration to meet our customers’ most demanding motion control needs.”
Price and availability
M3-L production modules are customized to OEM specifications. Pricing and delivery depends on specifications and volume. Custom prototypes are available in as little as 8 weeks after acceptance of proposal.
M3-L Developer’s Kits include an M3-L linear module along with a USB key and New Scale Pathway™ PC software. This gives designers a graphical user interface to evaluate motion and a scripting environment for system development. M3-L Developer’s Kits are $750.
About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies develops small, precise and smart motion systems for critical adjustments of optics in imaging devices and many other micro positioning applications. Our simple and elegant solutions deliver best-in-class performance in consumer imaging, biometric authentication, surveillance, medical devices, scientific instruments, haptic systems and many other markets. We design and manufacture custom products and license our technology to manufacturers worldwide. Our customers benefit from complete motion solutions that are tailored to their unique requirements and easily integrated into their next-generation instruments.
SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark, and New Scale Pathway and UTAF are trademarks of New Scale Technologies, Inc.
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