Direct-dive piezo stage has embedded controller and absolute encoding to position >100-gram vertical loads with 500 nm resolution 

Latest addition to “all-in-one” microstage stage family moves >100 gram loads with 500 nm resolution over 15 mm travel

Victor, NY – May 30, 2017 – New Scale Technologies, Inc. today announced its M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage, a direct-drive precision piezoelectric micro stage with embedded controller designed for integration into compact OEM instruments. The newest smart stage is a higher-force, longer-travel addition to the company’s M3-LS line of all-in-one micro stages with built-in controllers.

The M3-LS-3.4-15 has a 100-gram capacity for vertical loads and 200-gram capacity for horizontal loads. It has a 15 mm travel range and 500 nm position resolution for precise, repeatable positioning of optics, probes, sensors and more.  It features absolute encoding so that there is no need to home the stage on power-up, eliminating errors and disruptions in processes and experiments. The stage has high stiffness with no gears or backlash.

With low acoustic noise no internal high voltage, the M3-LS smart stage is superior to piezo inertia (stick-slip) stages, especially when embedded in near-patient instruments and wearable devices.

All electronics are completely integrated in the 32 x 32 x 11 mm stage housing. No external controller is needed, making the overall system size significantly smaller than traditional piezo stages. The embedded controller also simplifies integration of the smart stage into OEM instruments. The user provides simple high-level motion commands directly to the stage from the system controller via standard serial interface (I2C or SPI). An optional USB adapter allows direct connection to a PC.

With 6 VDC input, the M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage can be powered by batteries or any low-cost DC supply. The internal SQUIGGLE® motor holds position with no power, and a sleep mode further reduces power consumption by the electronics.

M3-LS Smart Stages are ideal for adding embedded motion to hand-held, mobile, portable and battery-powered instruments including embedded microscopes and spectroscopy systems. These tiny stages can add smart positioning to automation tools, biomedical probes, sampling systems, unmanned air vehicles, micro optics, miniature camera systems and more.

M3-LS stages are easily assembled into two-axis and three-axis systems.

M3-LS-3.4 Smart Stage two-axis (XY) micropositioning system

M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stages in two-axis (XY) configuration 

M3-LS-3.4 Linear Smart Stage three-axis (XYZ) configuration with microscope objective

M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stages in three-axis (XYZ) configuration with microscope objective (not included).

 

For complete specifications see the M3-LS Linear Smart Stage information page or download the data sheet (PDF).

Price and availability

DK-M3-LS-3.4-15 Developer’s Kits include one M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage, USB adapter and breakout board, power supply, New Scale Pathway™ software and accessories. Developer’s Kits will be available in Q3 for $2,500 from New Scale. For volume pricing on stages or to pre-order a kit email NSTsales@newscaletech.com or call (585) 924-4450.

About New Scale Technologies, Inc.

New Scale Technologies develops and manufactures the smallest and most precise closed-loop positioning solutions available. Our “all-in-one” M3 Smart Modules – piezoelectric motor systems with embedded controllers – are easy to integrate into handheld and portable instruments. They enable smaller, smarter imaging systems, scientific instruments, medical devices, aerospace and defense systems and more. Our customers achieve the fastest time to market with the lowest total cost.