High-Speed Voice Coil Translation Stage Provides 100 nm Resolution, 20 Hz Scanning Frequency from PI

14 Aug 2007

PI, a leading manufacturer of precision motion-control equipment for bio / nanotechnology, photonics & semiconductor applications, offers the QuickScan™ series of PCI-card-driven, voice coil stages, providing 20 mm travel & resolution to 100 nm.

Applications These closed-loop stages were designed for high-dynamics precision motion control applications, like those in biotechnology; laser beam control; scanning; optics; lens finishing; and fiber optics. Cost-Effective PCI-bus Motion Controller Card w/ On-Board Amplifiers QuickScan™ systems are driven by a PCI-bus motion controller card with on-board linear servo amplifiers. Based on a frictionless, backlash-free, voice coil linear motor drive and a high-precision optical encoder featuring 100 nanometer resolution, the systems provide extremely smooth motion with velocities to 240 mm /s (~ 9.6 inch/s). Higher Dynamics & Lifetime than Screw-Type Drive Mechanisms V-106 QuickScan™stages achieve significantly higher dynamics than leadscrew-based units with scanning frequencies to 20 Hz and above for small loads. Another advantage of the frictionless voice coil drive is greater reliability and lifetime than screw-type drive mechanisms. For high-throughput positioning applications, the short settling times of 75 ms for 5 mm step are a real benefit. Features & Advantages

• Frictionless voice-coil linear motor drive for smooth, ripple-free motion
• Velocity up to 270 mm/sec (9.6 inch/sec)
• Scanning frequency several 10s of Hz
• Direct metrology linear encoder with 100 nanometer resolution
• Travel ranges of 20 mm and 6 mm
• Precision cross-roller bearings for ultra-straight and smooth motion
• Cost-effective PCI-card controller with on-board amplifiers