Precision microstage brings New Scale’s “Smart Stage” advantages to high-volume applications for embedded motion

31 Mar 2021

M3-LS-U2 Linear Smart Stage has small size, low power and fast integration benefits of the M3-LS family; now optimized for long life and high-volume production

Victor, NY – Feb. 24, 2021 – New Scale Technologies, Inc. (www.newscaletech.com) today announced its M3-LS-U2-10 Linear Smart Stage, a direct-drive precision piezoelectric micro stage with embedded controller designed for integration into compact instruments. This newest addition to the M3-LS Smart Stage family is a cost-effective solution for instrument designers who need to embed precision motion into instruments designed for high-volume production and long life.

Applications include instruments for DNA sequencing, wearable medical devices, instruments for point-of-care diagnostics, handheld video microscopes, devices for telemedicine, portable spectroscopy instruments, handheld imaging systems, and laser beam steering.

New Scale will preview the M3-LS-U2-10 Linear Smart Stage at the Photonics West Digital Marketplace March 6-9, 2021.

The M3-LS-U2-10 specifications include:

Moving Mass:      40 grams horizontal load, 20 grams vertical load

Travel:                 10 mm

Speed:                  35 mm/s

Force:                   0.2 N

Resolution:          500 nm with absolute encoding - no need to home the stage on power-up

Dimensions:         32 x 32 x 10 mm - including controller

Voltage/Power:   5 VDC, ~2.4 W peak at max speed

See the preliminary data sheet for additional specifications. https://www.newscaletech.com/wp-content/uploads/M3-LS-U2_datasheet_2-19-2021_PRELIM_short.pdf

The stage has high stiffness with no gears or backlash, low acoustic noise, and no high voltage. It can be powered by batteries or any low-cost DC supply and is suitable for use in near-patient instruments and wearable devices.

All electronics are completely integrated in the 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 handheld and portable instruments. It accepts high-level motion commands directly from the system controller via standard serial interface (I2C or SPI). An optional USB adapter allows direct connection to a PC.

M3-LS stages are easily assembled into two-axis and three-axis systems for precise, repeatable positioning of optics, samples, sensors and more.

Price and availability

New Scale is accepting pre-orders for DK-M3-LS-U2-10 Developer’s Kits which include one M3-LS-U2-10 Linear Smart Stage, a USB adapter and breakout board, power supply, New Scale Pathway™ software, and accessories. The kits will be available in Q3 2021 from distributors worldwide.

A minimum order quantity will apply to purchase of M3-LS-U2-10 Smart Stages. For volume pricing 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.