New Scale Technologies - M3-LS-1.8 linear smart stage and developer's kit

Overview
Specifications & Details
Datasheets & Downloads
Videos

All-in-one smart module: no separate electronics
- Runs directly from USB adapter
- USB, I²C or SPI interface
Small size: less than 29 x 20 x 10 mm
High resolution: 0.5 μm
Absolute encoding: no homing
Long stroke: 6 mm
Low power use: 3.3 V DC input, < 0.75 W when moving
High repeatability and low runout

Manufactured By: New Scale Technologies (NST)

Unmatched precision, stability and ease of use

The M3-LS Linear Smart Stage is a direct-drive, high-precision micro stage built for fast, simple integration into miniature OEM systems. All drive electronics are integrated right into the compact stage housing – no external board needed!

The piezo-driven stage has 0.5 μm resolution for precise, repeatable positioning of optics, probes, sensors and more. Absolute encoding removes the need to home the stage on power-up, eliminating errors and disruptions in processes and experiments.

The unique linear slide has uniform and very low friction, even under high direct loads and side loads. Six ball bearings in a kinematic “v” guide-way eliminate cage creep and friction spike problems common in other micro stages.

The M3-LS has high stiffness and lateral stability, no backlash, and less than10 μm runout over its full travel range.

Direct input via USB, I²C or SPI

The stage accepts simple high-level motion commands via standard serial interface. Use the USB adapter to power and control multiple stages from a single New Scale Pathway™ software screen. Use the intuitive script generator to easily create command sequences for automated operations.

The M3-LS stage can also be driven directly from your system processor via standard I²C or SPI interface.

Low power for hand-held systems

The M3-LS Linear Smart Stage needs only 3.3 V DC and uses less than 0.75 W typical when moving. It can be powered by USB or standard batteries. The integrated piezo motor holds position without using power. The internal electronics can be switched to sleep mode for extreme low-power applications.

Refer to "Datasheets & Downloads" for more specifications.

Applications

Hand-held and mobile instruments
Battery-powered instruments
Portable medical devices
Miniature microscopes
Spectroscopy
Micro assembly
Biomedical probing & sampling
High-resolution tuning systems
Targeting systems
UAV/UGV controls and optics
Miniature camera systems

M3-LS-1.8-6 Specifications
Description	Ultra-compact Linear Smart Stage: micro positioning stage with built-in controller
Travel Range (Stroke)	6 mm
Dimensions	29 x 20 x 9.5 mm including controller
Mass of Smart Stage (including controller)	8.4 grams including controller
Max Moving Mass (vertical) (note 2)	10 grams recommended
Max Moving Mass (sideways and horizontal) (note 2)	20 grams (offset < 10 mm) recommended
Force (operating)	0.2 N
Speed (at operating force)	5 mm/s
Duty Cycle	-
Resolution	0.5 μm with absolute encoding
Bi-directional Repeatability	< 5 μm
Accuracy	< 20 μm
Input Power (note 4)	3.3 VDC < 0.75 W typical at 5 mm/s, closed-loop (2 W max.)
Static Parallelism	< 30 μm
Run-out	< 10 μm
Pitch and Yaw	< 1 mrad
Absolute Max Load	10 N
Linear Slide Features	Uniform and very low friction even under high direct loads and side loads. Six ball bearings in a kinematic “v” guide-way eliminate cage creep and friction spikes.
Relative Humidity	< 70%
Operating Temperature (note 5)	-30 to +70 °C (note 3)
Storage Temperature	-40 to +80 °C
Lifetime	>10 million random moves while not exceeding 1.2 km total travel (note 7)
Compliance	CE / RoHS
Controller	Embedded
Control Interface	Directly via I²C or SPI serial interface Indirectly via USB adapter to PC

Note 1: For the M3-LS-U2-8 smart stage, moving mass of the stage carriage without payload is ~6 grams

Note 2: Higher moving mass is possible but affects performance and lifetime

Note 3: For the M3-LS-U2-8 smart stage, torque due to gravity of the payload calculated from center point (see the coordinates in the data sheet PDF) on the carriage is recommended to be within 1.5 Nmm. Also recommend center of gravity of the payload above the carriage surface to be <=15 mm.

Note 4: Power depends on input voltage, speed and load

Note 5: Speed and force reduced at lower temperatures within the range

Note 6: Tested horizontally, with 20 grams load offset 8.75 mm at reverse position

Note 7: Corresponds to 10 million moves with an average random move of 120 µm. Lifetime depends on the application and use case. Please consult the factory to discuss your specific system design.

Note 8: A <50% duty cycle is recommended for operating at room temperature (25 °C or below) and mounting the stage on a surface with a good thermal conduction path to dissipate heat. Please consult NST for when operating at higher ambient temperatures.

New Scale Technologies M3-LS-1_8 linear smart stage and developers kit datasheet.pdf

New Scale Technologies Brochure.pdf

View YouTube Channel

New Scale Technologies (NST)

https://www.newscaletech.com/

Embedded Motion Modules Make Great Products Smaller

Founded in 2002, NST develops, licenses and manufactures standard and customized embedded motion modules that fit on your fingertips. These include rotary and linear smart stages that incorporate our patented and proprietary technologies: SQUIGGLE® and UTAF piezoelectric ultrasonic motors, position sensors, precision bearings, drive and control circuits, and microprocessors with closed-loop firmware that connect to New Scale Pathway® PC software.

Our M3 micro mechatronic modules require only battery power and high-level digital commands to produce sub-micrometer precision movements. M3 smart stages are easy for customers to integrate into wearable, handheld, portable and battery-powered products to move very small optics, produce haptic feedback, and miniaturize complex instruments. For example, we use our M3 stages to create our multi-probe manipulator (MPM) system for electrophysiology.

New Scale Technologies uses ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified quality management systems.