New Scale Technologies announces 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.
The M3-L linear motion module is the smallest, highest-resolution closed-loop linear motion control system on the market. It is ideal for RF, microwave and photonics tuning applications as well as a wide range of miniature optical and hand-held instruments; aerospace and UAV controls; and biomedical systems.
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.
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.”
New Scale Technologies
Victor, NY – New Scale Technologies, Inc. announced a breakthrough in piezo motion control system design. The SQUIGGLE RV reduced voltage linear drive system consists of a SQL-RV-1.8-6-12 SQUIGGLE motor and NSD-2101 drive ASIC. It is the industry’s first miniature piezo motor drive solution with a driver chip that is smaller than the motor and driven directly from battery power as low as 2.3 VDC without the need for a voltage boost.
The SQUIGGLE RV motor is New Scale’s next-generation piezo micro motor, using state-of-the-art, multi-layer piezo technology from TDK-EPC (www.epcos.com) to reduce the input voltage requirements of this tiny motor – still the world’s smallest linear motor at 2.8 x 2.8 x 6 mm. The NSD-2101 driver was developed for this new motor in partnership with austriamicrosystems (www.austriamicrosystems.com) using advanced integrated circuit designs and patented control systems. This smart IC measures only 1.8mm x 1.8mm and drives the SQUIGGLE RV motor directly, without the need for an external boost circuit.
The SQUIGGLE RV linear drive system is more than five times smaller and uses 40% less power than comparable electromagnetic linear drive systems.
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