New motorized automation platform features direct-drive motors, ultra-fast alignment routines

PI (Physik Instrumente) announces the release of the F-690.S1 SpaceFAB, a high-performance 6-axis motorized positioning stage platform, designed for advanced automation tasks that demand high speed, precision, and reliability.

The F-690.S1 is built on a unique hybrid kinematic design featuring three symmetrically arranged XY nanopositioning stages with direct-drive linear motors and cross-roller bearings. Each stage supports a linear bearing mounted on a wedge with ball-joint connections, enabling full 6-degree-of-freedom motion (X, Y, Z, pitch, yaw, roll) with smooth coordination and minimal mechanical crosstalk.

Absolute encoders provide 1 nanometer resolution, while pneumatic brakes ensure positional safety during power loss. The compact, low-profile system supports payloads up to 2kg and is capable of operating in inverted orientations, making it ideal for space-constrained or vertically integrated setups.

At its core, the SpaceFAB features an ACS-based SPiiPlusEC motion controller with ultra-low-jitter NanoPWM drives and 24-bit A/D converters. This platform enables fast, precise motion with high dynamic range and minimal noise. The controller handles inverse kinematics internally and supports Cartesian commands for simplified system integration.

Features like software-defined pivot points (“Pivot Anywhere”) make the F-690.S1 adaptable to a wide range of automation tasks — from micro-assembly and PIC component testing to high-precision metrology — where multi-axis accuracy and throughput are critical.

The SpaceFAB motion and alignment controller comes preloaded with a comprehensive suite of high-speed photonics alignment routines, including:

• FMPA (Fast Multi-Channel Photonics Alignment) Meander and Spiral Scans for efficient area-based signal acquisition and device characterization
• Multi-Axis Gradient Search for rapid signal optimization across multiple degrees of freedom
• PILightningFast First Light Search, an optional feature delivering first-light detection over a 500 x 500 µm² area in just 0.3 seconds

These routines enable full-area spiral scans of 100 × 100 µm² and 500 × 500 µm² in as little as 0.3 seconds and 2 seconds, respectively. After first light detection, search gradient convergence occurs in just 0.3 seconds, supporting both coarse acquisition and fine optimization with unmatched efficiency.

Precision Specifications

• Travel Range: Range: XY: 50 mm, Z: 25 mm, Rotational: Theta X / Y: 15°; Theta Z: 30°
• Max Speed: 500 mm/sec (linear), 100°/sec (rotational)
• Minimum Incremental Motion (MIM): 10 nm / 2 µrad
• Repeatability: ±50 nm (XY), ±75 nm (Z), ±2 µrad (rotational)
• Sensor Resolution: 1 nm
• Flexible Tooling and Integration

The F-690.S1 SpaceFAB 6-DOF motion platform and alignment system is available with optional fiber and fiber array holders (model F-690.A1), featuring reversible fixture mounts for single fiber or array alignment. All necessary cables and accessories for controller connection are included.

Applications include optimization of high-throughput processes in fields such as PIC, photonics, metrology, semiconductor test, micro-assembly, and optics.

For more information, visit www.pi-usa.us.