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 and microsurgery.
New Scale will demonstrate the M3-L device at Photonics West in San Francisco January 25-27 (booth #610).
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 a hook 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.