M3-L Linear Actuator Modules
The world's smallest closed-loop linear motion system
The M3-L is a miniature high-resolution positioning system with integrated driver and closed-loop control. This compact, powerful motion system helps OEM designers improve performance and reduce the size of instruments in a wide range of applications.
Features
- Small: complete, compact system with embedded closed-loop controls. Less than than half the size and one-fourth the weight of comparable systems.
- Precise: 0.5μm position resolution with six millimeters of travel.
- Low voltage, low power use: runs on 3.3V input, holds position with power off.
- Simple system integration: accepts high-level motion commands over standard serial interface (I2C or SPI).
- Flexible system, fast time to market: the M3 platform is designed for rapid customization. Modules are configurable for single- or multi-axis motion and travel up to 20 mm.
Applications
The M3-L is ideal for precision tuning of photonics, microwave and RF systems. Defense applications including laser beam steering and targeting, UAV and UGV flight controls, and field-portable systems for biomedical and chemical detection and analysis. Medical applications include micro surgical devices and point-of-care systems.
Developer's Kits
M3-L developer’s kits provide convenient evaluation of the M3-L system and prototyping for your design.
The kit includes an M3-L linear positioning module and a USB stick to convert computer commands directly from New Scale Pathway PC software into SPI commands for the linear module. Standard tips included are bullet nose for push and eye end for pulling.
Kits are available to qualified OEMs as part of a development program with New Scale, or for purchase from Digi-Key.
Custom M3-L Linear Module System Development
The Developer’s Kit is designed to help engineers define system specifications for subsequent development of custom micro motion modules with New Scale Technologies. In addition to bi-directional (push/pull) systems and custom tips, we can create systems to address your requirements for travel range, module size, force, environmental conditions and more. Please see the module specification worksheet.
Download data sheet with drawings (606K PDF)
| M3-L Module Specifications | |
|---|---|
| The following specifications refer to the Developer's Kit module. We customize production modules to your OEM specifications. | |
| Travel range | 6 mm |
| Housing dimensions | 27.5 x 13 x 7.5 mm |
| Speed | > 5 mm/s |
| Resolution | 0.5 μm |
| Linear accuracy | +/- 25 μm |
| Typical operating speed and load | 5 mm/s at 0.15 N load |
| Maximum load (push-pull stall force with +/- 1 degree axial alignment) | < 0.20 N |
| Maximum recommended mass | 5 grams |
| Digital interface | I2C or SPI |
| Input voltage | 3.1 to 3.6 V |
| Input power* | < 0.5 Watts (5mm/s at 0.15N) < 0.2 Watts quiescent |
| Weight of module (without tip) | 4.5 grams |
* Power depends on input voltage, speed and load.
| M3-L Developer's Kit Ordering Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | Description |
| DK-M3L-1.8-TRK-6.0-S buy from Digi-Key
|
Developer's kit including M3-L module, "push" and "pull" ends, USB adapter (SPI), connecting cables, mounting hardware and New Scale Pathway software. |
M3-L Module Block Diagram
The SQUIGGLE motor moves a mechanical assembly which is designed to fit the application. The NSE-5310 position sensor detects the movement of a multi-pole magnetic strip attached to the moving mechanical assembly, and provides the direct digital position information to the motion control processor. The NSD motor drive ASIC accepts commands from the processor and drives the motor. System input is provided as high-level commands from the system microprocessor via standard I2C or SPI serial interface. The M3-L operates on standard 3.3 V battery power.
Contact us to discuss your miniature motion requirements.