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Linear Micro Stages

M3-LS Linear Smart Stage
Micro positioning stage with embedded controller

The M3-LS Linear Smart Stage is a direct-drive, high-precision micro stage with built-in controller. It is designed for fast, simple integration into miniature OEM systems. This “smart stage” has all drive electronics integrated right into the compact stage housing – no external board needed! It offers unmatched precision, stability and ease of use.

M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage

This longer-travel, higher-load micro stage with integrated controller has low power use and 15 mm of travel.

M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart Stage

This high-speed micro stage with integrated controller is optimized for high-volume production. It has 8 mm of travel.

M3-LS-1.8-6 Linear Smart Stage

This ultra-compact micro positioning stage with integrated controller has low power use and 6 mm of travel.

Multi-axis Systems

Easily configure multiple M3-LS microstages into XY and XYZ stage configurations.

ADVANTAGES

Smallest Size – Fastest Integration Into OEM Instruments

  • Integrated smart module: no separate electronics – USB, I2C or SPI interface
  • Small size: from 29 x 20 x 10 mm to 32 x 32 x 11 mm including controller
  • High resolution: 0.5 µm
  • Long stroke: 6 mm, 8 mm, and 15 mm
  • Absolute encoding: no homing needed
  • Low voltage, low power use
  • High repeatability and low runout
  • Quiet: so quiet you can hear a pin drop (video)

Unmatched precision, stability and ease of use

The piezo-driven positioning 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 M3-LS micro stage has high stiffness and lateral stability, no backlash, and less than 10 µm runout over its full travel range.

Direct input via USB, I2C or SPI

The M3-LS Smart Stage – a linear stage with embedded controller – accepts direct input of simple high-level motion commands. It is the only linear micro stage that can be driven directly from a system processor via standard I2C or SPI interface.

Alternatively, a USB adapter enables connection to a PC, with New Scale Pathway™ software providing an easy-to-use graphical user interface. You can control multiple positioning stages from a single screen for interactive operation. Employ the intuitive script generator to create command sequences for automated operations.

Low voltage, low power use for hand-held systems

The integrated piezoelectric motor holds position without using power. The internal electronics can be switched to sleep mode for extreme low-power applications. Unlike other piezo stages, there is no internal high voltage.

APPLICATIONS

A tiny all-in-one positioning stage that can be powered by standard batteries, the M3-LS linear micro stage is ideal for motion in hand-held and portable instruments.

  • Create miniature microscopes, spectroscopy and DNA sequencing instruments.
  • Develop smaller wearable medical devices and point-of-care diagnostic systems.
  • Miniaturize systems for micro assembly and biomedical probing or sampling.
  • Use in high resolution tuning, laser beam steering and targeting systems
  • Miniaturize UAV/UGV controls and optics.
  • Develop miniature camera systems and more.

Developer’s Kits

M3-LS micro stage developer’s kits provide easy evaluation and prototyping with M3-LS Linear Smart stages.

All kits include the linear positioning stage with embedded controller, and a USB adapter with powerful New Scale Pathway PC software for easy evaluation, system development and prototype testing.

New Scale Pathway lets you easily evaluate the micro stage motion, validate your embedded software, and control multiple Smart Stages from one PC screen.

Developer’s kits are available from New Scale and select reps and distributors. 

 

 Developer’s Kit Ordering Information

DK-M3-LS-3.4-15 Kit

  • One M3-LS-3.4-15  Smart Stage with integrated controller, 15 mm travel
  • One M3-USB USB adapter
  • Breakout board
  • 6VDC power supply
  • New Scale Pathway software
  • Cables and mounting hardware kit

Watch the video

Data sheet with drawings (PDF) 

DK-M3-LS-U2-8 Kit

  • One M3-LS-U2-8  Smart Stage with integrated controller, 8 mm travel
  • One M3-USB USB adapter
  • 5VDC power supply
  • New Scale Pathway software
  • Cables and mounting hardware kit

Watch the video

Data sheet with drawings (PDF) 

DK-M3-LS-1.8-6 Kit

  • One M3-LS-1.8-6 Smart Stage with integrated controller, 6 mm travel
  • One M3-USB USB adapter
  • One straight flex cable, 250 mm length
  • One angled flex cable, 250 mm length
  • New Scale Pathway software
  • Mounting hardware kit

Watch the video

Data sheet with drawings (PDF)

Additional Developer’s Kits

Multi-axis developers kits are available at electroverge (USA only).  Outside the USA, contact us or your local distributor.

M3 Modules and Volume Pricing

M3 modules (single units to production volumes) are available online at electroverge (USA only). Outside the USA, contact us or your local distributor.

Specifications

Model M3-LS-3.4-15 M3-LS-U2-8 M3-LS-1.8-6
Description Longer travel, higher load capacity Linear Smart Stage: micro positioning stage with built-in controller High-speed Linear Smart Stage for high-volume applications: micro positioning stage with built-in controller Ultra-compact Linear Smart Stage: micro positioning stage with built-in controller
Data sheet (PDF) M3-LS-3.4-15 data sheet with drawings (PDF) M3-LS-U2-8 data sheet with drawing (PDF) M3-LS-1.8-6 data sheet with drawings (PDF)
Travel Range (Stroke) 15 mm 8mm 6 mm
Dimensions 32 x 32 x 11 mm including controller 32 x 32 x 10 mm including controller 29 x 20 x 9.5 mm including controller
Mass of Smart Stage (including controller)
30 grams including controller
36 grams (+ cable + connector)
15 grams including controller (note 1)
8.4 grams including controller
Max moving mass (vertical)
(note 2)
100 grams 5 grams payload mass recommended (note 3) 10 grams recommended
Max moving mass (sideways and horizontal)
(note 2)
200 grams 20 grams payload mass recommended (note 3) 20 grams (offset < 10 mm) recommended
Force (operating) 1 N >= 0.3 N holding force
>= 0.1 N bidirectional
0.2 N
Speed (at operating force) > 4 mm/s 35 mm/s 5 mm/s
Duty cycle 50% max recommended 50% max recommended (note 8)
Closed-loop performance
Resolution 0.5 μm with absolute encoding 0.5 μm with absolute encoding 0.5 μm with absolute encoding
Bi-directional repeatability < 5 μm ± 5 μm < 5 μm
Accuracy < 20 μm ± 10 μm < 20 μm
Input Power (note 4) 6 VDC +/- 5%
5 W typical at 4 mm/s, 1 N load, closed-loop
< 0.2 W quiescent
5 VDC (4.75 V to 5.5 V)
~3.2 W peak at max speed and force
~0.35 W quiescent

 

 

3.3 VDC
< 0.75 W typical at 5 mm/s, closed-loop (2 W max.)
Mechanical Stage
Static parallelism < 30 μm < 30 μm < 30 μm
Run-out < 10 μm < 10 μm < 10 μm
Pitch and yaw < 1 mrad < 1 mrad < 1 mrad
Absolute max load 10 N see data sheet 10 N
Linear slide features Crossed roller bearings with high stiffness Linear ball bearing races 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.
Environment
Relative humidity < 70% < 70% < 70%
Operating temperature (note 5)
+5 °C to +40 °C -30 °C to +70 °C -30 to +70 °C (note 3)
Storage temp. -40 °C to +85 °C -40 °C to +80 °C -40 to +80 °C
Lifetime  50 km travel (Note 6) >10 million random moves while not exceeding 1.2 km total travel (note 7)
Compliance  CE / RoHS RoHS / CE pending CE / RoHS
Controller embedded embedded embedded
Control interface Directly via I2C or SPI serial interface
Indirectly via USB adapter to PC
Directly via I2C or SPI serial interface
Indirectly via USB adapter to PC
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.

Documentation

Download CAD files, New Scale Pathway software and programming guides (registration required)

Register for downloads

 

 

Learn more

The M3 Smart Module Platform

M3 Smart Modules integrate a piezoelectric SQUIGGLE® micro motor, precision mechanical guide system, position sensor, microprocessor, and drive electronics into one tiny package. Eliminating the need for external controllers, they offer the smallest system size and easiest integration into OEM systems.

Learn more about the M3 Platform

Custom Engineering

We use our configurable M3 Smart Module platform to develop custom motion modules and systems that meet your exact requirements. We also develop full-custom micro motion systems. Ask us about a motion system feasibility study, the first step to faster, lower-risk product development.

Learn more about custom motion engineering services