Nanometer Resolution Motion Controller for Mini Piezo Motor Micrometer-Actuators

PIs new digital servo motion controller specifically designed to drive compact opto-mechanical actuators.

PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P., known industry-wide for nanometer precision motion components, systems, and OEM solutions, announces a new compact closed-loop motion controller. The new E-871.1A1N digital servo controller is the latest model in a series of drivers and controllers specifically designed for inertia-motor based opto-mechanical actuators (piezo ratchet drives) that are widely used in the semiconductor, laser and photonics industry for fine-tuning of complex systems. The miniature actuators are often employed as "set-and-forget" mechanisms with an option to remotely make adjustments, where manual micrometer screws would necessitate a system-shutdown to allow for corrections. Other application fields include bio-nanotechnology, microscopy, and micro-manipulation.

Integrated Power Amplifier and Voltage Generator
The E-871.1A1N has an integrated power amplifier and voltage generator for piezo inertia drives and is optimized for PIs compact N-472 series of closed-loop PiezoMike precision actuators which provide high stability, long lifetime of more than 1 billion steps, and low cost of ownership.
Data Recorder, Auto-Calibration ID Chip, Quick Start Up, Comprehensive Software Package
The E-871.1A1N is equipped with a data recorder for high speed tracing, ID chip compatibility for quick start-up and exchange of system components without recalibration. The controllers are delivered with extensive software packages, including support for LabVIEW, MATLAB, C / C++ / C# / VB.NET and Python. In addition, a powerful macro programming language is available, for automation tasks and stand-alone operation. Communication with a host PC is via modern interfaces, such as TCP/IP and USB. An optional joystick is available for manual operation.
Ratchet Actuator Advantages
Actuators with a screw and ratchet mechanism are designed with a small piezo ceramic block that performs the individual "clicks" based on the input to a controller. The advantage of this design is a very high stiffness and blocking force of up to 100N (22 lbs). Once the encoder tells the controller that a position is reached, the actuator is vibration-proof, shock-resistant, and long-term stable, with no position drift or jitter.
Specifications, Datasheet, More Information >
Standard and Custom
PI has over 4 decades of experience providing in-house engineered precision motion control solutions, and can quickly modify existing product designs or provide a fully customized OEM part to fit the exact requirements of the customers application.
USA / Canada
http://www.pi-usa.us | info(at)pi-usa.us
East (508) 832-3456
Midwest (508) 832-3456
West (949) 679-9191 (LA Area & Mexico) / (408) 533-0973 (Silicon Valley/Bay Area)

About PI
PI is a leading manufacturer of air bearing stages, piezoelectric solutions, precision motion control equipment, and hexapod parallel-kinematics for semiconductor applications, photonics, bio-nano-technology and medical engineering. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard & custom precision products with piezoceramic and electromagnetic drives for 4 decades. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 1994 and provides innovative, high-quality solutions for OEM and research. The PI group employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in 15 subsidiaries and R&D / engineering centers on 3 continents.

Featured Product

3D Vision: Ensenso B now also available as a mono version!

3D Vision: Ensenso B now also available as a mono version!

This compact 3D camera series combines a very short working distance, a large field of view and a high depth of field - perfect for bin picking applications. With its ability to capture multiple objects over a large area, it can help robots empty containers more efficiently. Now available from IDS Imaging Development Systems. In the color version of the Ensenso B, the stereo system is equipped with two RGB image sensors. This saves additional sensors and reduces installation space and hardware costs. Now, you can also choose your model to be equipped with two 5 MP mono sensors, achieving impressively high spatial precision. With enhanced sharpness and accuracy, you can tackle applications where absolute precision is essential. The great strength of the Ensenso B lies in the very precise detection of objects at close range. It offers a wide field of view and an impressively high depth of field. This means that the area in which an object is in focus is unusually large. At a distance of 30 centimetres between the camera and the object, the Z-accuracy is approx. 0.1 millimetres. The maximum working distance is 2 meters. This 3D camera series complies with protection class IP65/67 and is ideal for use in industrial environments.