AUBURN, Mass., Aug. 25, 2006 -- PI (Physik Instrumente) said its new P-652 piezoelectric linear-motor driven translation stage is significantly smaller than other miniature stages, with very high speed and resolution. The stage has only four parts and can replace classical drive elements like rotary motor/leadscrew assemblies or electromagnetic linear motors in a microsystem, the company said.

Only 9.0 x 6.5 x 2.4 mm, the P-652 stage offers a travel range of 3.2 mm and can move at velocities of up to 80 mm/sec -- almost 10 times faster than other microstages. Submicron resolution, combined with a high holding force of 20 grams, are state-of-the-art figures for a stage of these minute dimensions, PI said.

Because no leadscrews or other rotating parts are involved, P-652 systems are backlash-free. Due to its ultrasonic motor design, power consumption in steady-state conditions is zero, and no external brake is necessary to maintain a stable position.

PI said its P-652-series PILine® piezoelectric ultrasonic motor drives are suitable for OEM applications where quantities are high, space is limited and masses are small. The systems were optimized for moving small objects such as fibers, optomechanical components, micromedical devices and micromechanics (MEMS) fast and precisely.

Features

• Cost-effective, high-volume-production drive
• Resolution: better than 0.1 µm
• Stage dimensions: 9.0 x 6.5 x 2.4 mm
• Velocity: up to 80 mm/sec
• Holding force: > 0.2 N
• Stroke: 3.2 mm (customizable)
• Operating current: 55 mA
• Operating voltage (driver electronics): 2.8–3.2 V
• Input power (at rest): zero

The P-652 has the simplest possible design, comprising an ultrasonic piezoelectric resonator and two lateral sliders pressed against it by a spring doubling as a moving carriage. The load to be moved is mounted directly on the carriage and moved by a force of up to 110 mN. The P-652 requires only these four parts, unlike conventional electric motors. Highly integrated electronics are available for 3-V control.

PILine linear piezomotors are based on a novel, patented ultrasonic drive developed by PI. At the heart of the system is a rectangular monolithic piezoceramic plate (the stator), segmented on one side by two electrodes. Depending on the direction of motion, the left or right electrode of the piezoceramic plate is excited to produce high-frequency eigenmode oscillations of tens to hundreds of kilohertz. PILine motors are vacuum compatible, nonmagnetic and self-locking. They are also more efficient, faster and smaller than conventional motors, PI said.

For more information, visit: http://www.pi-usa.us/; e-mail: info@pi-usa.us

PI (Physik Instrumente) LP
16 Albert St.
Auburn, MA 01501

East Coast contact:
Jim Gareau
Phone: (508) 832-3456
Fax: (508) 832-0506

West Coast Contact:
David Steinberg
Phone: (949) 679-9191
Fax: (949) 679-9292

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