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- Drive unit for scanning stage
- Cell manipulation, biohandling
- Micromanipulation
- Life science
- Photonics
- Laser tuning
- Motion in strong magnetic fields
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The compact N-381 linear actuators are ideal drives and micro manipulators e.g. for biotechnology and nanotechnology applications. Rapid accelerations, velocities of 10 mm/s and forces up to 10 N enable high-dynamics and throughput for automation tasks. The PiezoWalk® drive principle allows long travel ranges and fast oscillations of 7 µm amplitude with frequencies up to several 100 Hz. This “analog mode” can be used to provide rapid acceleration, e.g. in cell penetration applications, or smooth motion for dynamic laser tuning or even for active damping of oscillations. Two models are available: The N-381.3A model is equipped with a high-resolution position sensor, allowing sub-micrometer repeatability in closed-loop operation. The N-381.30 open-loop version is intended for high precision applications where the absolute position is not important or is controlled by an external loop (video, laser, quadcell, etc.).
Piezo Stepping Drive—the Multi-Functional Piezo Linear Motor
A great advantage characteristic of the NEXACT® piezo stepping drive is its dual-mode operating principle combining the best features of other piezo motor designs, such as high resolution, high force and high speed into one compact unit. At the target position the drive requires no current and generates no heat while providing long-term, nanometer stability. This autolocking feature also completely eliminates servo-jitter as it occurs with other closed-loop motors. Since motion is not based on dynamic friction as with piezo inertial drives (stick-slip-motors) but solely caused by the nano-meter precise motion of clamped piezo actuators, there is no wear to limit the lifetime. When operated in closed-loop, excellent velocity control is achieved.
Working Principle for Application Flexibility
NEXACT® PiezoWalk® technology overcomes the limitations of conventional nanopositioning drives and combines virtually unlimited travel ranges with high stiffness in a very small package. Furthermore, NEXACT® actuators provide piezo-class resolution (far below one nanometer) and millisecond responsiveness. The special drive design reduces the operating voltage to 45 V and below.
In operation, piezoceramic bending elements act on the runner, which is connected to the moving part of the application. The length of the runner determines the travel range and can be chosen as required. To move the runner over longer distances the stepping mode is used, whereas for distances smaller than one step, the analog mode enables high-dynamics positioning with resolutions far below one nanometer.
Controllers and Drivers Optimized for the Application
NEXACT® actuators require special drive electronics to control the complex stepping sequences. The E-861 (see link) includes a complete NEXACT® servo-controller with low-noise drivers and a powerful DSP. It also comes with ample software for easy integration and highly effective computer control. For applications which do not require the highest resolution, the E-862 (see link) lower-priced drive electronics, can be ordered.
The products described in this document are in part protected by the following patents:
German Patent No. P4408618.0
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PDF Catalog Datasheet
