Digital Controller Line Expanded
More Bits to Byte into Your Positioning Applications		  

Fig. 6: A selection of high-resolution digital piezo controllers, 1-4 channels with various interfaces

PI has again extended its selection of digital piezo controllers (Fig. 6). 1-4 channel models (up to 7 channels for special designs) in a variety of forms furnished with versatile interfaces are now available. 

 Some key interfaces available include:
  • High-speed fiber link (1 Mbit/s)
  • Parallel port (PIO)
  • DSP link
  • RS-232
  • IEEE 488
  • High-speed analog


All devices feature 32-bit digital servo-loop technology, extremely low-noise piezo power amplifiers and capacitive position sensor inputs. A linearity of up to 0.001% in positioning motion is possible depending on the positioning mechanism.
To operate and optimize configuration, a comprehensive assortment of software (DLLs, LabView driver etc.) is supplied with these devices (Figs. 7 & 8). The mechanical parts include ID chips containing all calibration data that is transferred to the controller when powered up. This feature ensures reliable, optimal operation with the added bonus of allowing the controller and the nanopositioning system to be interchanged at will.
 
Abb. Fig. 7: A Bode plot can be produced, among other things, by using the NanoCapture software for piezo digital controllers to obtain precise analysis of the attached nanopositioning mechanism. Abb. Fig. 8: The software can even analyze analog control signals to high-precision.