New Scale actuator design platform yields closed-loop actuators smaller than 12 x 30 mm
M3 (Micro-Mechatronic Module) design platform enables development of custom closed-loop actuators with
on-board PID control, in small, OEM-specific housings. Based on the company’s miniature SQUIGGLE motor
and TRACKER position sensor technology, the platform yields a complete closed-loop actuator on a PCB
of 12 × 30 mm or smaller. Modules have 3.3 V input voltage for battery-powered operation.
New Scale Technologies
Victor, NY
www.newscaletech.com
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PRESS RELEASE
New Scale Technologies introduces “mechatronics on a fingertip” with high resolution, low power use
M3 (Micro-Mechatronic Module) Design Platform enables rapid development of custom closed-loop actuators with on-board PID control, in tiny, OEM-specific housings
Victor, NY – March 18, 2010 – New Scale Technologies today announced its M3 (Micro-Mechatronic Module) Design Platform for rapid development of custom closed-loop micro actuator modules. Building on the company’s miniature SQUIGGLE motor and TRACKER position sensor technology, this design platform yields a complete closed-loop actuator on a printed circuit board of 12 x 30 mm or less. Modules have low power consumption and 3.3V input voltage for battery-powered operation. No external control board is necessary; simple serial commands drive an on-board PID controller using a standard I2C, SPI or USART interface.
Modules based on the M3 Design Platform are ideal for high resolution positioning in miniature optical instrumentation, lasers and photonics systems, aerospace controls and biomedical systems.
The basic M3 Design Platform consists of:
- An SQL-RV-1.8 reduced voltage SQUIGGLE RV micro motor
- An NSD-2101 motor driver
- A TRACKER NSE-5310 position sensor (encoder)
- An on-board microprocessor for PID control
These components, mounted on a miniature printed circuit board, comprise the core of the M3 Design Platform. On this foundation, New Scale works with each OEM customer to adapt one of several base mechanical configurations to suit the specific application. The company is currently developing custom linear drive systems and custom autofocus modules built on the M3 Design Platform.
While performance is tuned to customer’s requirements, typical specifications for a linear drive system based on the M3 Design Platform include 0.5 micron position resolution, up to 50 grams force load, 10 mm/sec speed, and up to 20 mm travel range. New Scale’s design team works with each OEM to navigate the trade-offs among factors such as speed, force, and power use.