Closed-Loop Control: High-Resolution and Stable Linear Actuator Now also Available with Position Sensor

Physik Instrumente (PI) has developed a new PiezoMike linear actuator with integrated incremental encoder for the closed-loop adjustment of mechanical and optomechanical components.

The N-472 keeps a position with long-term stability and is vibration-proof and shock-resistant. Like the N-470 open-loop version, the N 472 achieves its high holding force and resolution by a piezomotor turning a fine pitch screw.

The incremental encoder measures the relative motion to a freely definable reference position. In combination with the E-871 motion controller the encoder resolution is up to <1 nm.

Even with an integrated position sensor, the N-472 PiezoMike linear actuator retains a compact design and can be integrated in conventional mirror mounts or stages.

PI offers the closed-loop N-472 actuator for 7.5 mm and 13 mm travel range with a motion resolution of a few nanometers and excellent repeatability. Optional use in a vacuum down to 10^-6 hPa is also possible.

The piezomotor drive is self-locking at rest, even when closed-loop control is switched off, and therefore requires no current and generates no heat. It ensures a reliable start-up, even after longer downtimes.

Simple to Operate

Positioning control is designed for point-to-point motion and nanometer-precise positioning at the target position. This is performed with the economical digital E-871 1-channel controller which is especially tuned to the requirements of the PiezoMike linear actuators. The control is digitally addressed over a USB or RS-232 interface and offers numerous parameters for the optional optimization of the settling behavior. Due to the controller’s networking capability, up to 16 axes can be controlled simultaneously via a single computer interface.

The E-871 supports LabView for laboratory applications. Additional libraries for Windows and Linux allow the implementation in existing environments.

PI in Brief

Well-known for the high quality of its products, PI (Physik Instrumente) has been one of the leading players in the global market for precision positioning technology for many years. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard and OEM products with piezo or motor drives for 40 years now. With four sites in Germany and ten sales and service offices abroad, the PI Group is represented internationally.