Direct-drive positioners promise top precision

Direct-drive linear positioners are aimed at high-throughput, ultra-high-precision alignment for photonics packaging and MEMS production systems.

Aerotech's FibreAlign 90 and 130 series direct-drive linear positioners are aimed at high-throughput, ultra-high-precision alignment for photonics packaging and MEMS production systems and are also well-matched for submicron positioning applications for government and university research.

Available in a range of three axis, x-y-z configurations, both models can be easily extended for full six degrees of freedom (x,y, z, yaw, pitch and roll) by adding rotary and goniometric positioners from Aerotech's ANT range.

With a standard positioning resolution of 10nm and an option of just 300pm resolution with the A3200 Automation Platform control system, the FibreAlign series offer accuracy to +/-0.3um per axis with speeds up to 250mm/s.

The range includes integrated drives and a choice of motion controllers in modular or 19in rack mounted options.

Motion control includes built-in power optimisation routines such as hill climbing, raster, spiral and peaking algorithms for fast photonics component alignment and interfacing to industry standard power meters.

Control options include integrated vision systems for automating fibre-optic production processes or for rapid product and application development.

Aerotech's Virtual Pivot Point Software compensates for moment errors in multi-axis linear and rotary alignment systems that typically slow down the alignment process and increase the time taken to optimise power coupling.

Using "reverse kinematics" principles to calculate the translation error, the software simultaneously makes a compensation move during alignment ensuring that production throughput is maximised.

FibreAlign 90 and 130 series positioners use ironless, zero-cogging direct-drive technology with ultra-high-precision linear encoder feedback.

Linear amplifiers are preferred for photonics alignment applications with their inherent stability and noise improvement over PWM based drives.

When compared with leadscrew driven stages or hextopod based mechanics, linear motors are inherently faster in acceleration and top speed, have extremely smooth slow-speed performance, have no backlash or hysterisis and provide excellent in-position stability.

In addition, direct drive is virtually maintenance free making this technology ideal for high throughput 24/7 production applications where long life and low cost of ownership are important considerations.

When compared with piezo based positioning systems, Aerotech's direct-drive offers picometre resolution with high speed and a long travel range allowing the same stage to be used for product loading and ultra-precision alignment.

The FibreAlign 90 is aimed at applications where space is restricted with vertical travel range options of 4 or 25mm and horizontal travel of 25 or 50mm.

Orthogonal alignment is within 10arc-sec with four x, y, z configuration options to match application requirements.

With maximum envelope dimensions of under 130 x 130 x 250mm, this model can be adapted for six-axis linear/rotary applications with Aerotech's Universal Mounting Post allowing the ANT range of rotary actuators and goniometric stages to be added with up to 20 degrees angular travel and 0.027arc-sec maximum resolution.

The larger FibreAlign 130 offers a vertical travel of 25mm and horizontal travel options of 50, 100 and 150mm with orthogonal alignment of 5arc-sec.

The complete assembly is supplied in a choice of four x, y, z alignment configurations for a typical maximum envelope of under 260 x 307 x 325mm.

As with the smaller model, ANT range rotary actuators and goniometric stages can be easily added for full six degrees of freedom and the unit will also interface with Aerotech's ADR-75 rotary stage for a full 360 degree travel if required.

Both models are constructed in aluminium with a durable black anodised finish with a generous compliment of mounting holes to accept the customer's fixtures.

Aerotech is also able to design and manufacture specialised adapter plates if required.

An ultrastable version, the FibreAlign 130 US is available for production and test applications requiring exceptionally high levels of thermal stability.

Manufactured from Invar nickel-iron alloy with extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, this version is available with the same configuration and control options as its standard counterpart.

There is also an air bearing version available for alignment applications requiring ultimate precision and accuracy.

All systems are supplied with interconnecting cables, fully tested and ready for simple integration into the customers' application.

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