Rotary Micro Drive Eliminates Jitter And Magnetic Fields

A new prototype rotary piezoelectric micro drive system from New Scale represents a major advance over servo drives for use in UAVs and micro-UAVs, micro assembly and many other applications. Unlike servo drives, the new rotary drive has no measurable jitter, holds position without power, and generates no magnetic fields. At 44 x 44 x 36 mm the prototype is smaller than a servo drive, and also boasts higher position resolution and high velocity, acceleration and repeatability characteristics. The tiny rotating stage integrates a high-torque direct-drive piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor, precision ball bearings with low run out and wobble, optical encoder with zero reference mark, drive electronics and closed-loop control system. Applications include pan and tilt gimbals in UAVs and micro UAVs, laser stabilization systems, theta stages for micro assembly or optical inspection, and instrument testing and calibration. The prototype demonstrates the rotary actuator in a small, precise and smart motion module, designed for ease of use. Ongoing development will reduce module size 50% while integrating the breadboard electronics into the stage with motor drive ASICs. The prototype is available now as a basis for custom development projects with OEM customers.

NEW SCALE TECHNOLOGIES INC.