PI Offers Novel 6-Axis Motorized Automation Platform
Features High-Dynamic Direct Drive Motors and Ultra-Fast Alignment Routines
The F-690.S1 is built on a unique hybrid kinematic design featuring three symmetrically arranged XY nanopositioning stages with direct-drive linear motors and cross-roller bearings. Each stage supports a linear bearing mounted on a wedge with ball-joint connections, enabling full 6-degree-of-freedom motion (X, Y, Z, pitch, yaw, roll) with smooth coordination and minimal mechanical crosstalk.
Absolute encoders provide 1 nanometer resolution, while pneumatic brakes ensure positional safety during power loss. The compact, low-profile system supports payloads up to 2kg and is capable of operating in inverted orientations, making it ideal for space-constrained or vertically integrated setups.
Integrated Electronics for Real-Time Precision Motion Control and Coordinate Transformation
At its core, the SpaceFAB features an ACS-based SPiiPlusEC motion controller with ultra-low-jitter NanoPWM drives and 24-bit A/D converters. This platform enables fast, precise motion with high dynamic range and minimal noise. The controller handles inverse kinematics internally and supports Cartesian commands for simplified system integration.
Features like software-defined pivot points ("Pivot Anywhere") make the F-690.S1 adaptable to a wide range of automation tasks — from micro-assembly and PIC component testing to high-precision metrology — where multi-axis accuracy and throughput are critical. Optimization of high-throughput processes in fields such as PIC, photonics, metrology, semiconductor test, micro-assembly, and optics.
Alignment Routines for Production-Scale Throughput
The SpaceFAB motion and alignment controller comes preloaded with a comprehensive suite of high-speed photonics alignment routines, including:
• FMPA (Fast Multi-Channel Photonics Alignment) Meander and Spiral Scans for efficient area-based signal acquisition and device characterization
• Multi-Axis Gradient Search for rapid signal optimization across multiple degrees of freedom
• PILightningFast First Light Search, an optional feature delivering first-light detection over a 500x500 µm² area in just 0.3 seconds
These routines enable full-area spiral scans of 100×100 µm² and 500×500 µm² in as little as 0.3 seconds and 2 seconds, respectively. After first light detection, search gradient convergence occurs in just 0.3 seconds, supporting both coarse acquisition and fine optimization with unmatched efficiency.
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