Automation Parts

PI has introduced the N-216 Nexline high-load piezo linear motors - ultra-precision nanopositioning actuators that provide travel ranges to 20mm and push/pull forces to 600N (130lb). The operating principle is based on coordinated motion of a number of highly preloaded linear and shear piezo elements acting on a ceramic runner. Nexline Piezowalk drives can be used in ultra-precision manufacturing and semiconductor test equipment to astronomy and high-energy physics applications. Their reliability makes them suitable for applications in difficult-to-access internals of instruments, where nanometer-realm adjustment and/or vibration cancellation are required. To promote long lifetime, the Piezowalk controller can reduce the operating voltage on the piezo elements to zero at any position without affecting the full holding force (up to 800N, 177lbs). The piezoceramic clamping and shear elements act directly on a moving runner coupled to the load. For maximum velocity and long-distance ...

New Scale Technologies has introduced the Squiggle RV reduced-voltage linear drive system, which consists of an SQL-RV-1.8-6-12 Squiggle motor and an NSD-2101 drive ASIC. It is a miniature piezo motor drive solution with a driver chip that is smaller than the motor and driven directly from battery power as low as 2.3VDC, without the need for a voltage boost. The Squiggle RV motor is New Scale's next-generation piezo micro motor, using multi-layer piezo technology from TDK-EPC to reduce the input-voltage requirements of the motor. The NSD-2101 driver was developed for this new motor in partnership with Austriamicrosystems using advanced integrated-circuit (IC) designs and patented control systems. This smart IC measures 1.8 x 1.8mm and drives the Squiggle RV motor directly, without the need for an external boost circuit. The Squiggle RV linear drive system is more than five times smaller and uses 40 per cent less power than comparable electromagnetic linear drive systems, accordi...

Linear-Rail System Has Self-Adjusting Mechanism The SBI range from Jena Tec offers low noise and high rigidity, coupled with a smooth movement and self-adjusting mechanism. According to the company, an increase of load-carrying capacities of up to 40 per cent can be achieved compared to standard block and rail systems. Compared to conventional linear rail cross sections, the SBI range is approximately 10 per cent lower, with a wider through section of nearly 20 per cent, Jena said. Its improved lower cross-sectional centre point offers greater structural rigidity, improved straightness during manufacturing and straightness in application. Heat treated to HRC60, the SBI range is highly stable, while shorter cross-sectional areas mean grinding time and plastic deformation are reduced. Linear blocks are constructed from a hardened-steel rigid structure with the same lower cross-section centre as the rail and slightly longer block length meaning a greater number of balls with a smooth ...

Linear Introduces Four-Port PoE Controller Linear Technology has unveiled the LTC4266 four-port power-over-Ethernet (PoE) controller for power sourcing equipment (PSE) needed to provide IEEE 802.3at (25.5W) or proprietary higher power levels. Next-generation PoE applications call for more power to support demanding features, while increasing power efficiency in an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce costs, according to the company. The LTC4266 provides up to 100W over four-pair Ethernet cabling and is fully compliant with the new IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard and backward compatible with the prior IEEE 802.3af PoE standard. To help conserve power, the LTC4266 delivers low heat dissipation by using low RDS(ON) MOSFETs and 0.25ohm sense resistors, eliminating the need for expensive heatsinks and providing a stronger PSE solution. The LTC4266 is suitable for a variety of PSE applications, including next-generation switches, routers, hubs and midspans. The low power...

S Series Shaft Motor Has Combined Linear Encoders The S series shaft motors from Micromech has combined linear encoders, encoder guides and mechanical systems. Shaft motors are direct-drive linear servomotors that consist of a shaft with laminated magnets and cylindrically wound coils controlled by the flow of current. They are a simple construction that use magnetic circuits consisting of permanent magnets and coils. Characteristics of the motors include precision positioning, high and low constant speed performance. The standard versions of most motors including linear motors is that the circuits are made of magnetic iron, while shaft motors are not. This means that there is no adsorption force between the shaft and forcer (coil), thereby totally eliminating cogging. Shaft motors are capable of high thrust, for example 2340N with a single forcer and 9360N using four forcers (parallel plus tandem drive). The 'S' series is very quiet due to the absence of friction and the...

Linear Unveils LTC3546 Dual-Channel Regulator Linear Technology has introduced a dual-channel synchronous buck regulator that can deliver either dual 2A outputs or 3A from one channel and 1A from the other, with up to 96 per cent efficiency. Using a constant-frequency, current-mode architecture, the LTC3546 operates from an input-voltage range of 2.25V to 5V, making it suitable for single-cell Li-ion/polymer or multi-cell alkaline/NiCad/NiMH applications. Each output is adjustable from 0.6V to 5V and has turn-on supply tracking. Separate Run and Power Good PINs enable independent control of each channel. The LTC3546's switching frequency can be set at 2.25MHz or is programmable from 750kHz to 4MHz, enabling the designer to optimise efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands. The combination of its 4mm x 5mm QFN-28 package and its high switching frequency keeps external inductors and capacitors small, providing a compact, thermally efficient footprint. ...

Aerotech has completed and launched its low-cost Pro series linear stages. It can now offer a total of 68 standard models with travel from 50mm to 1,500mm in a choice of four stage widths from 115mm to 280mm for high-throughput, medium-precision positioning. The modular range features Aerotech's hard-cover/side-seal system that provides entire stage protection for arduous manufacturing environments such as laser machining. With high-load-capacity linear-motion guide bearings and servo-motor-driven precision ballscrews, available in normal or 'faster' pitches for speeds of more than 1.4m/s, the range is suitable for demanding multi-axis-positioning applications across manufacturing and test. The Pro series has been designed as an adaptable family of positioning stages that allow original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators to select and mix models to match their machine-building requirements. For typical applications, the 115mm and 165mm narrow-width ...

Sherborne Sensors Releases Linear Accelerometers Sherborne Sensors has launched the A545 range of highly accurate and robust multi-axis linear accelerometers. They measure vector acceleration and are available in either bi- or tri-axial variants. Highly accurate piezo-resistive strain gauge technology is used which, unlike fluid-damped devices, employs air damping so that accuracy remains essentially independent of temperature. The transducer is engineered for harsh environments and is packaged in a robust aluminium alloy housing incorporating positive mechanical stops that confer high shock resistance and overload protection. It is also fully compensated for the effects of temperature on both sensitivity and zero outputs. Typical applications include biomechanical investigations, data acquisition systems and more severe uses such as crash test, impact, shock and vibration analysis. Acceleration ranges are from +/- 2 to +/-500g and for customers with specific applications, the accelero...