ELL7K Linear Stage Evaluation Kit
Chapter 4: Operation
Page 6
DTN000044-D02
Chapter 4
Operation
4.1.
Getting Started
Caution
Although the module can tolerate up to 8kV of air discharge, it must be treated as an ESD sensitive device.
When handling the device, anti-static precautions must be taken and suitable and discharge appliances must
be worn.
Do not expose the stage to magnetic fields as this could affect the positioning and homing sensor operation.
When power is applied, do not connect or disconnect the ribbon cable connecting the handset to the stage PCB.
Always remove power before making connections.
Warning
If the device is operated over a prolonged time period, the motor housing may become hot. This does not affect
motor operation but may cause discomfort if contacted by exposed skin.
1. Perform the mechanical installation as detailed in Section 3.2
2. Connect the handset to the stage if required.
Caution
The unit is easily damaged by connections with incorrect polarity. Pin 1 of the connector on the PCB is marked
with an arrow (see Figure 4 and Figure 5.) which should be adjacent to the red wire in the connecting cable.
3. Connect the stage to a 5V supply and switch ‘ON’. (A 5V PSU is supplied with the ELL7K).
4. Connect the unit to your PC if required, and wait for the drivers to be installed.
5. Home the stage. Homing is necessary to align the sensor and establish a datum from which all future
moves are measured.
4.1.1. Position Error Compensation
The stage has a positioning error compensation algorithm. When moving from one position to another, the stage
detects the error between the requested and actual positions and will calculate an error compensation value,
which is then applied to the next movement. A default compensation value is loaded on boot up, then the
optimum value is calculated within the next 2 to 6 motions. Subsequently, the calculation is continually updated
and is applied automatically.
4.2.
Controlling the Stage
The stage can be controlled in three ways; via the handset, by the Elliptec software running on a PC, or by
writing a custom application using the messages described in the communications protocol document. Homing
and Jogging functionality can also be accessed by applying voltages to the digital lines on Connector J1. The
modes of control are described in the following sections.
In all modes, when the unit is mounted in the recommended orientation as shown in Figure 1, Forward moves
the stage to the right and backward moves to the left as shown in Figure 2.
