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Rev F Apr 2019

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Chapter 1 Overview

Chapter 1 Overview

1.1 Introduction

The MLS203 uses internally integrated brushless DC servo motors with optical linear

encoders  to  provide  an  industry-leading,  high-speed,  compact  scanning  stage  for

microscopy. This innovative design eliminates the external motor housings that create

mechanical clash points and impede access to the sample. It is ideal as a drop-in

upgrade  replacement  for  the  stage  on  Zeiss  Axio  Observer  and  Axiovert  40

microscopes.
The scanning stage can be positioned with a resolution of 0.1 µm and repeatability of

0.25 µm, at speeds up to 250 mm/s. The high-quality construction uses high-rigidity

precision linear bearings, commercial grade limit switches, and powerful brushless

linear DC servo motors. In addition, the number of moving parts has been minimized,

which optimizes the lifetime and reliability of the scanning stage. 
Accessory  plates  are  available  for  the  stage  to  allow  the  positioning  of  standard

microscope slides and petri dishes, well plates and custom sample holders.
The  MLS203  stages  should  be  driven  by  the  BBD  series  of  brushless  DC  motor

controllers. These controllers include the Thorlabs apt software suite, which provides

an easy-to-use graphical interface for stand-alone operation as well as programming

support for integrated applications. The controller can also be used with most third

party software packages.
 

Fig. 1.1   MLS203 stage with MLS203P1 well plate adapter and 96 hole well plate

Summary of Contents for MLS203-1

Page 1: ...HA0264T MLS203 1 Fast XY Scanning Stage User Guide Original Instructions...

Page 2: ...onnections 6 3 4 Dimensions 7 3 4 1 MLS203 1 Dimensions 7 Chaper 4 Operation 8 4 1 General 8 4 2 Using the Kinesis software 9 4 3 Using the APT software 12 4 4 Position Error Messages 14 4 5 Transport...

Page 3: ...on uses high rigidity precision linear bearings commercial grade limit switches and powerful brushless linear DC servo motors In addition the number of moving parts has been minimized which optimizes...

Page 4: ...sk of Electrical Shock Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock Warning Given when there is a risk of injury to users Caution Given when there is a risk of damage to the product Note...

Page 5: ...shims which should be fitted as necessary for more details see the instructions for fitting the attachment brackets When mounting the stage close to other equipment ensure that the travel of the movi...

Page 6: ...er guards to avoid trapping of body parts or cables in the mechanism These should be fitted before the stage is mounted on the microscope as follows 1 Offer up the finger guards to the stage as shown...

Page 7: ...e the manual XY specimen stage 3 Place the stage onto the mounting platform and loosely fit the three M4 x 12 bolts provided 4 Check that the mounting surface is flat and that the stage does not rock...

Page 8: ...e correct channel Fig 3 3 Electrical connections Pin out information for the motor drive and encoder feedback connectors on the motor flying leads is detailed below Fig 3 4 Motor Drive and Feedback Fl...

Page 9: ...n 214 0mm 8 43in 130 5mm 5 14in 125 0mm 4 92in 120 3mm 4 74in 58 5mm 2 30in 20 5mm 0 81in M3X0 5TAPPED HOLE 4 PLACES M3X0 5TAPPED HOLE FOR MOUNTING MLS203P1 5 ACCESSORY PLATES 4 PLACES OBJECTIVE CENTR...

Page 10: ...5 If no joystick is being used click the Home button on the GUI panel Caution The MLS203 stages is designed to be driven by the Thorlabs BBD20x or RBD201 Brushless DC Motor Controllers Warning The mot...

Page 11: ...set up parameters When the stage is connected these settings are loaded into the controller on start up and are tuned for loads up to the 1 0 kg 2 2 lb maximum at speeds up to 250 mm s However dependi...

Page 12: ...tune the control loop for your application see Table 4 1 and Table 4 2 for more information 4 After the parameter changes have been performed click the Persist Settings to Hardware box then click OK...

Page 13: ...s are mounted in an XY configuration Table 4 2 Load vs Maximum acceleration recommendations Load g Approximate Max Acceleration mm s 0 5000 125 2400 250 1550 500 925 750 650 900 500 Note Position PID...

Page 14: ...et up parameters When the stage is connected these settings are loaded into the controller on start up and are tuned for loads up to the 1 0 kg 2 2 lb maximum at speeds up to 250 mm s However dependin...

Page 15: ...ave been performed click the Persist Settings to Hardware box then click OK This will ensure that the same parameter settings will be loaded next time the unit is powered up even in the absence of a P...

Page 16: ...n the stage is controlled by the BBD20x controller the maximum velocity is limited to safe values However if the output is disabled with the controller connected and monitoring the position and the st...

Page 17: ...e information 4 7 Transportation Caution When packing the unit for shipping use the original packing If this is not available use a strong box and surround the unit with at least 100 mm of shock absor...

Page 18: ...near Bearing Motor Type Brushless DC Linear Motor Dimensions Mid Travel 10 24 x 9 06 x 1 22 260 0 mm x 230 0 mm x 31 1 mm Weight with cables 7 0 lbs 3 2 kg Note The default tuning parameters can be ch...

Page 19: ...microscope sample platforms has been designed to provide flexible options of sample types traditional slides petri dishes or well plates as well as uniquely shaped sample holders for biofilms microflu...

Page 20: ...st harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with...

Page 21: ...Rev F Apr 2019 Page 19 Chapter 7 Regulatory 7 2 CE Certificates...

Page 22: ...Thorlabs for more information Waste treatment is your own responsibility End of life units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery Do not dispose of the unit...

Page 23: ...www thorlabs com...

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