User Manual
A110D0001 Rev 1.2 for the A-110 Series
MRe, 28-Nov-2016
Page 12 of 29
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: 508-832-3456 Fax: 508-832-0506
Email: [email protected]
4.
Technical Features
4.1. Air Bearing
The A-110 series stage features fully preloaded, non-contact, frictionless air bearings to guide the motion of the
stage and support the payload. This air bearing is a highly accurate precision instrument. The non-contact
nature of the air bearings will provide years of accurate and reliable use if treated properly. Keep the bearing
clean and avoid any shocks, drops or bumps that can cause scratches, dings or distortion of the bearing.
The A-110 incorporates opposing lateral preload and magnetic vertical preload. The magnetic preload makes
the A-110 unsuitable for vertical orientations, unless additional means are provided to prevent separation of the
moving carriage from the base.
4.2. Linear Motor
The A-110 series stage features a brushless, ironless linear 3-phase motor. This type of motor technology is
completely non-contact and is ideally suited to high speeds; high accelerations; fine resolution positioning; and
smooth, constant-velocity scanning. The motor must be commutated by an external motor drive.
4.3. Linear Encoder
The A-110 series stage features an optical non-contact linear encoder for direct measurement of the stage
position. This feedback signal is used by an external motion controller to close the servo loop for position and
velocity control.
The A-110 series stage offers three types of encoders:
Incremental with analog (sine) output: Suitable for use with controllers using on-board encoder interpolation.
Incremental with digital (TTL) quadrature output: 50nm resolution is the standard offering, contact PI for
alternate resolutions.
Absolute with BiSS-C 32-bit serial output: eliminates the need for startup homing routines and limit switches.
4.4. Limits and Index Mark (incremental encoders only)
When equipped with either of the incremental encoder options, the A-110 series stage features non-contact limit
switches and home index markers. Both the limits and the index position are integral to the encoder electronics.
The limits are magnetic and active high and are placed near the ends of travel. The index mark is optical.