Optics & Photonics
Coordinated Control
Aerotech’s control technologies can coordinate and synchronize up to 32 axes of motion of any motion technology to sub-microsecond servo-loop synchronization and sub-millisecond path trajectories. This tight synchronization between all motion axes results in higher precision processing and faster process throughput. Examples of Aerotech controller features that enable coordination and synchronization are:
Read MoreStandard Controller Capabilities
Fiber and Photonics Alignment Algorithms
Precision motion mechanics, such as Aerotech’s FiberMaxHP, are a critical component for high-quality results with efficient throughput in modern fiber alignment and silicon photonics alignment processes. However, the hardware for your precision motion equipment is not the only part of the system to consider for alignment applications. The control software that optimizes the motion is just…
Read MoreUsing the A3200 ROTATION Command for Five Axis Systems
The ROTATION command in the Automation 3200 (A3200) implements a rotation matrix operation. The function can be used to transform coordinates on mechanical actuators that include rotary motion. Multiple ROTATION commands can be configured to work with systems that have more than one rotary axis. A five‐axis system consisting of two rotary axes and three…
Read MoreDynamic Gain Scheduling
Design Features Faster move-and-settle Increased in-position stability Reject disturbances from machine-base Increase machine throughput Increase machine throughput Dynamic Gain Scheduling is available for the Ensemble Stand-Alone Multi-Axis Motion Controller and the Soloist Stand-Alone Single Axis Motion Controller. Schedule Gains Dynamically Based on Threshold Values Aerotech’s Threshold Gain Scheduling tool applies an algorithm that improves positioning…
Read MorePart-Speed Position Synchronized Output
Part-Speed Position Synchronized Output (PSO) is a new tracking mode for Aerotech’s PSO advanced controller feature. Part-Speed PSO commands high-speed, low-latency output pulses based on the commanded vector velocity. Extending PSO Capabilities Aerotech’s PSO controller feature has long been used by industrial and research users alike to command their process tool – a laser, sensor,…
Read MoreMotion Control with Precision Noncontact Displacement Sensors
Introduction Noncontact displacement sensors are used in measurement applications where surfaces or processes do not allow contact and demand high precision. Capacitive, confocal, eddy-current and laser triangulation sensors have proven themselves in applications that incorporate motion systems. Noncontact sensors are available in many different versions. However, sensor range decreases significantly as the required precision increases.…
Read MoreCustomized Relationships and Coordinated Motion with AXISSTATUSFAST
Many applications require custom coordinated relationships between a system parameter or ancillary motion equipment and the motion of the primary machine mechanics. Likewise it is common to need custom kinematic transformations between a virtual programming coordinate frame and that of the real mechanics. Aerotech’s AXISSTATUSFAST command is an ideal tool to program these relationships and…
Read MoreAutomation1 Servo Drives Improve In-Position Stability
When it comes to characterizing precision mechatronic systems, a meaningful system performance test is the measurement of in-position stability or in-position jitter. In this test, the axis is commanded to hold a target position and the small motion of the mechanical positioning axis is measured. Many applications require nanometer-level positioning and little-to-no motion when commanded…
Read MoreMaximizing Optical Alignment Precision by Choosing the Correct Positioning Architecture
Advancements in silicon photonics and micro-optic technologies are driving automated alignment tolerances down to nanometer levels. Misalignment between optical components in today’s photonic devices directly impacts the quality of light transmission, and only a few micrometers of misalignment can result in final device power losses of 50% or more (Figure 1). Photonic device manufacturers are…
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