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Products HomePiezoelectric Inertia Actuators
- 20 nm Typical Step Size
- 2.5 kg Maximum Axial Load Capacity and Up to 30 N Axial Preload
- 10 mm, 13 mm, 25 mm, or 50 mm Travel Range
PIA13
13 mm Travel Range
PIA50
50 mm Travel Range
Application Idea
Two PIAK10 Inertia Actuators Being Used
in Place of the 1/4"-80 Adjustment Screws
in our KM100 Mirror Mount
PIA25
25 mm Travel Range
Please Wait
| Key Specificationsa | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | PIAK10 | PIA13 | PIA25 | PIA50 | |
| Travel | 10 mm | 13 mm | 25 mm | 50 mm | |
| Typical Step Sizeb | 20 nm | ||||
| Maximum Step Sizec | <30 nm | ||||
| Step Size Adjustabilityd | ≤30% | ||||
| Maximum Step Frequencye | 2000 Hz | ||||
| Maximum Axial Preloadf | 30 N | 25 N | |||
| Recommended Maximum Axial Load Capacityg |
2.5 kg (5.51 lbs) | ||||
| Velocity | 2 mm/min (Typical) <3.5 mm/min (Maximum) |
||||
| Drive Screw | 1/4"-80 Thread, Hard PVD Coated | ||||
| Motor Type | Piezoelectric Inertia | ||||
| Barrel Mounting Options |
Threaded | 1/4"-80 | 3/8"-40 | ||
| Smooth | Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) | ||||
| Required Controller | KIM001 or KIM101 | ||||
Click for Details
The control cable can be adjusted up to 110° for space-constrained applications.
Features
- Compact Design, 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm (W x H)
- Piezo Inertia Actuators Offer 20 nm Typical Step Size
- Manual Adjustment via Rear-Located Thumbscrew
- 125 V Maximum Operating Voltage
- 1/4"-80 Mounting Thread (PIAK10) for Compatibility with Mirror Mounts
- Ø3/8" Mounting Barrel (PIAK10, PIA13, PIA25, and PIA50) for Compatibility with Translation Stages
- Ideal for Set-and-Hold Applications that Require Relative Positioning with High Resolutions
- Control Cable can be Adjusted up to 110° for Space-Constrained Applications
Thorlabs' Piezoelectric Inertia Actuators provide high-resolution linear motion control with long piezo-controlled translation ranges in a compact package. Each actuator can support loads up to 2.5 kg and preloads up to 30 N with typical movements of 20 nm and no backlash. The step size can be adjusted up to 30% to a maximum of approximately 30 nm using the KIM001 or KIM101 Controllers. However, due to the open-loop design, hysteresis, and application conditions, the achieved step size of the system can vary over 20%. An external feedback system will need to be used to overcome this variance. We also offer vacuum-compatible piezo inertia actuators.
The actuator is self-locking when at rest and when there is no power supplied to the piezo, making these actuators ideal for set-and-hold applications that require nanometer resolution and long-term alignment stability. Manual adjustments can be made at any time, as long as the piezo is not actively translating the screw, by using the rear-located thumbscrew or with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key.
Powered by a 10 mm long discrete piezo stack, these actuators operate at speeds of up to 3.5 mm/min. The design of the piezo motor, detailed below, will rotate the tip of the lead screw during translation. As shown in the image above, the control cable for each actuator can be rotated up to 110° for space-constrained applications.
Mounting Options
Each actuator contains a Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) barrel that can be mounted in any manual stage that has a Ø3/8" mounting clamp. In addition, the PIAK10 contains a second barrel that has a 1/4"-80 thread for compatibility with a 1/4"-80 threaded mirror mount, while the other three actuators have a 3/8"-40 thread at the end of the Ø3/8" barrel.
Required Controller
A KIM001 or KIM101 Controller, available below, is required to operate our piezo inertia actuators; these actuators cannot be driven using a standard piezo controller. These drivers have an internal sawtooth voltage signal generator capable of sending sub-millisecond pulses (steps) with controllable amplitudes from 85 V to 125 V. Each stage has an integrated 1.0 m cable; 1.5 m SMC extension cables (item # PAA101) and male-to-male SMC adapters (item # T5026) are also available. Note: due to the capacitance of the cables, the total length of the control cable should not exceed 2.5 m.
Click to Enlarge
Simplified Illustration Showing the Operation of an Inertia Piezo Actuator
Piezoelectric Inertia "Slip-Stick" Motor
A piezo stack mounted perpendicular to the lead screw axis actuates the screw via a design based on the system's inertia and coefficients of friction. Two decoupled arms, or jaws, are located on either side of the piezo. These arms then extend around the top and bottom of the main lead screw. This is illustrated in the diagram to the left.
The piezo reacts to a custom sawtooth voltage waveform, causing it to expand or contract. The waveform is asymmetric, slowly ramping up to the specified voltage and then quickly dropping the voltage to zero on a nanosecond timescale. As shown in the bottom illustration to the left, the jaws will "stick" to the lead screw during the slow voltage ramp, similar to how a person would turn a screw with their thumb and forefinger. The nanosecond voltage drop will cause the arms to "slip" due to the screws' inertia and the different coefficients of friction, and return the arms to their original position. The "slip-stick" nature of this device uses very short pulse widths and continuous stepping of the actuator will result in an audible noise at a typical level of 60 to 70 dB. This mechanism allows a single piezo element to translate a lead screw along its entire length.
Due to a number of factors that include the application condition, piezo hysteresis, component variance, and the axial load, the achieved step size will vary and is not repeatable. To help overcome this variance, an external feedback system will need to be used. Alternatively, a stepper motor actuator can also be substituted depending on the application.
| Item # | PIAK10 | PIA13 | PIA25 | PIA50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | 10 mm | 13 mm | 25 mm | 50 mm |
| Typical Step Sizea | 20 nm | |||
| Maximum Step Sizeb | <30 nm | |||
| Step Size Adjustabilityc | ≤30% | |||
| Maximum Step Frequencyd | 2000 Hz | |||
| Backlash | None | |||
| Maximum Active Axial Preloade | 30 N | 25 N | ||
| Typical Angular Resolutionf | Ø1" Mirror Mounts: 0.5 μrad Ø2" Mirror Mounts: 0.3 μrad |
N/A | ||
| Recommended Maximum Active Axial Load Capacityg |
2.5 kg (5.51 lbs) | |||
| Velocity (Continuous Stepping) | 2 mm/min (Typical) <3.5 mm/min (Maximum) |
|||
| Drive Screw | 1/4"-80 Thread, Hard PVD Coated | |||
| Actuator Tip | Tungsten Carbide Ball | |||
| Lifetime | >1 Billion Steps | |||
| Motor Type | Piezoelectric Inertia | |||
| Piezo Specifications | ||||
| Voltage Rating | 130 V | |||
| Capacitance | 175 nF | |||
| Resonant Frequency | 125 kHz (No Load) | |||
| Physical Specifications | ||||
| Dimensionsh (L x W x H) | 2.87" x 1.24" x 0.67” (72.9 mm x 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm) |
2.34" x 1.24" x 0.67” (59.5 mm x 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm) |
2.81" x 1.24" x 0.67” (71.4 mm x 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm) |
3.80" x 1.24" x 0.67” (96.6 mm x 31.5 mm x 17.0 mm) |
| Mounting Options | 1/4"-80 Threaded Barrel | 3/8"-40 Threaded Barrel | ||
| Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) Barrel | Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) Barrel | |||
| Operating Temperature | 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F) | |||
| Cable Length | 1.0 m (3.28') | |||
| Cable Exit Adjustability | ±55° (Left- or Right-Hand Exit) | |||
| Connector | SMC, Female | |||
| Compatible Controller | KIM001 or KIM101 | |||
Note: The KIM001 uses Kinesis software. The KIM101 is compatible with both Kinesis and our legacy APT software.
Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™ and T-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).
The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.
Kinesis GUI Screen
APT GUI Screen
Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware.
By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis and APT controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.
The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.
A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos.
Software
Kinesis Version 1.14.23
The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.
Also Available:
- Communications Protocol
Software
APT Version 3.21.4
The APT Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' APT™ and Kinesis system controllers.
Also Available:
- Communications Protocol
Thorlabs' Kinesis® software features new .NET controls which can be used by third-party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications.
C#
This programming language is designed to allow multiple programming paradigms, or languages, to be used, thus allowing for complex problems to be solved in an easy or efficient manner. It encompasses typing, imperative, declarative, functional, generic, object-oriented, and component-oriented programming. By providing functionality with this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.
The Kinesis System Software allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.
For a collection of example projects that can be compiled and run to demonstrate the different ways in which developers can build on the Kinesis motion control libraries, click on the links below. Please note that a separate integrated development environment (IDE) (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio) will be required to execute the Quick Start examples. The C# example projects can be executed using the included .NET controls in the Kinesis software package (see the Kinesis Software tab for details).
 |
Click Here for the Kinesis with C# Quick Start Guide Click Here for C# Example Projects Click Here for Quick Start Device Control Examples |
|
LabVIEW
LabVIEW can be used to communicate with any Kinesis- or APT-based controller via .NET controls. In LabVIEW, you build a user interface, known as a front panel, with a set of tools and objects and then add code using graphical representations of functions to control the front panel objects. The LabVIEW tutorial, provided below, provides some information on using the .NET controls to create control GUIs for Kinesis- and APT-driven devices within LabVIEW. It includes an overview with basic information about using controllers in LabVIEW and explains the setup procedure that needs to be completed before using a LabVIEW GUI to operate a device.
 |
Click Here to View the LabVIEW Guide Click Here to View the Kinesis with LabVIEW Overview Page |
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These videos illustrate some of the basics of using the APT System Software from both a non-programming and a programming point of view. There are videos that illustrate usage of the supplied APT utilities that allow immediate control of the APT controllers out of the box. There are also a number of videos that explain the basics of programming custom software applications using Visual Basic, LabView and Visual C++. Watch the videos now to see what we mean.
 |
Click here to view the video tutorial | |
To further assist programmers, a guide to programming the APT software in LabView is also available.
|
Click here to view the LabView guide | |
| Posted Comments: | |
ilya r
(posted 2020-06-26 11:51:57.683) Is PIA25 compatible with LNR25D/M stage? Description says it "can be mounted in any manual stage that has a Ø3/8" mounting clamp", but I strongly doubt it is possible with LNR25, because it has too wide clamp (15 mm). Could you comment on that?
Also I am not sure the neutral position of the LRN25D/M will be centered at the travel range of the PIA25. cwright
(posted 2020-06-30 11:53:16.0) Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello Ilya and thank you for your query. Once the clamping nut has been removed I can see no reason why PIA25 would not fit securely into the LNR25D and indeed we have used this combination during testing of the PIA. The neutral position (if you mean the midpoint of travel) would be at 13.5 mm of extension for the PIA25. I will contact you by email to share images from the solidworks assembly I put together to determine this. Georgy Onishchukov
(posted 2019-05-23 14:27:00.387) can PIA13 be used with KCB1P/M? AManickavasagam
(posted 2019-05-24 11:41:09.0) Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. Due to incompatible threading the PIA13 cannot be used with KCB1P/M. However, the PIA13 is compatible to use with KM100 or the KS1 if you are after beam steering application or aiming to use a parabolic mirror. We also have mounts with integrated Piezo inertia actuator such as the PIM1. pprie
(posted 2018-08-20 10:16:39.317) HI, i'am currently using PIAK10 with the KIM101 controler and the KM100 Mirror Mount. I have some question :
First, if i move from 0 step to 128 steps for example, what will be the angular variation ?
Second, I will probably need a closed-loop system, what device should i use with this current setup or which device should i replace ?
Thanks AManickavasagam
(posted 2018-08-21 04:40:14.0) Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. The variance i.e the quoted per step tolerance is 20%, hence through the 128 steps this adds up and the angular variation would be ± 12.8 μrad
Regarding the closed loop option you could consider to use an external encoder as unfortunately, at this time we do not have a solution that we could offer for such a system. hnguyen43
(posted 2018-05-22 10:15:43.89) What is the angular step for this actuator? Is the Thanks rmiron
(posted 2018-05-24 05:08:09.0) Response from Radu at Thorlabs: The drive screw of these actuators typically rotates by ~ 0.4 mrad per step. Naturally, as is the case for the linear motion, this angular step can vary by about 20% and can be adjusted by 30% in both directions by KIM101. antoine.camper
(posted 2017-09-10 23:18:58.51) I have a PIA3 and a KM100 mount like on the picture illustrating the use of the PIA13. However if I mount it as on the picture, the motor starts rotating on itself instead of the screw pushing on the mirror mount when I actuate the motor. This is because the motor is not tight to other part of the mount. Am I doing something wrong? Please give me a feedback. awebber-date
(posted 2017-09-13 04:35:33.0) Response from Alex at Thorlabs: I will get back to you directly to troubleshoot your issue. nicolas.blind
(posted 2016-02-24 10:47:38.087) I have two questions:
- Are the motors PIA13 compatible with the 3-axis platform RBL13D ?
- If yes, on the vertical axis, could they lift a mass of maximum 1kg ? Would it affect the positioning accuracy/repeatability?
Thanks a lot besembeson
(posted 2016-03-03 10:30:20.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes it is compatible, and the accuracy/repeatability will not be affected provided the load specifications are respected. Maximum axial load for the PIA13 is 2.5kg. It will be less than this in a vertical configuration. We will contact you with this value. user
(posted 2016-02-12 19:52:40.913) Can you comment on the noise that these actuators generate. We use similar actuators in our lab right now and they have a high pitch sound which is very annoying. Did you fix this issue? bwood
(posted 2016-02-15 06:13:30.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. These actuators will generate noise at a typical level of 60 to 70 dB. The noise generated by a given piezo inertial motor is intrinsic to the "slip-stick" mechanism of the device, due to the short pulse widths required. Please review the green box under the "Overview" tab for more information on the mechanism of these devices user
(posted 2016-01-08 17:04:24.817) is the piezo expanding or contracting during the ramping up of the voltage? msoulby
(posted 2016-01-08 07:06:38.0) Response from Mike at Thorlabs: The piezo reacts to a sawtooth voltage waveform, causing it to expand or contract. The waveform is asymmetric, slowly ramping up (expanding) to the specified voltage and then quickly dropping the voltage to zero (contracting) on a nanosecond timescale.
When a slow electrical signal is applied the jaws will grip the lead screw and turn the lead screw due to high static friction. When the voltage is quickly dropped back to zero the piezo will contract rapidly, due to the inertia of the lead screw and low dynamic friction the lead screw will remain stationary. This process is repeated many times which will result in the lead screw moving in one direction in discrete steps. To reverse the direction of the lead screw the asymmetric signal is reversed. |
Zoom- Actuators Provide High-Resolution Linear Motion in a Compact Package
- Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) Barrel for Mounting to Any Manual Stage that has a Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) Mounting Clamp
- Versions with 10 mm, 13 mm, 25 mm, or 50 mm of Travel
- Require the KIM001 or KIM101 Controllers to Operate (Sold Separately Below)
Our compact PIA Series Piezoelectric Inertia Actuators are ideal for any set-and-forget application, particularly where space is limited. Their primary function is to set a relative position and hold, whereby switching the controller off will result in the same drift as a 1/4"-80 fine drive screw. These actuators are designed for use with our range of small positioning stages and optical mounts, and can provide nanometer resolution with long-term alignment stability. Manual adjustment is also available using the rear-located thumbscrew or a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key.
Zoom| Key Specificationsa | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item # | KIM001 | KIM101 |
| Piezoelectric Outputs (SMC Male) | One | Four |
| Piezo Output Voltage | 85 to 125 VDC | 85 to 125 VDC per Channel |
| Top Panel Controls | Scroll Wheel | Dual-Axis Joystick |
| External Input (SMA Female) |
±10 V ± 2% | |
| Input Power | +15 VDC @ 2 A | |
| Housing Dimensionsb |
60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (2.36" x 2.36" x 1.85") |
121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85") |
| Compatible Software | Kinesis | Kinesis & Legacy APT |
- For complete specifications, please see the manuals by clicking the red Docs icons (
) below. - Not Including Mounting Plate
- Compact Footprints
- Adjustable Voltage Output from 85 V to 125 V
- Single-Channel and Four-Channel Versions Available
- Standalone Operation via Top Panel Controls and Display or PC Control via USB Plug and Play
These compact K-Cube Controllers provide easy manual and PC control of our piezo inertia stages, actuators, and optic mounts. They feature adjustable voltage output from 85 V to 125 V. The top panel display screen enables operation as soon as the unit is turned on, without the need for connection to a PC. Alternatively, both controllers have USB connectivity that provides 'Plug-and-Play' PC-controlled operation with our Kinesis® software package (included). The KIM101 controller can also be operated with our legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package.
These units have small footprints and may be mounted directly to the optical table using the 1/4" (M6) counterbored slots in the base plate. Their compact size allows these controllers to be positioned close to the motorized system for added convenience when manually adjusting motor positions using the top panel controls. Tabletop operation also allows minimal drive cable lengths for easier cable management.
Please note that these controllers do not ship with a power supply. The compatible KPS101 power supply is sold below.
KIM001 Single-Channel Controller
This single-channel piezo inertia controller provides a voltage output for a single piezo inertia stage or actuator. The top panel features a spring-loaded scroll wheel for driving the stage or actuator as well as selecting menu options.
KIM101 Four-Channel Controller
This four-channel controller features four SMC outputs to drive piezo inertia devices. The channels can be controlled independently or simultaneously in pairs using the dual-axis joystick on the controller's top panel. The controller can be configured to operate up to four PD series piezo inertia stages, up to four PIA seies piezo inertia actuators, or up to two PIM series piezo inertia optic mounts; one KIM101 can only concurrently drive devices that use the same "Select Stage" configuration in the controller's menu options (see the manuals for more details).
For more information, please see the full web presentation.
Power Supply Options
The KIM001 and KIM101 Motor Controllers do not ship with a power supply. A compatible power supply is our KPS101, sold below.
Note: Due to the nature of its design, and its non-linear high frequency switching, the KIM001 and KIM001 units are not compatible with the KCH301 and KCH601 hubs. Use only the KPS101 power supply unit.
Zoom- Power Supply Compatible with KIM001 and KIM101 Motor Controllers
- Universal Input: 90 - 264 VAC
- Interchangeable AC Plug
The KPS101 power supply outputs +15 VDC at up to 2.4 A and can power a single K-Cube or T-Cube with a 3.5 mm jack. It plugs into a standard wall outlet.
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