New Scale Technologies has increased the lifetime specification for its M3-FS Focus Module and M3-LS Linear Smart Stage to greater than 10 million random moves within 1.2 km of total distance traveled.
The lifetime specification of >10 million moves is a 10x improvement and is based on months of performance testing, in which standard M3-FS modules achieved more than 56 million movements of approximately 21 µm each for a total distance moved of 1.2 kilometers, with no performance reduction or sign of failure at teardown. Testing conditions included vertical motion and a 10g load. Actual performance will depend on the application and use case.
How long does it take to slew 21 um? If it is 10ms, then I guess that is about 7 days of continuous operation. In this case, I am underwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteThe specific test referenced here of 56 million, 21 micron steps was based on a customer-provided use case simulating more than 3 years of expected use. With the embedded life test setup, each 21 um closed loop step takes approximately 65 ms. (Higher speed would be possible by customizing the on-board controller.) This use case is typical for our customer base - embedded optical systems for battery-powered, handheld and portable instruments
DeleteThe test results showed no failure or impending failure for any unit tested. Actual mean time to failure is expected to be significantly higher.
M3-FS focus modules major features are:
o High-resolution lens motion with excellent dynamic stability,
o Requires no more space than a typical fixed lens mount.
o Each module is a complete closed-loop system with embedded micro controller
o Very low power is needed to move the lens and zero power is needed to hold the lens in any position.
o The M3-FS lifetime specification of > 10 million steps is comprised of random steps over the whole 1.5 mm travel.
The specific test referenced here of 56 million, 21 micron steps was based on a customer-provided use case simulating more than 3 years of expected use. With the embedded life test setup, each 21 um closed loop step takes approximately 65 ms. (Higher speed would be possible by customizing the on-board controller.) This use case is typical for our customer base - embedded optical systems for battery-powered, handheld and portable instruments
ReplyDeleteThe test results showed no failure or impending failure for any unit tested. Actual mean time to failure is expected to be significantly higher.
M3-FS focus modules major features are:
o High-resolution lens motion with excellent dynamic stability,
o Requires no more space than a typical fixed lens mount.
o Each module is a complete closed-loop system with embedded micro controller
o Very low power is needed to move the lens and zero power is needed to hold the lens in any position.
o The M3-FS lifetime specification of > 10 million steps is comprised of random steps over the whole 1.5 mm travel.
The specific test referenced here of 56 million, 21 micron steps was based on a customer-provided use case simulating more than 3 years of expected use. With the embedded life test setup, each 21 um closed loop step takes approximately 65 ms. (Higher speed would be possible by customizing the on-board controller.) This use case is typical for our customer base - embedded optical systems for battery-powered, handheld and portable instruments
ReplyDeleteThe test results showed no failure or impending failure for any unit tested. Actual mean time to failure is expected to be significantly higher.
M3-FS focus modules major features are:
o High-resolution lens motion with excellent dynamic stability,
o Requires no more space than a typical fixed lens mount.
o Each module is a complete closed-loop system with embedded micro controller
o Very low power is needed to move the lens and zero power is needed to hold the lens in any position.
o The M3-FS lifetime specification of > 10 million steps is comprised of random steps over the whole 1.5 mm travel.