SMALL, PRECISE, SMART … IN MOTION

M3-LS Linear Smart Stage
All-in-one USB micro stage
 All-in-one smart module: no separate electronics- Runs directly from USB adapter- USB, I2C or SPI interface
 Small size: less than 29 x 20 x 10 mm
 High resolution: 0.5 m
 Absolute encoding: no homing
 Long stroke: 6 mm
 Low power use: 3.3 V DC input, < 0.75 W when moving
 High repeatability and low runout

Unmatched precision, stability and ease of use
The M3-LS Linear Smart Stage is a direct-drive, high-precision
micro stage built for fast, simple integration into miniature OEMsystems. All drive electronics are integrated right into thecompact stage housing – no external board needed!
The piezo-driven stage has 0.5 m resolution for precise, repeatable positioning of optics, probes, sensors and more. Absolute
encoding removes the need to home the stage on power-up,eliminating errors and disruptions in processes and experiments.
The unique linear slide has uniform and very low friction, evenunder high direct loads and side loads. Six ball bearings in a
kinematic “v” guide-way eliminate cage creep and friction spike
problems common in other micro stages.
The M3-LS has high stiffness and lateral stability, no backlash,and less than10 m runout over its full travel range.

The M3-LS Linear Smart Stage is anultra-compact positioning stage with highresolution, low power use and absoluteencoding. All electronics are built into thestage for simple system integration.
Control the stage using high-level motioncommands via USB, I2C or SPI interface.

APPLICATIONS

Hand-held and mobile instruments

Battery-powered instrumentsPortable medical devices



Miniature microscopesSpectroscopy
Micro assembly

Biomedical probing & samplingHigh-resolution tuning systems



Targeting systems



UAV/UGV controls and optics



Miniature camera systems

Direct input via USB, I2C or SPI
The stage accepts simple high-level motion commands via
standard serial interface. Use the USB adapter to power andcontrol multiple stages from a single New Scale Pathway™
software screen. Use the intuitive script generator to easily
create command sequences for automated operations.
The M3-LS stage can also be driven directly from your systemprocessor via standard I2C or SPI interface.

Low power for hand-held systems
The M3-LS Linear Smart Stage needs only 3.3 V DC and uses
less than 0.75 W typical when moving. It can be powered by USB
or standard batteries. The integrated piezo motor holds position
without using power. The internal electronics can be switched tosleep mode for extreme low-power applications.
New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w w w . n e w s c a l e t e c h . c o m ~ Phone (585) 924-4450

New Scale Pathway™ software witheasy-to-use graphical interface. Control
multiple smart stages from one PC
screen, or develop your own code using
the intuitive scripting tool.

M3-LS Linear Smart Stage

Specifications
M3-LS Linear Smart Stage specifications
MODEL

M3-LS-1.8-6

Stroke

6 mm

Dimensions

29 x 20 x 9.5 mm

Mass of Smart Stage

8.4 grams

Moving mass (vertical) (note 1)≤ 10 grams recommended

Moving mass (horizontal) (note 1)≤ 20 grams (offset < 10 mm) recommended

Force (operating)

0.2 N

Speed (at operating force)

5 mm/sClosed-loop performance
Resolution

0.5 m with absolute encoding

Bi-directional repeatability< 5 mAccuracy< 20 m

Input Power

3.3 V DC
< 0.75 W typical at 5 mm/s, closed-loop (2 W max.)

Mechanical stage
Static parallelism< 30 mRunout< 10 m

Pitch and yaw< 1 mradAbsolute maximum load

10 N

Environment
Relative humidity< 70%

Operating temperature (note 2)-30 °C to +70 °C

Storage temperature-40 °C to +80 °C

Lifetime (note 3)>10 million random moves while not exceeding 1.2 km total
travel. See note 3.

Compliance

CE / RoHS

Drive electronicsIntegrated into the smart stage

Control interface

Via USB adapter from PC
or directly to I2C or SPI serial interface

Note 1: Higher mass is possible but will affect performance and lifetime.
Note 2: Speed and force reduced at lower temperatures within the range.
Note 3: Corresponds to 10 million moves with an average random move of 120 µm. Lifetime depends on the application
and use case. Please consult the factory to discuss your specific system design.

M3 smart module platform
The M3-LS Linear Smart Stage isbuilt on New Scale’s M3 micromechatronic “smart module”
platform, integrating a patented
piezoelectric SQUIGGLE® micromotor, precision mechanical guidesystem, position sensor,
microprocessor, and drive electronics
into one tiny package.
Eliminating the need for external
controllers, M3 smart modules offer
the smallest system size and easiest
integration into OEM systems. They
operate on 3.3 V DC input, accept
high-level motion commands, andhold position with power off.
2 | New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w w w . n e w s c a l e t e c h . c o m ~ Phone (585) 924-4450

Multi-axis systems: Create
miniature X-Y or X-Y-Z smart stages
using two or three M3-LS Linear
Smart Stages.

M3-LS Linear Smart Stage
M3-LS-1.8-6 Linear Smart StageFLEX CABLE OPTIONSSTRAIGHT
250.00

RIGHT-ANGLE
250.0013.50

M3-LS-1.8-6 X-Y configuration

M3-LS-1.8-6 X-Y-Z configuration

New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w w w . n e w s c a l e t e c h . c o m ~ Phone (585) 924-4450 | 3

M3-LS Linear Smart Stage

M3-LS for electrophysiology

EP-clamp-6.35

With its high resolution, repeatability and lateralstability, the M3-LS makes an ideal backlashfree motorized micro drive for electrodepositioning in chronic recording. The EP-clamp6.35 pipette holder clamp facilitates easy
removal and replacement of the pipette holder
in the recording chamber. Low EMI ensures
non-interference with electrode recording.
Dimensions in mm

Developer’s Kits

Ordering information

M3-LS developer’s kits provide easy
evaluation and prototyping of one-axis M3-LS
Linear Smart Stage systems. Developer’s kits
are available from New Scale and select repsand distributors.

Developer’s Kit

Description

DK- M3-LS-1.8-6M3-LS-1.8 Developer’s Kit with 6 mm travel One M3-LS-1.8-6 Linear Smart Stage One M3-1.8-USB Adapter
 M3-1.8-0-Deg-250 straight flex cable, 250 mm long M3-1.8-90-Deg-250 angled flex cable, 250 mm long
 New Scale Pathway™ Software on separate USB Mounting hardware kit

Contact New Scale regarding additional
stages, brackets and flex cables for use withthe developer’s kit to create 2-axis and 3-axis
systems, or to inquire about volume pricing or
customization of M3-LS smart stage systems.

Additional
Components

DescriptionM3-LS-1.8-6

Linear Smart Stage with 6 mm travel
Stage, no cables

Developer’s Kit DK-M3-LS-1.8-6

M3-1.8-0-Deg-250

Flex cable for M3-LS stage
Straight, 250 mm lengthM3-1.8-90-Deg-250

Flex cable for M3-LS stage
Right angle at one end, 250 mm lengthM3-1.8-Y-Bracket

Bracket for Y-axis smart stage
Affixes Y-axis smart stage to X-axis smart stage

M3-1.8-Z-Bracket

Bracket for Z-axis smart stage
Affixes Z-axis smart stage to X- or Y-axis smart stage

EP-clamp-6.35

Pipette holder clamp
Suitable for pipette holders with body dia. 0.25”(6.35mm) e.g. models 67944x from A.M. Systems

M3-1.8-USB
Adapter

M3-1.8-0-Deg-250
Flex Cable

M3-LS-1.8-6
Linear Smart Stage

Additional information
Visit the website to download STEP files, theintegration guide and command and control
reference guide for M3-LS Linear Smart Stages:
http://www.newscaletech.com/downloads/softwarecad-manuals.php (registration required).
4 | New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w w w . n e w s c a l e t e c h . c o m ~ Phone (585) 924-4450

M3-LS-datasheet-08-30-2017