SMALL, PRECISE, SMART … IN MOTION

M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart Stage
All-In-One Motion Module▪

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Smart Stage: Embedded controller, no separate electronics- Operate directly using I2C or SPI ASCII commands -or- Evaluate with Pathway™ PC Software and USB adapter
Cost-effective, long-life: For high-volume production
Small size: 32 x 32 x 10 mm
High resolution: 0.5 m with absolute encodingHigh speed: 35 mm/s
Long stroke: 8 mm
Power: 5 V DC input, ~ 3.2 W peak when moving
High repeatability (± 2 m typical)

Precision, stability and ease of use for highvolume product applications
The M3-LS-U2 Linear Smart Stage is a direct-drive, highprecision micro stage built for fast, simple integration intominiature OEM systems. All drive and control functions areembedded into the compact stage assembly – no external
electronics are needed!
The stage drive is a UTAF2 piezo motor combined with a 0.5
m resolution sensor for precise, repeatable positioning ofoptics, probes, sensors and more. The piezo motor operates at
5 VDC. No high voltage boost is needed. Absolute encoding
removes the need to home the stage on power-up, eliminating
errors and disruptions in processes and experiments.

The M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart Stage is anultra-compact positioning stage with submicrometer resolution and absolute encoding.
All electronics are built into the stage for simple
system integration. This model features power-off
hold, high speed, and is cost-effective for highvolume manufacturing.

APPLICATIONS▪

DNA sequencing instruments▪

Point-of-care diagnostic systems▪

Portable spectroscopy instruments▪

Biomedical probing & sampling▪

Laser beam steering▪

Miniature camera systems▪

And much more

At 35 mm/sec it is 7x faster than other M3 Smart Stages.
The anodized aluminum stage uses linear ball bearing races
with very low uniform friction. The bearings directly support
the motor preload which creates a stable, precise and zeroclearance guide system. The base is the maximum footprint
required for installation in your product because the carriage
moves within the total length of the base.
This smart stage is designed for long life and is ideal for
embedding precision motion into high-volume products.

Digital Control and Pathway™ Software
The M3-LS-U2-8 Smart Stage can be driven directly via
standard I2C or SPI serial protocols. The smart stage
microprocessor accepts ASCII high-level motion instructions.
New Scale Pathway™ software and USB adapter enable PCcontrol. Access all stage capabilities including settings, motioncommands, performance diagnostics, and parameters stored in
non-volatile memory. Use the intuitive script generator to createcommand sequences for automated operation.

New Scale Pathway™ Software with easy-to-use
graphical interface enables PC control for evaluationand system development. Control multiple smart
stages from one PC screen, or develop your own
code using the intuitive scripting tool.

New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w ww .n e ws c a l et e c h.c o m ~ Phone (585) 924-4450

M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart Stage

Specifications
M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart Stage Specifications
MODEL

M3-LS-U2-8

Stroke

8 mmDimensions

32 x 32 x 10 mm including controller

Mass of Smart Stage (Note 1)

15 grams including controller

Payload mass (vertical) (Notes 2, 3)≤ 5 grams recommended

Payload mass (Sideways andhorizontal) (Notes 2, 3)≤ 40 grams recommended

Holding Force≥ 0.3 NForce (bidirectional)≥ 0.1 N

Speed35 mm/sec

Forward Position

Closed-loop performance
Resolution

0.5 m with absolute encoding

Bi-directional repeatability± 5 mAccuracy± 10 m

Input Quiescent Power~ 0.35 W

Input Power (peak)~ 3.2 W

Input Voltage

5 V DC (4.75 V to 5.5 V)

Center Position

Mechanical stage
Static parallelism< 30 m

Runout< 10 m

Pitch, yaw, and roll

< 1 mradAbsolute maximum loads

See chart on page 3

Environment
Relative humidity< 70%

Operating temperature (Note 4)-30 °C to +70 °C

Storage temperature-40 °C to +80 °C

Lifetime (Note 5)

50 km

Compliance

RoHS; CE pending

Drive electronics

Integrated into the smart stage

Control interface

Directly via I2C or SPI interface.
Indirectly via USB adapter to PC.

Standard Cable Length

100 mm (90 mm to edge of stage)

Maximum Cable Length

600 mm, > 250 mm requires
reduced clock rate

Note 1: Moving mass of the stage carriage without payload is ~ 6 grams.
Note 2: Higher mass is possible but will affect performance and lifetime.
Note 3: Torque due to gravity of the payload calculated from center point (see the coordinates inthe next page) on the carriage is recommended to be within 1.5 Nmm. Also recommend center ofgravity of the payload above the carriage surface to be  15 mm.
Note 4: Speed and force reduced at lower temperatures within the range.
Note 5: Tested horizontally, with 20 grams load offset 8.75 mm at reverse position.

Reverse Position

X-Y Assembly (Centered)

2 | New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w ww .n e ws c a l et ec h .c om ~ Phone (585) 924-4450

M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart Stage

Z+Single Stage Load Capacity M3-LS-U2-8

ϴX+
Direction

Absolute
Maximum Load (1)X+
XY+YZ+Zθx (+/-)
θy (+/-)
θz (+/-)

2N
2N
2N
2N
2N
10 N
10 N-mm
10 N-mm
10 N-mm

ϴZ+X+

Y+

ϴY+

1. Non-operation (without damage)Single Stage Orientation Definitions
Horizontal

VerticalGravity

Sideways
GravityStage
MotionStage
MotionStage
MotionFPC

Note: Sideways Orientation Requires Flat Bearing Race Located at Top of Stage (As Pictured Above)

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

M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart Stage

Single Stage Dimensions

NOTE:Take Care! Insert screws
no greater than 2.6mm(Yellow Exterior Holes)
Screws length up to 5mm
may be used in interior
carriage holes (Green Holes).

Developer’s Kits
M3-LS developer’s kits provide easy evaluation andprototyping of one-axis M3-LS Linear Smart Stagesystems. Developer’s kits are available from New Scaleand select reps and distributors.
Contact New Scale regarding additional stages and flex
cables for use with the developer’s kit to create more
complicated systems, or to inquire about volume pricing.
Developer’s Kit

DescriptionDK-M3-LS-U2-8

M3-LS-U2 Developer’s Kit• One M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart Stage• USB-I2C/SPI adaptor PCB• Two Straight Flex Cables (100mm & 250 mm)• USB Extension Cable (Micro B)• Mounting Screws and wrench• New Scale Pathway Software• Quick Start Guide

M3-LS-U2-Datasheet-6-14-2022

4 | New Scale Technologies, Inc. ~ w ww .n e ws c a l et ec h .c om ~ Phone (585) 924-4450