M3-L Linear Actuator
Smart Module for Precision Motion
FEATURES
Smallo Complete, closed-loop system with embedded
controls in less than 28 x 13.2 x 7.5 mm
 Preciseo 0.5 µm resolution
o 6 mm of travel
 Simple system integrationo High-level motion commands over standard serialinterface (I2C or SPI) Flexible system, fast to market
o Rapidly configurable for push or pull motion
 Low voltage / low power use
o 3.3 V input, <500 mW power useo Holds position when power is offAPPLICATIONSHigh Resolution Tuning Systems
Hand-Held Instrumentation
Precision Photonics
Targeting Systems
UAV/UGV Controls and Optics
Miniature Camera Systems
Micro Surgical Devices
Biomedical Inspection/SamplingHigh resolution M3-L linear actuators
The M3-L is a miniature high-resolution positioning system withintegrated driver and closed-loop control. It delivers 0.5 micron
resolution at less than half the size and one-fourth the weight ofcomparable positioning systems.
This compact, powerful motion system helps OEM designers improve
performance and reduce the size of instruments in a wide range ofapplications. It is ideal for precision tuning of photonics, microwave
and RF systems. Defense applications include laser beam steeringand targeting, UAV and UGV flight controls, and field-portable systems
for biomedical and chemical detection and analysis. Medical
applications include micro surgical devices and point-of-care systems.

The M3 micro-mechatronic module platform

The M3-L linear actuator is a dropin, sub-micron linear actuator systemthat meets the most demanding motion
control requirements. These modules
are easily configured for push or pullmotion.

M3-L module is built on New Scale’s M3 Micro-Mechatronic Module
technology platform: the smallest, highest resolution and most
repeatable closed-loop micro-mechatronic system available – all in aneasily integrated, customizable package. The platform includes apatented SQUIGGLE® RV piezo micro motor, an NSD-2101 drive
ASIC, an NSE-5310 high-resolution magnetic position sensor, amicroprocessor and firmware. The modules operate on 3.3V input andaccept simple high-level motion commands via standard serialinterface.

SQUIGGLE RV motor and driverinside every M3-L module: the world’ssmallest linear motor system.

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

M3-L Developer’s Kits
M3-L Developer’s Kits offer convenience for initial evaluation, systemdevelopment and integration into your prototype. Kits include an
M3-L linear smart actuator and a USB adapter to convert motioncommands from the New Scale Pathway™ PC software into SPI
commands for the linear module. The Developer’s Kit modulefeatures both a bullet-nose tip for pushing and an eye-end for pulling.
M3-L Linear Actuator Modules
New Scale offers standard and custom M3-L Linear Actuators. For
custom module development, contact New Scale Technologies.

M3-L Developer’s Kits allow OEMs torapidly integrate high-resolution linear
micro motion into OEM instruments.

Push Configuration
Compression Force< 0.2N
Mass

Pull Configuration
Tension Force< 0.2N
Mass

M3-L Developer’s Kit Module Specifications
Dimensions are for reference
only. See specification table
for maximum module
dimensions or download theCAD model.

Integration and Stages
The M3-L is a linear actuator and requires careful attention
to loading under static and dynamic conditions. For more
information including integration guide and CAD file see
https://www.newscaletech.com/downloads/please-register/If you are developing or buying a translation stage to use
with the M3-L actuator, consider the M3-LS Linear Smart
Stage instead. This precision microstage has very highlateral stability, very low and uniform friction, and built-inabsolute encoding. The actuator and controller are built into
the stage for smallest size and optimal performance. See
https://www.newscaletech.com/micro-motion-modules/m3ls-linear-smart-stages/
Ordering informationTravel Range

6 mm

Max Module Dimensions

28 x 13.2 x 7.5 mm

Speed

5 mm/s @ 0.15 N load (typical)

Resolution

0.5 μmLinear Accuracy± 25 μm

Max Load (Push Pull Stall Forcewith ± 1 degree axial alignment)<0.20 Newtons

Max Recommended Mass

5 grams

Input Voltage

3.1 - 3.6 V DC

Input Power*< 0.5 W (5mm/s at 0.15 Newtons)< 0.2 W quiescent

Operating Temperature**

5°C (lower possible) to 70°C

Compliance

CE / RoHS

Digital Interface

I2C or SPI (embedded controller)

Weight (without tip)

4.5 grams* Power depends on input voltage, speed & load.
** Contact factory for lower temperature requirements.

Part Number
DK-M3-L -1.8-TRK6.0-S

Visit our website at https://www.newscaletech.com/micromotion-modules/m3-l-linear-smart-actuators/
M3-L-1.8-6.0
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

Description
M3-L Linear Actuator developer’s kit.
Includes M3-L module with push and pullends, USB adapter (SPI), connecting
cables, mounting hardware and New Scale
Pathway™ development software
M3-L Linear Actuator with built-in controller

M3-L-datasheet | 01-13-2023