SMALL, PRECISE, SMART … IN MOTION

M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage
High load, long travel micro positioning
stage features built-in controller All-in-one microstage - no separate controller- Direct high-level command interface (I2C or SPI)
- USB adapter enables direct connection to PC Small: < 32x32x11 mm including controller
 Absolute encoding: high repeatability, no homing Low power: 6 VDC, ~5 W (only when moving)- For integration into battery powered devices
 Long stroke: 15 mm
 High force: 1 N (~100g load vertical, ~200g horizontal)
 High stiffness with crossed roller bearing design

The M3-LS-3.4 Linear Smart Stage has abuilt-in controller for small system size andfast integration into miniature instruments.

Controller
inside!

Absolute positioning, quiet operation
The M3-LS-3.4-15 is a direct-drive precision piezoelectric microstage with embedded controller, designed for integration into
compact instruments. With long travel and 100 gram vertical load
capacity, it has 0.5 m resolution for precise, repeatable
positioning of optics, probes, sensors and more.
Absolute encoding means there is no need to home the stage on
power-up, eliminating errors and disruptions in processes andexperiments. It has high stiffness with no gears or backlash.
With quiet operation and no high voltage, M3-LS Smart Stages
are superior to piezo inertia (stick-slip) stages especially for nearpatient instruments and wearable devices.

APPLICATIONS Hand-held and battery-powered instruments
 Biomedical devices
 Miniature/embedded microscopes
 Spectroscopy Precision opto-mechanical alignment
 Micro manipulation

Embedded controller means “all-in-one”
simplicity for smallest size, fastest integration
All drive electronics are integrated right into the stage housing togive product designers the smallest system size and fastest,
easiest integration into miniature OEM systems.
The M3-LS-3.4-15 Smart Stage accepts simple high-level motioncommands directly via standard serial interface (I2C or SPI) or via
USB with adapter. Control multiple stages from one New Scale
Pathway™ software screen. Or use the intuitive script generator
to create command sequences for automated operation.

Precision motion in battery-powered systems
The M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage can be powered bystandard batteries or any low-cost DC supply. The internal
SQUIGGLE® motor holds position with no power. The embedded
controller’s sleep mode further reduces power consumption.

Stages are easily assembled into XY andXYZ configuration for microscopy
applications requiring small size and batterypowered operation.

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-3.4 Linear Smart Stage
M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage

Embedded
controller

M3-LS Smart Stages have embedded
controllers and accept high-level commands
directly from a system processor via standard
serial interface (I2C or SPI). A USB adapter isavailable for easy connection to a PC.

M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage 2-axis configuration (XY)

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M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage
M3-LS-3.4-15 Linear Smart Stage 3-axis configuration (XYZ)

Specifications
MODEL

M3-LS-3.4-15

Travel Range (Stroke)

15 mm

Dimensions

32 x 32 x 11 mm

Mass (includes controller)

30 grams (Smart Stage)
36 grams (Smart Stage + cable + connector)

Moving mass (vertical) (note 1)

100 grams

Moving mass (horizontal) (note 1)

200 grams

Force (operating)

1N

Speed (at operating force)> 4 mm/s

Duty cycle

50% max recommended

Closed-loop performance
Resolution

0.5 m with absolute encoding

Bi-directional repeatability< 5 m

Accuracy< 20 m

Input Power (note 2)

6 V DC | 5 W typical at 4mm/s, 1 N load,
closed-loop | < 0.2 W quiescent

Mechanical stage
Static parallelism< 30 m

Runout< 10 m

Pitch and yaw< 1 mradAbsolute maximum load

10 N

Ordering Information
Order Developer’s Kits from distributors. Contact
New Scale for information about configuring multiaxis systems and to discuss volume pricing.

Environment
Relative humidity< 70%

Operating temperature+5 °C to +40 °C

Storage temperature-40 °C to +85 °C

Compliance

CE / RoHS

Controller

Integrated 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: Power depends on input voltage, speed and load.

M3-LS-3_4-datasheet-10-12-2017

New Scale Pathway™ software included in thedeveloper’s kit provides control of multiple stages
from one screen, and an intuitive scripting tool forcode development.

MODEL

Description

DK-M3-LS-3.4-15

Developer's kit, 15 mm travel One M3-LS-3.4-15 linear smart
stage with integrated controller USB adapter and breakout board Power supply New Scale Pathway software Accessories

M3-LS-3.4-15

Linear smart stage (15 mm travel)with integrated controller and cable

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SMALL, PRECISE, SMART … IN MOTION

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

▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

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 of
optics, 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

Stroke8 mm

Dimensions

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 N

Force (bidirectional)≥ 0.1 N

Speed

35 mm/sec

Forward Position

Closed-loop performance
Resolution

0.5 m with absolute encoding

Bi-directional repeatability± 5 m

Accuracy± 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 in
the 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)

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M3-LS-U2-8 Linear Smart StageZ+

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)

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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

Description

DK-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

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 OEM
systems. 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 absolute
encoding. 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 m

Accuracy< 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 m

Runout< 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 electronics

Integrated 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® micro
motor, 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-1.8-6

M3-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

Description

M3-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