Compact piezo stages with bi-phase motors offer 10 nm resolution

PI introduces the B-421 BIX nanopositioning stages, compact and precise linear positioning systems designed for applications that require reliable and accurate motion in space-constrained environments.

Equipped with integrated linear encoders with 6-nanometer position resolution and dual-phase piezo inertia motors, BIX stages provide smooth, backlash-free motion with consistent repeatability and a minimum incremental step size of 0.01 microns.

Unlike conventional stick-slip motor stages, the BIX series uses two miniature piezo stacks made in-house by PI’s piezo ceramics division, PI Ceramic. The bi-phase inertia drive technology provides higher drive and holding forces, increased velocity, and a longer operational lifetime compared to traditional stick-slip systems.

XY, XZ, and XYZ multi-axis stage combinations

The BIX linear stage design supports multi-axis configurations and offers travel ranges of up to 32mm, making these miniature nanopositioning stages ideal for high-precision motion applications, such as bio-nanotechnology, super-resolution microscopy, metrology, life sciences, spectroscopy, micro-assembly, photonics, semiconductor manufacturing, and interferometry.

Stick-slip drive technology background

Stick-slip inertia motors operate on a principle similar to the classic tablecloth trick, using piezoelectric actuators driven by a modified sawtooth voltage signal from dedicated control electronics. During the slow expansion phase, the actuator gradually moves a runner forward. When the actuator contracts rapidly — within microseconds — the runner’s inertia prevents it from following, resulting in net forward motion. A symmetrical motor configuration ensures consistent performance in both forward and reverse directions.

Piezo motor controller and software

The E-881 BIX piezo motor controller is designed for high-performance control of low-voltage, two-phase stick-slip piezo motors, enabling smooth, precise motion with nanometer resolution. It features integrated encoder feedback, digital servo control electronics, and is compatible with PI’s PIMikroMove software. Communication is supported via USB and TCP/IP interfaces. Additional features include programmable digital outputs, and a built-in data recorder. The controller comes with an extensive set of drivers, e.g., for use with C, C++, C#, NI LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, and a virtual startup emulator for testing without hardware.

Industries served

Metrology, super-resolution microscopy, life sciences, spectroscopy, interferometry, micro-assembly, photonics, semiconductor technology and bio-nanotechnology.

Specifications, datasheet: B-421 BIX Miniature Linear Stage

For more information, visit pi-usa.us.