PILOT - Enabling the Highest Performance Precision Automation Systems in the World

In this overview, we present an example of results from short highly dynamic moves of a mass of 2.7 kg with tight error bands using repeated 500nm and 50µm continuous steps. The results shown below are using PILOT as noted for best error characteristics and to achieve dynamics in a compact stage form factor enhancing motor performance while reducing motor heating. An advantage of PILOT is that it gives the same dynamics with less error, less motor current, and less injected heat—preventing a problem instead of compensating for it after. PILOT technology can be applied to both linear motion and rotational motion.

PILOT vs standard: On very tight inspection (200nm/div), the advantage of the PILOT controlled motion (left) is clearly visible in both step & settle timing and error characteristics, compared to the same system operated without the PILOT algorithms (right).

For comparison, the stage was loaded with an additional mass of 6kg. The graph shows  500nm steps (100nm/div) with only slightly reduced rise time performance due to the additional load. The yellow trace (stage position) is still tightly following the profiled motion (blue) – indicating excellent tracking performance. 

A distinct advantage of cutting edge PILOT controlled motion also applies to motor current. Motor current generates heat, which negatively impacts performance and may restrict the use of compact linear or rotary positioning stages because motors are not sufficiently large enough for applied payload under required dynamics.  Here we show how PILOT affects commanded motor current under the same move timing and/or frequency of motion.

Motor current traces related to commanded moves: PILOT control (green) vs standard control (purple).  The graph shows ten rapid moves, perfectly overlaid, with identical move times. With PILOT control, the error characteristics are improved and the motor current required is reduced by 25%.

The above tests were run with a V-551 linear motor stage (shown in XYZ configuration below) and an A-814 motion controller.  PI provides a large variety of linear stages for applications ranging from industrial precision automation to super-resolution microscopy.