Contact Details
The Ensemble QDe from Aerotech Inc. is a high-performance desktop nanopositioning piezo drive designed for seamless use with the Ensemble family of drives and controllers. The QDe connects to any Ensemble controller network enabling coordinated motion between piezo stages and servo axes at much higher rates than other controller or drive products. This power and versatility make the Ensemble QDe ideal for single or multi-axis applications ranging from fundamental scientific research to advanced OEM machine systems.
The QDe provides extreme processing power over a variety of applications including point-to-point motion, linear and circular interpolation, multi-axis error correction, and autofocusing. High-speed interrupts and data logging capabilities provide a real-time link to external systems. The QDe also features high-speed position latching capability and multi-axis position synchronized output (PSO) for generation of pulses based on actual position feedback in applications ranging from laser firing to acquisition system triggering.
Using the latest technology and high-resolution A/D and D/A converters, the QDe enables sub-nanometer positioning resolution at high bandwidths. The QDe capacitive sensor feedback circuitry results in exceptionally low noise levels over the full travel range. An Aerotech developed linearization method achieves linearity better than 0.01 percent over the full travel range in closed-loop mode.
The Ensemble QDe uses PID servo loops with advanced feedforward and multiple integrators coupled with eight programmable filters to supply the user with all necessary tools needed to optimize motion performance. The Aerotech Dynamic Controls Toolbox and Motion Designer packages make available a host of advanced, yet easy-to-use, tools such as Learning Control, Harmonic Cancellation, Command Shaping, and Cross-Axis Feedforward to improve tracking errors and provide faster step-and-settle times. Pre-coded LabVIEW VIs, AeroBasic programming functionality, MATLAB library, .NET tools for C#, VB.NET, and C++/CLI or C make the Ensemble even easier to use.
Related Glossary Terms
- interpolation
interpolation
Process of generating a sufficient number of positioning commands for the servomotors driving the machine tool so the path of the tool closely approximates the ideal path. See CNC, computer numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- shaping
shaping
Using a shaper primarily to produce flat surfaces in horizontal, vertical or angular planes. It can also include the machining of curved surfaces, helixes, serrations and special work involving odd and irregular shapes. Often used for prototype or short-run manufacturing to eliminate the need for expensive special tooling or processes.
