The Exfo PCS-6000 Controller is a precision micropositioning system engineered for patch-clamp electrophysiology research. It integrates motorized coarse travel with piezoelectric fine positioning to enable rapid, accurate pipette placement during cell patching procedures. The dual-stage architecture minimizes setup time while maintaining experimental integrity through low drift and minimal electrical noise.
Technical Specifications
Coarse Positioning (Motorized)
• Travel: 25 mm per axis
• Speed range: 0.0005 mm/sec to 2 mm/sec
• Control: Variable-speed joystick proportional to displacement
• Memory positions for preset location recall
Fine Positioning (Piezoelectric)
• Resolution: Nanometer scale
• Travel options: 150 µm or 300 µm per axis
• Motion profile: Smooth, stable, predictable—eliminates jerky lead-screw behavior
Drift Performance
• Specification: <1 µm per hour
• Design features: Electrically quiet motors, shielded cables, internal ground skeleton, grounding pin
System Architecture
• Axis configurations: 3-axis or 4-axis
• Axis types: Motorized + piezo, motorized only, or manual knobs
• Axis 4 option: 150 µm piezo with no coarse motion
• Rotary stages: Two pivot stages with adjustable Home and Work positions for angle adjustment and pipette exchange
• Modular design supporting custom configurations via special order
Controller Unit
• Drive boards for servo motors and piezo actuators on separate layers
– Key Features
• Joystick control with selectable speed and directional switches
• Memory-position recall for repeatable sample access
• Rotary pivot stages enable pipette angle adjustment and rapid pipette swaps
• Low electrical noise architecture minimizes signal contamination during recording
• Modular axis combinations adapt to varied experimental geometries
– Typical Applications
Patch-clamp electrophysiology, whole-cell and single-channel recording, ion-channel characterization, cellular electrophysiological studies requiring sub-micrometer positioning stability.
– Compatibility & Integration
The controller accepts standard motorized linear stages and piezoelectric actuators. Non-standard axis configurations are available through special order to match specific experimental setups.
