The Newport/New Focus 8701 Picomotor Driver is a single-channel controller for precision positioning applications requiring nanometer-scale accuracy. It drives one Picomotor actuator via manual or electronic control, supporting analog voltage inputs, TTL digital inputs, or both via configurable mode selection. The driver accommodates Step/Direction and Quadrature control modes, making it suitable for multi-axis systems and integrated motion platforms.
Technical Specifications
Control Interfaces
• Manual control via Model 8620 Control Pad
• Analog voltage control: ±10 V input yields full-scale rate of 2 kHz; input impedance 14.1 kΩ to ground
• Opto-coupled TTL digital inputs for Step/Direction or Quadrature modes
• Four selectable control modes via MODE pin configuration
Electrical Characteristics
• Logic supply output: +5V @ typical 4.8–5.2 VDC (no load), sourced through 1 kΩ resistor
• Input power: 90–250 V AC (standard Model 8701 and 8801 with integrated switching supply); Model 8701-PCB requires external supply
• Idle power consumption: 0.8 W typical with LIDLE input enabled
Actuator Interface
• Single 4-pin modular phone jack connector
• Position holding: better than 10 nm without power due to piezoelectric mechanism
• Step size varies slightly pulse-to-pulse owing to friction-based screw actuation
Regulatory
• EMC emissions: CISPR 11:2015, IEC 61000-3-2:2018, IEC 61000-3-3:2013 + AMD1:2017 compliant
– Key Features
• Single-axis control with dual input modes selectable at power-up
• Analog input provides voltage-controlled stepping rate up to 2 kHz
• TTL-compatible digital inputs with optical isolation
• Integrated 5V output for logic-level interfacing
• Ultra-low idle power mode for battery or continuous-duty applications
• Position stability without external locking mechanisms
– Typical Applications
• Precision optical alignment and beam steering
• Tunable laser and filter control
• Vibration isolation and mirror positioning
• Multi-axis scanning systems with external sequencing
– Compatibility & Integration
The 8701 integrates with the Newport Picomotor ecosystem via standard modular connectors. Compatible with Model 8620 Control Pad for laboratory use. External systems interface via analog (±10 V) or digital (TTL) signal lines. PCB variant supports OEM integration with custom power delivery.
