Thorlabs Inc.
Visit the 100 mm Linear Translation Stage, Direct-Drive Brushless Servo Motor page for pricing and availability information

100 mm Linear Translation Stage, Direct-Drive Brushless Servo Motor

  • 100 mm Travel at Speeds Up to 500 mm/s
  • Brushless DC Servo Motors
  • Stackable in XY Configuration

DDS100

100 mm (3.9") Servo Motor
Translation Stage

DDSMA2

End Mounting Adapter

Application Idea

Two DDS100 Stages in
XY Configuration,
Using an DDSMP1 Adapter Plate

DDSMP1

XY Adapter Plate

Hide Overview

OVERVIEW

Item # DDS100(/M)
Travel Range 100 mm (3.9")
Speed (Max)a 500 mm/s
Acceleration (Max) 5000 mm/s2
Bidirectional Repeatabilityb ±1.5 µm
Straightness/Flatness ±5.0 µm
Horizontal Load Capacity (Max) 0.9 kg (1.98 lbs)
Min Incremental Movementc 5.0 µm
Absolute On-Axis Accuracy ±6.5 µm
Actuator Type Brushless DC Servo Motor
Dimensions (L x W x H) 195.0 mm x 57.0 mm x 35.0 mm
(7.68" x 2.24" x 1.38")
  • The stage is designed for translation at high speeds, up to 500 mm/sec. When travelling at extremely low speeds (i.e. around 70 nm/sec) the discrete steps in the movement may be noticable.
  • The average of the repeatability when a set position is approached from both directions.
  • The measured minimum incremental motion that the stage can achieve, also referred to as the minimum step size.

Features

  • 100 mm Travel Range
  • Integrated, Brushless DC Linear Servo Motor Actuators
  • Linear Optical Encoders
  • High-Quality, Precision-Engineered Linear Bearings
  • 0.9 kg Horizontal Load Capacity
  • Stackable in XY Configuration

Thorlabs' DDS100(/M) low-profile, direct-drive stage provides 100 mm of travel with ±6.5 µm on-axis accuracy and a maximum speed of 500 mm/s. The stage is ideal for applications that require high speeds and high positioning accuracy, including automated alignment, surface inspection, mapping, and probing.

An innovative, low-profile design with integrated, brushless linear motors eliminates the external housings that create mechanical clash points and impede access to the moving platform. The brushless DC servo motor removes the need for a lead screw, eliminating backlash, and internal flexible ducting ensures cables cannot become trapped as the mechanism moves. A precision-grooved linear bearing provides superior rigidity and linearity with excellent on-axis accuracy. This backlash-free operation coupled with high-resolution, closed-loop optical feedback ensures a minimal bidirectional repeatability of ±1.5 μm.

Servo Motor Controller
Click to Enlarge
Figure 1.1  The KBD101 K-Cube Brushless DC Servo Motor Controller (sold separately below) is required to drive these stages.
Motorized Linear Translation Stages
100 mm Stepper
DC Servo
150 mm Stepper
Stepper with Integrated Controller
220 mm DC Servo
300 mm Stepper with Integrated Controller
DC Servo with Benchtop Controller
600 mm DC Servo with Benchtop Controller
Optical Delay Line Kits
Other Translation Stages

Controller
The required controller for the DDS100(/M) direct-drive, linear translation stage is the KBD101 K-Cube® Brushless DC Motor Controller. This controller provides a user-configurable, S-curve acceleration/deceleration profile that enables fast, smooth positioning without vibration or shock. See below for a brief overview, or see the full web presentation for these Brushless DC Motor Controllers.

Mounting Adapters
For dual-axis applications, two stages can be bolted together in an XY configuration by using the DDSMP1 XY adapter plate as shown above. Note that these stages are not suitable for operation in a vertical (Z-axis) orientation. Please contact Tech Support for more details.

Adapter brackets are also available that allow optomechanical components to be mounted close to the linear travel of the stage in applications such as a delay line. Please see below for more details.

Please Note: Magnetic components should not be mounted to the stage platform. Magnets prevent proper homing and can affect the accuracy of the stage's encoder even after the magnetic component has been removed. When no power is applied, the platform of the stage has very little inertia and is virtually free running. This may make the stage unsuitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when power is off.


Hide Specs

SPECS

Item # DDS100(/M)
Travel Range 100 mm (3.9")
Speed (Max)a 500 mm/s
Speed (Min)b 70 nm/s
Acceleration (Max) 5000 mm/s2
Acceleration (Max) at 0.9 kg Load 500 mm/s2
Resolution 500 nm
Bidirectional Repeatabilityc ±1.5 µm
Backlash N/A (No Leadscrew)
Min Incremental Movementd 5.0 µm
Horizontal Load Capacity (Max) 0.9 kg (1.98 lbs)
Absolute On-Axis Accuracy ±6.5 µm
Straightness/Flatness ±5.0 µm
Pitch ±175 µrad
Yaw ±175 µrad
Continuous Motor Forcee 0.8 N
Peak Motor Force (5 s)f 2.0 N
Bearing Type High Rigidity Recirculating Precision Linear Bearing
Limit Switches Magnetic Sensor at Each End of Stage
Operating Temperature Range 5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F)
Motor Type Brushless DC Linear Motor
Cable Length 1 m (3.3')
Dimensions (L x W x H) 195.0 mm x 57.0 mm x 35.0 mm
(7.68" x 2.24" x 1.38")
Weight (with Cables) 0.72 kg (1.6 lbs)
  • The stage is designed for translation at high speeds, up to 500 mm/sec. When travelling at extremely low speeds (i.e. around 70 nm/sec) the discrete steps in the movement may be noticable.
  • Theoretical minimum.
  • The average of the repeatability when a set position is approached from both directions.
  • The measured minimum incremental motion that the stage can achieve, also referred to as the minimum step size.
  • The continuous force the motor can deliver without exceeding temperature limits.
  • The absolute maximum force the motor can deliver before going out of position error.

Hide Pin Diagram

PIN DIAGRAM

Motor Control Connector

D-Type Male

D-Type Connector

Pin Description Pin Description
1 Quadrature A- 9 Ground
2 Quadrature A+ 10 Motor Phase C
3 Quadrature B+ 11 Motor Phase A
4 Quadrature B- 12 Motor Phase B
5 Encoder Index I- 13 +5 V
6 Encoder Index I+ 14 Ground
7 Negative Limit 15 Stage ID
8 Positive Limit


Hide Kinesis and XA Software

KINESIS AND XA SOFTWARE

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.54

XA Version 1.2.7

The Kinesis and XA Software Packages, which include a GUI for control of Thorlabs' motion controllers.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol
Software Download
Kinesis Software
Figure 789A  Kinesis GUI Screen

Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our XA software package and our Kinesis software package, which is being phased out. The Kinesis software supports most of Thorlabs' motion control products. The XA software is an improved platform for developers that currently supports some of our most popular motion control products (see the full list of supported products here). The software is undergoing continuous, intensive development and will eventually add support for our entire line of motion control products. The XA software application will be fully supported through the year 2040.

Kinesis Motion Control Software

The Kinesis software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

By providing a common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.


Click to Enlarge
Figure 789B  XA GUI for KDC101 Brushed DC Servo Controller

The software package allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers out of the box, and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

XA Motion Control Software: Improved Platform for Developers

Designed from the ground up to be straightforward to understand, XA provides a thread-safe and language-paradigm-agnostic set of application programming interfaces in C, C++, and C#/.NET with language wrappers available to allow for easy integration into your native, .NET language, Python, or LabVIEW applications. This enables the same functionality as mentioned for the Kinesis software development kit (SDK) while providing a more streamlined toolkit for developers. Coupled with the included developer guides and code examples in the SDK, this software is tailored toward users interested in creating complex, customized applications and interfaces. Full API documentation is provided for the native C library, and the .NET wrapper documentation is currently under development. Please contact Tech Support for more details on using the .NET wrapper.

XA also features a comparable GUI to Kinesis while adding improvements to the user experience, like the ability to save device states and a more consistent interface across devices of different types. In addition, further improvements are planned as XA will be fully supported through the year 2040, whereas the Kinesis software is being phased out. The current version of the XA software can only drive select Thorlabs motion controllers. However, the software is undergoing continuous, intensive development and will eventually add support for our entire line of motion control products. Information on software compatibility can be found in the XA User Guide, and additional details about the software, including a list of compatible devices, can be found here.


Hide Motorized Linear Stages

MOTORIZED LINEAR STAGES

Motorized Linear Translation Stages

Thorlabs' motorized linear translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from a stage with 20 µm of piezo translation to our 600 mm direct drive stage. Many of these stages can be assembled in multi-axis configurations, providing XY or XYZ translation. For fiber coupling applications, please see our multi-axis stages, which offer finer adjustment than our standard motorized translation stages. In addition to motorized linear translation stages, we offer motorized rotation stages and goniometers. We also offer manual translation stages.

Piezo Stages

These stages incorporate piezoelectric elements in a variety of drive mechanisms. ORIC® stages incorporate piezo inertia drives that use "stick-slip" friction properties to obtain extended travel ranges. Our Nanoflex™ translation stages use standard piezo chips along with manual actuators. Elliptec® stages use resonant piezo motors to push and pull the moving platform through resonant elliptical motion. Our LPS710E z-axis stage features a mechanically amplified piezo design and includes a matched controller.

Piezoelectric Stages
Product Family ORIC®
PDXZ1 Closed-Loop
4.5 mm Vertical Stage		 ORIC®
PD2 Open-Loop
5 mm Stage		 ORIC®
PDX2 Closed-Loop
5 mm Stage		 ORIC®
PDX4 Closed-Loop
12 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 4.5 mm 5 mm 12 mm
Speed 1 mm/s (Typ.)a 10 mm/s (Typ. Max)b 8 mm/s (Typ.)c 15 mm/s (Typ.)a,c
Drive Type Piezoelectric Inertia Drive
Possible Axis Configurations Z X, XY, XYZ
Mounting
Surface Size		 45.0 mm x 42.0 mm 13.0 mm x 13.0 mm 13.0 mm x 23.0 mm
Additional Details
  • Specified at 20 kHz Driving Frequency and in Closed-Loop Mode
  • Specified using PDXC and PDXC2 Benchtop Controllers. For performance when controlled with a KIM001 or KIM101 K-Cube Controller, see the Specs tab of the PD2 or PD3 stage presentation.
  • Specified using PDXC and PDXC2 Benchtop Controllers.

Piezoelectric Stages
Product Family ORIC®
PD1 Open-Loop
20 mm Stage		 ORIC®
PD1D Open-Loop
20 mm Monolithic XY Stage		 ORIC®
PDX1 Closed-Loop
20 mm Stage		 ORIC®
PDX1A Closed-Loop
20 mm Stage Low-Profile		 ORIC®
PD3 Open-Loop
50 mm Stage		 ORIC®
PDX3 Closed-Loop
50 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 20 mm 50 mm
Speed 3 mm/s (Typ. Max)a 20 mm/s (Typ. Max)c 10 mm/s (Typ.)b 10 mm/sd 10 mm/s (Typ. Max)b
Drive Type Piezoelectric Inertia Drive
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Mounting
Surface Size		 30 mm x 30 mm 80 mm x 30 mm
Additional Details
  • Specified using KIM101 K-Cube Controller.
  • Specified at 20 kHz driving frequency and in closed-loop mode.
  • Specified using PDXC and PDXC2 Benchtop Controllers.
  • Specified using PDXC and PDXC2 Benchtop Controllers. For performance when controlled with a KIM001 or KIM101 K-Cube Controller, see the Specs tab of the PD2 or PD3 stage presentation.

Piezoelectric Stages
Product Family Nanoflex™
20 µm Stage
with 5 mm Actuator		 Nanoflex™
25 µm Stage
with 1.5 mm Actuator		 Compact Modular XRN25X
25 mm Stage		 Modular XR25X
25 mm Stage		 Elliptec® 28 mm Stage Elliptec® 60 mm Stage LPS710E 1.1 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 20 µm + 5 mm Manual 25 µm + 1.5 mm Manual 25 mm 28 mm 60.0 mm 1.1 mm
Maximum Velocity - ≤3.6 mm/mina 180 mm/s 90 mm/s -
Drive Type Piezo with Manual Actuator Piezoelectric Inertia Drive Resonant Piezoelectric Motor Amplified Piezo
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, YZ, XZ, XYZ X Z
Mounting Surface Size 75 mm x 75 mm 30 mm x 30 mm 85.0 mm x 50.7 mm 110.0 mm x 75.7 mm 15 mm x 15 mm 21 mm x 21 mm
Additional Details
  • For a given set of settings in Kinesis, while travelling in one direction, each device's step size may vary by up to 20% and is not normally repeatable. Due to the open loop design, component variance, change of direction and application conditions may further increase the scale of the variance.
  • The PIA25 piezo inertia actuator is ideal for set-and-hold applications that require high-resolution relative positioning.
  • For position readouts with 10.0 µm accuracy, we offer the ENCXR25 optical encoder (sold separately).

Stepper Motor Stages

These translation stages feature removable or integrated stepper motors and long travel ranges up to 300 mm. Many of these stages either have integrated multi-axis capability (PLSXY) or can be assembled into multi-axis configurations (PLSX, LNR Series, NRT Series, and LTS Series stages). The MLJ150 stage also offers high load capacity vertical translation.

Stepper Motor Stages
Product Family PLSX with and without PLST(/M) Top Plate
1" Stage		 PLSXY with and without PLST(/M) Top Plate
1" Stage		 LNR Series
25 mm Stage		 LNR Series
50 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 1" 25 mm 50 mm
Maximum Velocity 7.0 mm/s 2.0 mm/s 50 mm/s
Possible Axis
Configurations		 X, XY X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Mounting
Surface Size		 3" x 3" 60 mm x 60 mm 100 mm x 100 mm
Additional Details

Stepper Motor Stages
Product Family NRT Series
100 mm Stage		 NRT Series
150 mm Stage		 LTS Series
150 mm Stage		 LTS Series
300 mm Stage		 MLJ250
50 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 100 mm 150 mm 150 mm 300 mm 50 mm
Maximum Velocity 30 mm/s 50 mm/s 3.0 mm/s
Possible Axis
Configurations		 X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ Z
Mounting
Surface Size		 84 mm x 84 mm 100 mm x 90 mm 148 mm x 131 mm
Additional Details

DC Servo Motor Stages

Thorlabs offers linear translation stages with removable or integrated DC servo motors. These stages feature low profiles and many can be assembled in multi-axis configurations.

DC Servo Motor Stages
Product Family MT Series
12 mm Stages		 PT Series
25 mm Stages		 MTS Series
25 mm Stage		 MTS Series
50 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 12 mm 25 mm 25 mm 50 mm
Maximum Velocity 2.6 mm/s 2.4 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY, XYZ X, XY, XYZ
Mounting
Surface Size		 61 mm x 61 mm 101.6 mm x 76.2 mm 43 mm x 43 mm
Additional Details
DC Servo Motor Stages
Product Family M30 Series
30 mm Stage		 M30 Series
30 mm Monolithic
XY Stage		 M150 Series
150 mm XY Stage		 KVS30
30 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 30 mm 150 mm 30 mm
Maximum Velocity 2.4 mm/s X-Axis: 170 mm/s
Y-Axis: 230 mm/s		 8.0 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations X, Z XY, XZ XY Z
Mounting
Surface Size		 115 mm x 115 mm 272.4 mm x 272.4 mm  116.2 mm x 116.2 mm
Additional Details

Direct Drive Stages

These low-profile stages feature integrated brushless DC servo motors for high speed translation with zero backlash. When no power is applied, the platforms of these stages have very little inertia and are virtually free running. Hence these stages may not be suitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when the power is off. We do not recommend mounting these stages vertically.

Direct Drive Stages
Product Family DDS Series
50 mm Stage 		DDS Series
100 mm Stage 		DDS Series
220 mm Stage 		DDS Series
300 mm Stage 		DDS Series
600 mm Stage
Click Photo
to Enlarge
Travel 50 mm 100 mm 220 mm 300 mm 600 mm
Maximum Velocity 500 mm/s 300 mm/s 400 mm/s 400 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations X, XY X, XY X X
Mounting Surface Size 60 mm x 52 mm 88 mm x 88 mm 120 mm x 120 mm
Additional Details

Hide 100 mm Linear Translation Stage, Direct-Drive Servo Motor

100 mm Linear Translation Stage, Direct-Drive Servo Motor

Characterized by high-speed translation and high positional accuracy, the DDS100(/M) stage is well-suited for surface mapping and characterization applications where there is a need to move a camera or probe at constant velocity while simultaneously capturing data. Very precise, fine positioning and control is easily achieved through a combination of the stable closed-loop control system and a KBD101 controller.

Please Note: Magnetic components should not be mounted to the stage platform. Magnets prevent proper homing and can affect the accuracy of the stage's encoder even after the magnetic component has been removed. These stages are not suitable for operation in a vertical (Z-axis) orientation. When no power is applied, the platform of the stage has very little inertia and is virtually free running. This may make the stage unsuitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when power is off.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DDS100/M
Compact 100 mm Travel Direct Drive Stage, Metric
$2,690.87
Today
DDS100
Compact 100 mm Travel Direct Drive Stage, Imperial
$2,690.87
Today

Hide XY and End Mounting Adapter Plates

XY and End Mounting Adapter Plates


Click to Enlarge
Figure G2.2  Optomechanical components can be mounted next to the travel range of the DDS100 Stage using DDSMA1 and DDSMA2 Adapter Plates.

Click for Details
Figure G2.1  Two DDS100 stages can be connected in an XY configuration using the DDSMP1 XY Adapter Plate.

For 2-axis applications, two DDS100(/M) stages can be bolted together in an XY configuration using the DDSMP1(/M) adapter plate as shown in Figure G2.1.

The DDSMA1(/M) and DDSMA2(/M) adapter plates attach to the end of the DDS100(/M) stage using the two supplied M3 x 20 screws (see Figure G2.2) and allow optomechanical components to be mounted close to the linear travel of the stage in applications such as a delay line. The plates are drilled and tapped with six 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and five 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) holes.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
DDSMP1/M
XY Adapter Plate for DDS050/M & DDS100/M Stages, Metric
$101.68
Today
DDSMA1/M
Left Mounting Plate for DDS050/M & DDS100/M Stages, Metric
$80.40
Today
DDSMA2/M
Right Mounting Plate for DDS050/M & DDS100/M Stages, Metric
$80.40
Today
DDSMP1
XY Adapter Plate for DDS050 & DDS100 Stages, Imperial
$101.68
Today
DDSMA1
Left Mounting Plate for DDS050 & DDS100 Stages, Imperial
$80.40
Today
DDSMA2
Right Mounting Plate for DDS050 & DDS100 Stages, Imperial
$80.40
Today

Hide K-Cube® Brushless DC Servo Driver

K-Cube® Brushless DC Servo Driver

photo of power supply adapters
Click to Enlarge
Figure 495A  KCH601 USB Controller Hub (Sold Separately) with Installed K-Cube and T-Cube™ Modules (T-Cubes shown on the KAP101 Adapter)
  • Front Panel Velocity Wheel and Digital Display for Controlling Motorized Stages or Actuators
  • Two Bidirectional SMC Trigger Ports to Read or Control External Equipment
  • Interfaces with Computer Using Included USB Cable
  • Fully Compatible with Kinesis and XA Software Packages
  • Compact Footprint: 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.42" x 2.42" x 1.94")
  • Power Supply Not Included (See Below)

Thorlabs' KBD101 K-Cube® Brushless DC Motor Controller provides local and computerized control of a single motor axis. It features a top-mounted control panel with a velocity wheel that supports four-speed bidirectional control with forward and reverse jogging as well as position presets. A backlit digital display is also included that can have the backlit dimmed or turned off using the the top-panel menu options. The front of the unit contains two bidirectional SMC trigger ports that can be used to read a 5 V external logic signal or output a 5 V logic signal to control external equipment. Each port can be independently configured.

The KBD101 controller is fully compatible with our Kinesis and XA software packages, but not all motion control devices are supported by XA at this time. A full list of supported devices can be found here. Please see the Kinesis and XA Software tab for more information.

Please note that this controller does not ship with a power supply. Compatible power supplies are listed below. Additional information can be found on the main KBD101 Brushless DC Servo Motor Controller page.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
KBD101
K-Cube Brushless DC Servo Driver (Power Supply Not Included)
$965.42
Today

Hide Compatible Power Supplies

Compatible Power Supplies

photo of power supply adapters
Click for Details
Figure 780B  Each KPS201 power supply includes one region-specific adapter, which can be selected upon checkout.
photo of power supply options
Click to Enlarge
Figure 780A  The KPS201 Power Supply Unit
  • Individual Power Supply
    • KPS201: For K-Cubes® or T-Cubes™ with 3.5 mm Jacks
  • USB Controller Hubs Provide Power and Communications
    • KCH301: For Up to Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
    • KCH601: For Up to Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes

The KPS201 power supply outputs +15 VDC at up to 2.66 A and can power a single K-Cube or T-Cube with a 3.5 mm jack. It plugs into a standard wall outlet.

The KCH301 and KCH601 USB Controller Hubs each consist of two parts: the hub, which can support up to three (KCH301) or six (KCH601) K-Cubes or T-Cubes, and a power supply that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The hub draws a maximum current of 10 A; please verify that the cubes being used do not require a total current of more than 10 A. In addition, the hub provides USB connectivity to any docked K-Cube or T-Cube through a single USB connection.

For more information on the USB Controller Hubs, see the full web presentation.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
KCH301
USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
$640.53
Lead Time
KCH601
USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes
$775.24
Lead Time
KPS201
15 V, 2.66 A Power Supply Unit with 3.5 mm Jack Connector for One K- or T-Cube
$43.15
Today