300 mm Linear Translation Stage with Integrated Controller, Stepper Motor

Overview
Specs
Further Info
Pin Diagram
Motion Control Software
APT Tutorials
Feedback

Key Specifications^a
Travel Range	300 mm (11.8")
Horizontal Velocity (Max)	50 mm/s
Vertical Velocity (Max)	3 mm/s
Minimum Achievable Incremental Movement^b	0.1 µm
On-Axis Accuracy^c	5.0 µm (Min)
Bidirectional Repeatability^d	2 µm
Backlash^e	2 µm
Load Capacity (Max) - Stage Mounted Horizontally	15 kg (33.1 lbs)
Load Capacity (Max) - Stage Mounted Vertically	4 kg (8.8 lbs)
Actuator Type	Stepper Motor
Cable Length (USB)	2 m (6.5 ft)

Please see the Specs tab for a complete specifications list.
The measured minimum incremental motion that the stage can achieve, also referred to as the minimum step size.
Using Included Calibration Files
The average of the repeatability when a set position is approached from both directions.
When a stage is moved to a position and then returned to its original position, some motion is lost due to the lead screw mechanism. This loss is known as backlash.

Features

300 mm Travel Range
Integrated Stepper Motor Controller
Control via Manual Keypad or Remote PC
Load Capacity

Horizontally Mounted: 15 kg (33.1 lbs)
Vertically Mounted: 4 kg (8.8 lbs)

Maximum Velocity of 50 mm/s
Bidirectional Repeatability of 2 µm
XY, XZ, and XYZ Configurable
1/4"-20 or M6 Tapped Holes for Mounting Standard Optomechanics
Power Supply Included

Thorlabs' LTS300(/M) Linear Translation Stage with Integrated Controller is optimized for applications requiring high load capacity and high resolution, such as measurement and inspection. It provides 300 mm of linear travel for loads as great as 15 kg (33.1 lbs) when mounted horizontally and 4 kg (8.8 lbs) when mounted vertically. Each stage features an on-axis accuracy of 5.0 µm (Min) when the unit-specific calibration files are used with the Thorlabs Kinesis or APT™ software. Due to the stepper motor design, the platform position remains fixed when no power is supplied to the stage, unlike with DC servo motor translation stages.

Click to Enlarge
Integrated Controller with Manual and Remote PC Control

Motorized Linear Long-Travel Stages
100 mm	Stepper
100 mm	DC Servo
150 mm	Stepper
150 mm	Stepper with Integrated Controller
220 mm	DC Servo
300 mm	Stepper with Integrated Controller
300 mm	DC Servo with Benchtop Controller
600 mm	DC Servo with Benchtop Controller
100 mm Optical Delay Line Kit
220 mm Optical Delay Line Kit
Other Translation Stages

The LTS300(/M) stage features an integrated electronic controller that can be controlled remotely using a PC or manually via the buttons and velocity potentiometer on the control keypad (see photo to the left). Parameter settings can be adjusted on the PC and stored in non-volatile memory within the unit itself. When the unit is powered up, these settings are applied automatically. This is particularly useful when the stage is being used manually in the absence of a PC and USB link.

The stage is lightweight, compact, and robust with high performance over the full travel range. The heavy-duty aluminum construction and 40 mm moving platform height makes this stage ideal for applications where space is limited. Integrated magnetic limit switches allow homing and overdrive protection in both directions. A precision-ground lead screw delivers smooth, virtually noise-free movement. The power supply provided with the stage operates with 90 - 264 VAC input voltages (47 - 63 Hz) and is shipped with a location-specific power cord.

Thorlabs also offers the LTS150(/M) Linear Translation Stage with Integrated Controller, which features 150 mm of travel.

Calibration Files
Each LTS300(/M) Linear Translation Stage is calibrated during manufacturing. Calibration enables the controller to correct for any mechanical errors present in the system. Mechanical components, such as the lead screw and linkages, can be machined only within a certain tolerance. These mechanical errors result in deviations of the actual position from the commanded position. However, the deviations are repeatable and can be compensated for using the Kinesis or APT software and included calibration files. These files are used by the software to convert the position entered by the user into the required mechanical motion. The calibration files can be downloaded by clicking on the red Docs icon () next to the item # below and entering your device's serial number under "Download Calibration Data."

The use of calibration files is optional. Without them, the repeatability and resolution of the stage are unaffected, but no compensations are made to enhance the accuracy. Each stage is calibrated at the factory, giving a typical on-axis accuracy of 47 µm without the use of the calibration files.

Stage Combinations
If an XY configuration is desired, any combination of LTS300(/M) and LTS150(/M) Linear Positioning Stages (the latter features a 150 mm travel range) can be mounted atop one another using the LTSP1(/M) XY Adapter Plate (sold below). XZ and XYZ configurations are possible using our LTSP3(/M) Z-Axis Bracket, which orients an LTS300(/M) stage in the vertical plane. Please note that stages and adapters with imperial or metric taps are only compatible with other stages and adapters featuring the same thread standards.

Software
The ActiveX^® APT system software is also compatible with other APT family controllers, including our multi-channel controllers, rack-based controller, and smaller, optical-table-mountable K-Cube™ controllers. This single unified software offering allows seamless mixing of the LTS300(/M) stages with any APT benchtop, tabletop, or rack-based controllers.

Stage Specifications
Translation
Travel Range	300 mm (11.8")
Bidirectional Repeatability	2 µm
Backlash	2 µm
Maximum Velocity^a	50 mm/s Horizontal, 3 mm/s Vertical
Velocity Stability	±1 mm/s
Maximum Acceleration^a	50 mm/s² Horizontal, 5 mm/s² Vertical
Accuracy
Min Achievable Incremental Movement^b	100 nm
Min Repeatable Incremental Movement^c	4 µm
Absolute On-Axis Accuracy^d	47 µm
Min Calibrated On-Axis Accuracy	5.0 µm
Max Percentage Accuracy^e	0.12%
Home Location Accuracy	±0.6 µm
Pitch^f	<0.022° (384 µrad)
Yaw^f	<0.06° (1047 µrad)
Load Capacity
Horizontal Load Capacity	Max: 15 kg (33.1 lbs) Recommended: <12 kg (26.5 lbs)
Vertical Load Capacity	Max: 4 kg (8.8 lbs)
General
Weight	2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
Dimensions (W x D x H)	100 mm x 500 mm x 39.5 mm (3.94" x 19.69" x 1.56")

Electrical Specifications
Motor Specifications
Step Angle	1.8° (50 Poles and ±2 Phases for 360° Divided by 200)
Step Accuracy	5%
Rated Phase Current	0.85 A
Phase Resistance	5.4 Ω
Phase Inductance	5.6 mH
Holding Torque	20 N•cm
Detent Torque	2.0 N•cm
Operating Temperature	-20 to 40 °C (Motor Specification Only)
Controller Specifications
Microsteps per Full Step	2048
Microsteps per Revolution of Motor	409,600 (for 200 Step Motor)
Motor Drive Voltage	24 V
Motor Drive Power	12.5 W (Avg) Up to 25 W (Peak)
Motor Speeds	Up to 3000 RPM (200 Full Step Motor)
Input Power Requirements
Voltage	24 VDC
Power	25 W (Peak)
Power Supply Requirements	90 - 264 VAC (47 - 63 Hz)

Notes

Max Velocity, Max Acceleration, and Max Load
The max velocity and acceleration values quoted above are achievable with lighter loads. As the load is increased, the velocity and acceleration should be decreased accordingly. For the maximum 15 kg load, the velocity should be reduced to either 15 mm/s with 3 mm/s² acceleration or 12 mm/sec with 5 mm/s² acceleration, depending upon whether speed or acceleration is more important for the intended application.
Min Achievable Incremental Movement
The measured minimum incremental motion that the stage can achieve, also referred to as the minimum step size.
Min Repeatable Incremental Movement
The minimum incremental motion that the stage can repeatedly achieve within its standard error.
On-Axis Accuracy
This is the absolute accuracy of the commanded position. It is defined as the maximum discrepancy between the commanded position and the absolute position over the full travel of the stage. For example, if a stage is specified with an on-axis accuracy of 20 µm, then a command to travel to 10 mm will result in an absolute position of within 20 µm of 10 mm. This value will tell you the maximum possible inaccuracy at any point in your travel.
However, sometimes a more useful specification can be maximum percentage accuracy (see Note C for details) as the discrepancy between commanded position and absolute position generally increases linearly with the amount of travel. This gives rise to an on-axis accuracy near the end of the travel range of the stage which is generally lower than the accuracy at the beginning of the travel range. A percentage accuracy can give you a good idea of what to typically expect along the stage's travel. Accuracy should not be confused with repeatability, which refers to the ability of the stage to travel to the commanded position over many attempts.
On-Axis Maximum Percentage Accuracy
This is the maximum discrepancy between the commanded position and the absolute position expressed as (|P_absolute - P_commanded| / P_commanded) and gives a better idea of what to typically expect along a stage's travel. The advantage of expressing this as a percentage is that the higher accuracy at the lower travel range of a stage can now be represented. As the maximum percentage error will not necessarily be at full travel, this means the value given will be an excellent representation of the maximum possible error that can be expected.
Pitch and Yaw
Pitch and Yaw define how much the moving world shifts as the stage translates. Pitch is measured by moving the stage over its full travel range and taking an angular robust laser interferometry (RLI) measurement in the pitch axis at 20 equidistant points along the travel. This is repeated 10 times and the maximum discrepancy between minimum and maximum value taken. Yaw is measured using the same procedure.

Controller Features

The LTS300(/M) stage features an integrated APT™ compatible controller that can operated using either the manual keypad or remote computer control using APT software. The controller is fully configurable with key parameters exposed through the associated software graphical interface panels. Jog step sizes can be selected, phase currents can be limited to suitable peak powers as required, and limit switch configuration is accommodated through flexible logic settings.

In addition, relative and absolute moves can be initiated with move profiles set using velocity profile parameters (including acceleration/deceleration). Similarly, homing sequences have a full set of associated parameters that can be adjusted for a particular application. For ease of use, the APT software incorporates pre-configured settings for the LTS300(/M) stage.

All key parameters may be adjusted using our intuitive software graphical panels. For example, a move to the next position can be initiated by clicking directly on the position display and entering a new value. These settings and parameters are also accessible through the ActiveX^® programmable interfaces for automated alignment sequences. Refer to the Motion Control Software tab for further information on the APT software support for the BSC200 Series.

Full Software GUI Control Suite & ActiveX Controls Included

A full and sophisticated software support suite for use with the LTS300(/M) stage includes a number of user utilities that allow immediate operation of the unit without any detailed pre-configuration. All operating modes can be accessed manually, and all operating parameters may be changed and saved for future use. For more advanced motion control applications, a fully featured ActiveX programming environment is also available to facilitate custom application development in a wide range of programming environments. Note that all settings and parameters described above are also accessible through these ActiveX programmable interfaces. For further information on the APT software support for the LTS300(/M) stage, refer to the Motion Control Software tab. Demonstration videos illustrating how to program the APT software are also available on the APT Tutorials tab.

MMR600 Family of Rack Mounted Controllers

The ActiveX APT system software is also compatible with other APT family controllers, including our multi-channel benchtop units, rack-based systems, and smaller optical table mountable T-Cube™ controllers. This allows for allows seamless mixing of components. The common software architecture also makes it easy to create automated alignment/positioning systems which interact at the software level. All controllers in the APT range are equipped with USB connectivity. This allows multiple APT units to be connected to a single controller PC using USB hubs and cables. When planning a multi-channel application, simply add up the number and type of drive channels required and connect together the associated number of APT controllers.

Software Development Support

A development kit is included in the APT software for developers working on large, system integration projects that incorporate APT products. The kit contains an extensive selection of code samples as well as a library of video tutorials. Please see the Motion Control Software tab for details.

Computer Connection

USB Type B

2 m (6.5 ft) USB Type B to Type A Cable Included

Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis^® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™ and T-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

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.

Kinesis GUI Screen

APT GUI Screen

Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis and APT 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.

The software packages allow 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.

A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.24

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

Software

APT Version 3.21.4

The APT Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' APT™ and Kinesis system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

These videos illustrate some of the basics of using the APT System Software from both a non-programming and a programming point of view. There are videos that illustrate usage of the supplied APT utilities that allow immediate control of the APT controllers out of the box. There are also a number of videos that explain the basics of programming custom software applications using Visual Basic, LabView and Visual C++. Watch the videos now to see what we mean.

Click here to view the video tutorial

To further assist programmers, a guide to programming the APT software in LabView is also available.

Click here to view the LabView guide

Posted Comments:

rubsanmi (posted 2017-05-15 16:42:02.71)

I am experiencing some troubles when using these motors alongside LabVIEW. The driver version I use is the latest (3.21.0). Nevertheless, some times I got from LabVIEW the following error: Error; [Code = 10055]; [MG17Comms.DLL] Internal Description: USB Comms Error Notes: A USB communications error has occurred. Extra info: FT_IO_ERROR. A USB communication problem has occurred with this controller. Communication to this controller is suspended. The software should be closed and the controller powered off and on to try re-establishing USB communication. I attach a link to a photo of the error: http://imgur.com/a/JJ750 I have disabled all options that turned off the screen or sleep the computer. I am using Windows 10 with LabVIEW 2016 but same problem appears with Windows XP and LabVIEW 2010 (and LabVIEW driver version 1.0.2).

bwood (posted 2017-05-17 09:12:28.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: I am sorry to hear about your difficulties here. This error is usually indicative of a hardware fault with the USB connection. I will be in contact with you directly to troubleshoot this issue.

gwenael.gaborit (posted 2016-12-21 05:13:34.6)

I didn t find any application software for Linux OS...

tfrisch (posted 2016-12-22 06:06:59.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we have not been able to develop software explicitly for Linux, but you can use the communications protocol found below. I will reach out to you directly as well. https://www.thorlabs.com/Software/Motion%20Control/APT_Communications_Protocol_Rev_19.pdf

jasonmance2 (posted 2016-11-10 19:14:55.897)

May I have the low level communications protocol so that I can achieve direct serial communication with the LTS300? I would like to use an Arduino to control the stage.

bhallewell (posted 2016-11-11 04:27:20.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: You can find our protocol manual within the 'Communications Protol' tab in the following link. https://www.thorlabs.de/software_pages/ViewSoftwarePage.cfm?Code=Motion_Control

julien.lancelot (posted 2016-02-08 13:00:31.477)

Hi there! Do you have some API I could use to drive the motion controller with Linux? Thanks! Lancelot

msoulby (posted 2016-02-08 10:18:17.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: It is possible to use low level direct serial communications with the LTS if you are using a Linux OS. I have contacted you directly with the latest version of the low level communications protocol for our motion control controllers for your information.

perttu.sipila (posted 2015-11-11 05:53:43.36)

Hi, First C API function which is recognized from DLL is. ISC_API short __cdecl ISC_MoveRelativeDistance(const char * serialNo); I used it like below. short ok = ISC_SetMoveRelativeDistance(serialNo_LTS150, -50000); ok = ISC_SetMoveRelativeDistance(serialNo_LTS300, -50000); ok = ISC_MoveRelativeDistance(serialNo_LTS150); ok = ISC_MoveRelativeDistance(serialNo_LTS300); and the compiler say: Error 5 error LNK2019: unresolved external symbol __imp__ISC_MoveRelativeDistance ?? Perttu

perttu.sipila (posted 2015-11-11 04:06:17.953)

Hi, I am still struggling with LTS devices. I still cannot use them via C API. I am just wondering if you had a full example code how to e.g. initialize and move the stage back and forth? The example codes in your C API help seem to be a bit old and they are just parts of some bigger full code. I can open and use the API commands but the stages do not fully work. I think the problem would be in the initialization and my question regarding that is Should I initialize stages by using Kinesis software or do I have to do it completely in my C++ software? The API commands are not clearly documented. E.g LoadSettings, should I use it. Does this load something initialized with Kinesis software? Perttu

perttu.sipila (posted 2015-11-10 04:19:24.863)

Hi, I managed to open LTS device (ISC_Open). I learnt that I had to say TLI_BuildDeviceList before that! But the next the program falls down (unhandled exception) when I use the TLI_GetDeviceInfo function in the following way (copied from your example)?? short n = TLI_GetDeviceListSize(); char serialNos[100]; TLI_GetDeviceListByTypeExt(serialNos, 100, 45); // output list of matching devices char *p = strtok(serialNos, ","); while(p != NULL) { short ok = ISC_Open(p); TLI_DeviceInfo deviceInfo; // get device info from device TLI_GetDeviceInfo(p, &deviceInfo); // get strings from device info structure Best, Perttu

msoulby (posted 2015-11-10 11:03:13.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback, we will contact you directly to help you troubleshoot this enquiry. For further Kinesis troubleshooting please email techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com

perttu.sipila (posted 2015-11-09 08:26:05.373)

Hi, I downloaded h and lib files for LTS stages from your dropbox. I built a simple program according to your sample codes and a few lines is depicted below. I can built the project without errors. In addition my stages can be controlled via Kinesis software which shows the serial numbers used below. char* serialNo_LTS150 = "45863013"; char* serialNo_LTS300 = "45863493"; short ok = ISC_Open(serialNo_LTS150); short ok2 = ISC_Open(serialNo_LTS300); My questions are: Why I cannot open the LTS stages? The error code is 1 in both cases. What does that error code mean? Best regards, Perttu

perttu.sipila (posted 2015-11-03 11:04:38.773)

Hi, Still one question more.. As I did not manage to add controls onto visual studio c++ console application.. Bit unsatisfied that also ActiveX component did not locate in the list of ActiveX components in Visual Studio MFC application. That is stupid that there is mensioned how easy the device is to integrate. There are good video tutorials and much text but they do not work for me. In earlier message I mensioned that I have installed APT and Kinesis software for 64-bit windows and through them I do can easily control my LTS150 and LTS300 devices.. Perhaps if I fight a couple of days I may understand why but now I am a bit unsatisfied.

msoulby (posted 2015-11-05 03:51:20.0)

Response by Mike at Thorlabs: We will contact you directly with further information.

perttu.sipila (posted 2015-11-03 10:46:41.987)

Hi, #include "Thorlabs.MotionControl.IntegratedStepperMotors.h" where is this file? I have installed APT and Kinesis software 64-bit versions. In addition, where is a corresponding.lib file ???

msoulby (posted 2015-11-04 10:29:50.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: We have emailed you directly with the .h file. This was unfortunately missed from the installation and will be added to the next update for the kinesis software.

perttu.sipila (posted 2015-11-03 10:42:44.25)

Hi, I purchased LTS150 and LTS300 and bit satisfied that found difficult to integrate onto my environment. Yes, APT and Kinesis software work, but I cannot find simple h files that I could somehow append dll files onto C console application. This is mensioned to be possible and there is even an example code, but e.g. h file to be included resides not in my computer.

stephanealbon (posted 2015-07-28 12:48:54.34)

Dear Sir/Madame, I am writing to you due to communication issues with the LTS300 motorized stage when using Labview ActiveX controls. Is there any one I can talk about this in more details by email ? and get some help ?

msoulby (posted 2015-07-28 06:09:56.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: I have contacted you directly to discuss the problems you are having communicating with the LTS300 stage in more detail.

b.cichy (posted 2014-12-08 13:56:41.113)

Dear Sir/Madame, I am writing to you due to technical issue with the LTS300 motorized stage. I have bought one of the LTS300 stages and have found some problems with programming the stage using the APT software. I am writing my software using the C# .NET and it is really uncomfortable to me to use the COM based ActiveX controls. I have found on your webpage that it is possible to use classic .dll library to communicate with the stage. However such information is on the website I couldn’t find the file after installing the APT package. Is it possible to get the standard .DLL file for the LTS300? It is more beneficial to me to write a .NET wrapper than use the ActiveX controls. I am looking to hear from you. Sincerely yours Bartłomiej Cichy

msoulby (posted 2014-12-09 05:21:18.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Yes we have an APT DLL pack that we will send you which can be used if you do not wish to use ActiveX controls. I have contacted you will the files and further details.

xi.wang (posted 2014-10-16 05:22:58.89)

how do I enable different channels for different stages? We have two LTS300/M, we'd like to have them move simultaneously. thanks,

rcapehorn (posted 2014-10-21 04:58:52.0)

Response from Rob at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. To control multiple channels at once, the use of third party software will be needed. Examples of such software include LabVIEW and MATLAB. I will contact you by email to further clarify this.