THORLABS PRM1Z8 Motorized Rotation Stage User Guide

: June 9, 2024
: THORLABS

THORLABS PRM1Z8 Motorized Rotation Stage

THORLABS-PRM1Z8-Motorized-Rotation-Stage-product-image

Chapter 1 Overview

Introduction

The PRM1Z8 is a precision motorized rotation mount for 1″ optics.
Rotation is driven via a DC servo motor equipped with high ratio gearbox (67:1) and rotary encoder for accurate closed loop position control. The KDC101 DC servo controller is the ideal companion for achieving smooth continuous motion which can be measured both through the software interfaces and by using the Vernier dial and 1° engraved graduation marks on the rotating plate. The precision DC motor actuator provides a minimum incremental motion of 25 arcsecond over the 360° rotation. This rotation stage is also equipped with a precision home limit switch to facilitate automated rotation to the zero datum position, allowing absolute angular positioning thereafter.
The limit switch is designed to allow continuous rotation of the stage over multiple 360° cycles. For complete flexibility the stage can be mounted either vertically on a post or horizontally using an adapter plate – see Section 3.2
For attachment to other stages or fittings, please contact Tech Support..

THORLABS-PRM1Z8-Motorized-Rotation-Stage-01

Chapter 2 Safety

Safety Information

For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the equipment itself, the operator should take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself.
The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the equipment itself.

Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution
Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.

General Warnings

Warning
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. In particular, excessive moisture may impair operation.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does occur, clean up immediately using absorbant tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to enter the internal mechanism.

Chapter 3 Installation

Unpacking

Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the stage is easily damaged by mishandling. The unit should only be handled by its base, not by the motor or any attachments to the moving platform.

Note
Retain the packing in which the unit was shipped, for use in future transportation.

Mounting

The stage can be mounted to a standard 1/2” post, with an option to mount in a vertical or an inclined orientation (as shown in Fig. 1.1.). The stage can also be fixed directly to the worksurface in a horizontal (flat) orientation using the counter-bored holes in the main body.
The rotating platform features several options for mounting accessories. The central aperture has a standard SM1 internal thread, for compatibility with a range of optics. Accessories can also be fixed using the series of threaded mounting holes (see Fig. 3.3).
Standard ‘tongue and groove’ accessories can be mounted using the PRM1SP1(/M) grooved adapter plate, which raises the deck height to 29mm (1.14”).
Adapter plates are available which allow more stable installation and raise the deck height to 34mm (1.34”) (PRM1SP2), or 62.5mm (2.46”) (PRM1SP3)..

Caution
When mounting components, or fitting the stage within an application, do not apply excessive pressure to the moving platform.

Fig. 3.1 PRM1Z8 mounted on a PRM1SP2 Adapter Plate

Connecting The Motor Driver
Caution
It is recommended that the PRM1Z8 series stages be driven by the Thorlabs KDC101 DC Servo Motor Driver. If the stage is being driven by any other driver or controller, consult Section 6.1. for motor pin out details and Chapter 5 for details of the motor specification.

The stage is supplied with 0.5m (1.6 ft) of cable and is terminated in a 15 pin Male D-Type connector. This is compatible with the MOTOR drive terminal of the KDC101 K-Cube DC driver unit – see Fig. 3.2 below. A 3m (9.8 ft) extension cable (PAA632) is available on request.

Transportation

Caution
When packing the unit for shipping, use the original packing. If this is not available, use a strong box and surround the unit with at least 100 mm of shock absorbent material.

Dimensions

PRM1Z8 Dimensions

THORLABS-PRM1Z8-Motorized-Rotation-Stage-03

Fig. 3.3 Dimensions

Chapter 4 Operation

Introduction

Caution
Thora’s often releases updated firmware for bug fixes and support for new features. We recommend all users to download the latest version of Kinesis software and use the included firmware update utility. Failure to do this could result in stages not being recognized by the latest controllers.
The PRM1Z8 series stages form part of the Thora’s Nano positioning system. We recommend they are driven by the Thora’s KDC101 K-Cube DC Servo Motor Driver. If the stage is being driven by any other driver or controller, consult the Section 6.1. for motor pin out details.

Connect the stage to the DC motor driver and power up the unit.
Connect the driver to the control PC.

Using the Kinesis Software

The stages are connected to the controller via a flying lead terminated in a D-type connector.

Run the software – Start/Programs/Thorlabs/Kinesis/Kinesis The server reads in the stage and controller information on boot up and the GUI panel shown below is displayed..When the software was run up, default settings applicable to the PRM1Z8 stage were loaded. These settings can now be tailored to your particular application.
Check that the PRM1Z8 stage type is displayed in the bottom right of the GUI panel.
Click the Settings button on the GUI to display the Settings panel.
Click each tab in turn, and make parameter changes as necessary. If in doubt, run your application with the default settings unchanged until performance data is available – see Section 4.2.1. and also the handbook supplied for the KDC101 controller.
After the parameter changes have been performed, click the ‘Persist Settings to Hardware’ box on each tab, then click ‘OK’. This will ensure that the same parameter settings will be loaded next time the unit is powered up – even in the absence of a PC.
On the GUI panel, click the ‘HOME” button to move the stage to its home position. This will establish a zero datum from which future moves can be measured.

Rotation Stage Settings
The manual supplied for the controller unit contains full details of the various settings tabs, however the PRM1Z8 stage contains an extra tab for Rotation settings.

Rotation Mode – This setting relates to the way in which the angular position is displayed on the GUI panel.
Equivalent Angle – The maximum displayed position is 359.99°.
If a stage is driven past the 360° rotation point, the display reverts back to zero and counts up to 360° again.
Total Angle – The total angular rotation is displayed, e.g. for a movement of two full rotations plus 10°, the display will show 730°.
Fixed Range – The angular rotation is limited to 360° i.e. one revolution.
Rotation Direction – This setting specifies the move direction.
Note. These parameters are applicable only if the Rotation Mode above is set to ‘Equivalent Angle.
Rotate Forwards – The move is performed in a positive direction
Rotate Reverse – The move is performed in a negative direction
Rotate Quickest – The move is performed in the quickest direction

Using the APT Software

Start the APT User utility – Start/Programs/Thora’s/APT User/APT User
The APT server reads in the stage and controller information on boot up and the GUI panel shown below is displayed..When the APT user utility was run up, default settings applicable to the PRM1Z8 stage were loaded. These settings can now be tailored to your particular application.
Check that the PRM1Z8 stage type is displayed as shown above.
Click the Settings button on the GUI to display the Settings panel.
Click each tab in turn, and make parameter changes as necessary. If in doubt, run your application with the default settings unchanged until performance data is available.
After the parameter changes have been performed, click the ‘Persist Settings to Hardware’ box on each tab, then click ‘OK’. This will ensure that the same parameter settings will be loaded next time the unit is powered up – even in the absence of a PC.
On the GUI panel, click the ‘HOME” button to move the stage to its home position. This will establish a zero datum from which future moves can be measured.

See the manual supplied with the controller unit for more information.

Chapter 5 Specifications

Parameter	Value

a With backlash correction enabled, see the handbook for the KDC101 controller for more details.

Chapter 6 Pin Out Details & Associated Products

Motor Connector Pin Out

The Motor cable is terminated in a 15 way D-type connector, which provides connection to the DC motor controller. The pin functions are detailed in Fig. 6.1.

THORLABS-PRM1Z8-Motorized-Rotation-Stage-07

Pin	Description	Pin	Description
1	Ground/Return	9	Ident Resistor
2		10	Vcc/Ident Resistor
3	Limit Switch	11	Encoder B
4		12
5	Motor +	13	Encoder A
6		14
7	Motor –	15
8

Fig. 6.1 Motor Connector Pin Descriptions

Associated Products

Product Name	Part Number
Grooved Adapter Plate Imperial	PRM1SP1
Grooved Adapter Plate Metric	PRM1SP1/M
Raiser plate (34mm (1.34”) deck height)	PRM1SP2
Raiser plate (62.5mm (2.46”) deck height)	PRM1SP3

Chapter 7 Regulatory

Declarations Of Conformity

For Customers in Europe
See Section 7.2.

For Customers In The USA
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the company could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up- to-date contact information.

USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
sales@thorlabs.com
techsupport@thorlabs.com
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
europe@thorlabs.com
France
Thorlabs SAS
sales.fr@thorlabs.com
Japan
Thorlabs Japan Inc.
sales@thorlabs.jp
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
sales@uk.thorlabs.com
techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
scandinavia@thorlabs.com
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
brasil@thorlabs.com
China
Thorlabs China
chinasales@thorlabs.com

Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive of the European Community and the corresponding national laws. Accordingly, all end users in the EC may return “end of life” Annex I category electrical and electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005 to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal charges. Eligible units are marked with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC, and are not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treatment is your own responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.

www.thorlabs.com