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/IO Feature

realtime interfacing with external signals

The /IO feature allows to:

  • trigger positioning movements by input signals
  • send the axis’ positioning information to an external interpreter

The GPIO port (activated with /IO) on the back of the device can be used for the communication of trigger signals. Each position signal consists of two parts transmitted via different pins. The semantics of a signal depend on the used communication protocol. A third pin communicates error signals.

For incoming communication AquadB, Stepper and Trigger protocols are supported. For outgoing communication AquadB and Trigger protocols are supported. The input as well as output mode and parameters can be adjusted on the webserver application's "Interface" screen.

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/PRO Feature

enhanced closed loop functionalities

With the AMC110, attocube positioners can be driven in open loop mode. In addition, the controller is designed for closed loop operation of positioners with an optoelectronic encoder (EC*/NUM(+)). The /PRO feature further activates the following enhanced closed loop functionalities: 

  • daisy-chaining via Ethernet up- and downlink sockets
  • controlling multiple devices with one single attoDISCOVERY application
  • setting the number of steps that are implemented with each stepwise move
  • setting the DC level for manual position adjustment
  • activating end-of-travel detection and stopping movement
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Programmable Interface

automate your workflow for various environments

The device's functions can be accessed over a JSON-based REST API (JRPC), and can be used in almost every environment. 

The AMC110 offers a rich set of pre-implemented libraries as API wrappers for several languages and operating systems: Currently those include Python, Matlab, LabView, C (DLL/so) and C# (DLL).

Dedicated interface manuals and quick start examples for every language help you to get started quickly.

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Control Interface

platform independent webserver and attoDISCOVERY application

For the AMC110 two options are available to access the control interface. Both are platform-independent: The attoDISCOVERY software is a standalone application, while the webserver application can be accessed via web-browser.

Both applications can be used to control and analyze positioner movements. If the standalone software is installed it can be called up via the respective desktop icon or start menu entry. The webserver application can be started by typing the device's IP address or the device's serial number followed by .local. With this “plug-and-play” approach the webserver application is intuitively easy accessible.

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Diagnostic Tools

measure performance & status indicators

Within the diagnostic tools section, different positioner properties can be measured to verify proper performance. This includes electrical capacitance, electrical resistance of the positioner (including cabling), as well as the device's temperature (ok, medium, high, critical). If the device shows a critical temperature it will deactivate all axes output for safety reasons in case of further heating.

The diagnostic tools section can be found on the PC-based software, the webserver application and the display – to facilitate easy control of nanopositioners with or without a PC. Within the attoDISCOVERY or the webserver application, additional voltage, velocity, and feedback tests can be started. 

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Remote Control Feature

wireless control of nanopositioners

With the wireless remote controller feature, it is possible to control and drive nanopositioners without or in addition to a PC. Three buttons and the haptic feedback display are pre-set for basic functions. The remaining 12 buttons and two control sticks can be configured individually. The buttons can be programmed with different functions like stepwise or continuous movement of positioners.

Configuration can be done within the webserver application and can be stored to two separate profiles, named "yellow" and "red". A profile can be configured regardless of whether it is currently active or not. The connection and battery status can constantly be monitored via the WebApp.

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Rotation Compensation Feature

feed-forward runout compensation of a rotator by two xy-stages

In practice, no rotation is perfect. A near perfect rotation can however be achieved when the runout is simultaneously compensated. For tomography purposes for example, one has limited tolerance of the runout.

The smaller the runout – the better the resolution of experiments. As the main share of the runout errors is repeatable, a one-time calibration of the rotation stage can permanently improve the accuracy significantly, while still offering a very small footprint. Ask us about your probing setup and we will guide you to the ideal compensated solution.

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AMC/IDS Closed Loop Feature

interferometric position readout using attocube`s IDS3010

With the optional AMC/IDS closed loop feature a interferometric readout and closed loop positioning using attocube`s displacement sensor – the IDS3010 – is enabled.

The achievable repeatability in nano positioning applications is mostly limited by the integrated closed loop sensor. Interferometers like the IDS3010 are known for unrivaled resolution and precision. In combination with attocube´s piezo positioners this advanced sensor solution enables a next level positioning performance (read more in our AppNote 'Interferometric Closed Loop Piezo Positioning').

The modular design and combined user interface allows intuitive control of the positioners and sensors. To reach the highest possible precision the attocube engineering team supports you to find a fully integrated and specified solution tailored to your needs.