• stepper motor controller for up to 3 axes
• resolution 690,000 pos./revolution
• velocity up to 15 rev./s
• joystick mode, optionally with integrated joystick
• closed loop interface
• error correction
  
• macro commands
  
• communication interfaces: RS-232/USB
• ASCII command language Venus -1
• software compatible with Corvus PCI and Corvus-TT
• all-aluminium housing
  

Application areas

Medical technology

microscope and tabletop controller

Electrophysiology

patch clamp technique

Life sciences

microscope and tabletop controller

Laser technology

fiber alignment positioning

Microassembly

micropositioning of assembly components

Semi-conductor production

wafer inspection

ultrasonic microscopy

Material testing

measurement of hardness

coat thickness measuring

non destructive material examination using ultrasound

Concept

Corvus eco is a complete system with controller and power amplifier for phase currents up to 1,5A. Corvus eco can be equipped with two or three axes. It ist possible to upgrade a 2-axes device later to a 3-axes device with an activation code.

Key features

In comparison with a conventional stepper motor controller technology, the motors connected to Corvus eco produce less power dissipation and stay therefore colder. Furthermore, the motors are moved with very low vibration. With a resolution of 690,000 pos./revolution, it is the only stepper motor controller worldwide with such a high resolution.

Positioning

In the positioning mode, the axes are moved vectorially, i.e. the relation of the velocities of all axes is constant. Thereby, all axes arrive at the target position at the same time. The axes can also be moved with a constant velocity.

Error correction

Corvus eco is equipped with the function error correction. I. e., each target position can be corrected with a correction table that is stored in the controller. With the possibility of correction, the positioning accuracy can be improved.

Resolution

Corvus eco is equipped with a real-time operating system. A 32bit processor can compute position input down to 1nm. The high resolution power amplifier is able to transform this position into a rotor angle.

Dynamic

Due to its high processing power, Corvus eco has a high velocity and acceleration dynamic. The minimum velocity is 1nm/s. The maximum motor speed is 15 revolutions/s (900rev./min). The acceleration can be adjusted in a range between 0.000001m/s² and 4m/s².

Acceleration functions

Corvus eco offers the choice between linear and  sin²-acceleration. Mechanical vibrations, which are produced by the acceleration of the drive, can often be reduced with the sin²-function.

Measuring systems

Corvus eco supports optical measuring systems with a RS-422 or a 1V_pp signal output. It also supports AMR-measuring systems.

Programming

The program-controlled operation is realised via the ASCII command language Venus-1. So Corvus is compatible with the predecessor controller MultiControl 2000, mc-compact or MC-3000. Time-critical functions and positioning processes can be executed as a macro directly inside the controller.

Software update

The firmware can be updated at any time, also inside the application.

Programming support

To support the software developer, a free API (function library) with different sample programs is available. It supports all functions of the controller.

Operation program

We provide WinPos to operate the controller. This Windows program is available in a light version with which all fundamental functions of the controller can be operated. The full version offers a wide range of functions with which many users have completed their applications so far, without the need to develop their own software. WinPos runs under all Microsoft operating systems.