Newport NewStep NSA12 User manual

Actuator and Motion Controller
NewStep
User’s Manual
TM

2Preface
EU Declaration of Conformity
We declare that the accompanying product, identified with the mark,
complies with requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive,
89/336/EEC and the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.
Model Number:
NewStep Actuator and Motion Controller Family (NSA12 and NSC100)
Year mark affixed: 2003
Type of Equipment: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use
Standards Applied:
Compliance was demonstrated to the following standards to the extent
applicable:
BS EN61326-1: 1997+A1+A2 “Electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use –EMC requirements”
This equipment meets the CISPR 11 Class A Group 1 radiated and conducted
emission limits.
BS EN 61000-3-2:2001, Harmonic current emissions, Class A
BS EN 61000-3-3:2002, Voltage fluctuations and flicker
BS EN 61010-1:1993, A1+A2 “Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control and laboratory use”
Alain Danielo
VP European Operations
Zone Industrielle
45340 Beaune-la-Rolande, France
Dan Dunahay
Director of Quality Systems
1791 Deere Avenue
Irvine, Ca. USA

Preface
3
Warranty
Newport Corporation warrants that this product will be free from defects in
material and workmanship and will comply with Newport’s published
specifications at the time of sale for a period of one year from date of shipment.
If found to be defective during the warranty period, the product will either be
repaired or replaced at Newport's option.
To exercise this warranty, write or call your local Newport office or
representative, or contact Newport headquarters in Irvine, California. You will be
given prompt assistance and return instructions. Send the product, freight
prepaid, to the indicated service facility. Repairs will be made and the instrument
returned freight prepaid. Repaired products are warranted for the remainder of
the original warranty period or 90 days, whichever first occurs.
Limitation of Warranty
The above warranties do not apply to products which have been repaired or
modified without Newport’s written approval, or products subjected to unusual
physical, thermal or electrical stress, improper installation, misuse, abuse,
accident or negligence in use, storage, transportation or handling. This warranty
also does not apply to fuses, batteries, or damage from battery leakage.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including
any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use. Newport
Corporation shall not be liable for any indirect, special, or consequential damages
resulting from the purchase or use of its products.
First printing 2003
© 2003 by Newport Corporation, Irvine, CA. All rights reserved. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or copied without the prior written approval of
Newport Corporation.
This manual has been provided for information only and product specifications
are subject to change without notice. Any change will be reflected in future
printings.
Newport Corporation
1791 Deere Avenue
Irvine, CA, 92606
USA
Part No 40745-01, Rev. A

4Preface
Confidentiality & Proprietary Rights
Reservation of Title:
The Newport programs and all materials furnished or produced in connection
with them ("Related Materials") contain trade secrets of Newport and are for use
only in the manner expressly permitted. Newport claims and reserves all rights
and benefits afforded under law in the Programs provided by Newport
Corporation.
Newport shall retain full ownership of Intellectual Property Rights in and to all
development, process, align or assembly technologies developed and other
derivative work that may be developed by Newport. Customer shall not
challenge, or cause any third party to challenge the rights of Newport.
Preservation of Secrecy and Confidentiality and Restrictions to Access:
Customer shall protect the Newport Programs and Related Materials as trade
secrets of Newport, and shall devote its best efforts to ensure that all its personnel
protect the Newport Programs as trade secrets of Newport Corporation. Customer
shall not at any time disclose Newport's trade secrets to any other person, firm,
organization, or employee that does not need (consistent with Customer's right of
use hereunder) to obtain access to the Newport Programs and Related Materials.
These restrictions shall not apply to information (1) generally known to the
public or obtainable from public sources; (2) readily apparent from the keyboard
operations, visual display, or output reports of the Programs; 3) previously in the
possession of Customer or subsequently developed or acquired without reliance
on the Newport Programs; or (4) approved by Newport for release without
restriction.
Service Information
This section contains information regarding factory service for the source. The
user should not attempt any maintenance or service of the system or optional
equipment beyond the procedures outlined in this manual. Any problem that
cannot be resolved should be referred to Newport Corporation.

Preface
5
Technical Support Contacts
North America & Asia Europe
Newport Corporation Service Dept.
1791 Deere Ave.
Irvine, CA 92606
Telephone: [phone]
Telephone: [phone] x31694
Newport/MICRO-CONTROLE S.A.
Zone Industrielle
45340 Beaune la Rolande, FRANCE
Telephone: [phone]
Newport Corporation Calling Procedure
If there are any defects in material or workmanship or a failure to meet
specifications, promptly notify Newport's Returns Department by calling 1-800-
222-6440 or by visiting our website at www.newport.com/returns within the
warranty period to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number (RMA#).
Return the product to Newport Corporation, freight prepaid, clearly marked with
the RMA# and we will either repair or replace it at our discretion. Newport is not
responsible for damage occurring in transit and is not obligated to accept
products returned without an RMA#. E-mail: [email protected]
When calling Newport Corporation, please provide the customer care
representative with the following information:
•Your Contact Information
•Serial number or original order number
•Description of problem (i.e., hardware or software)
To help our Technical Support Representatives diagnose your problem, Please
note the following conditions:
•Is the system used for manufacturing or research and development?
•What was the state of the system right before the problem?
•Have you seen this problem before? If so, how often?
•Can the system continue to operate with this problem? Or is the system
non-operational?
•Can you identify anything that was different before this problem occurred?

6Preface
Table of Contents
EU Declaration of Conformity.............................................................................2
Warranty ...........................................................................................................3
Confidentiality & Proprietary Rights ...................................................................4
Technical Support Contacts..................................................................................5
List of Figures ......................................................................................................8
List of Tables........................................................................................................8
1Safety Precautions 9
1.1 Definitions and Symbols....................................................................9
1.1.1 European Union CE Mark .................................................................9
1.1.2 CSA Mark..........................................................................................9
1.1.3 Direct Current (DC).........................................................................10
1.2 Warnings and Cautions....................................................................10
1.2.1 General Warnings............................................................................11
1.2.2 General Cautions .............................................................................11
1.3 Manual Conventions........................................................................11
1.3.1 Acronyms.........................................................................................11
1.3.2 Keys, Buttons and Icons ..................................................................12
1.3.3 User Input ........................................................................................12
1.3.4 The Display......................................................................................12
2Features & Specifications 13
2.1 Product Overview............................................................................13
2.2 Hardware Configuration..................................................................13
2.2.1 Communication Protocol.................................................................15
2.3 Connection to Non-Newport Controllers.........................................15
2.4 Features Layout ...............................................................................16
2.5 Outside Dimensions.........................................................................16
2.5.1 Technical Specifications..................................................................17
2.5.2 Part Numbers...................................................................................19
3Getting Started 21

Preface
7
3.1 Unpacking and Handling................................................................. 21
3.2 Inspection for Damage ....................................................................21
3.3 Parts List..........................................................................................21
3.4 Choosing and Preparing Work Surface ........................................... 22
3.5 Electrical Requirements................................................................... 22
3.6 Operating Temperature.................................................................... 22
4Operating NewStep 23
4.1 Overview.........................................................................................23
4.1.1 Operation Modes............................................................................. 23
4.1.2 User Controls................................................................................... 24
4.1.3 Single Actuator, no Computer Interface (minimal configuration)... 25
4.1.4 Single Actuator with Computer Interface........................................26
4.1.5 Two Actuators, no Computer Interface...........................................27
4.1.6 Two Actuators with Computer Interface......................................... 28
4.1.7 Multiple Actuators with Computer Interface...................................29
4.2 Operation Modes............................................................................. 30
4.3 User Controls................................................................................... 30
5Software 33
5.1 Overview.........................................................................................33
5.2 Software Installation........................................................................ 33
5.3 RS-232 Communication Requirements........................................... 33
5.4 Using NewStep-Util ........................................................................34
6NewStep Controller ASCII Command Set 43
6.1 Command Summary........................................................................43
6.1.1 Summary Table ...............................................................................43
7Maintenance & Service 75
7.1 Enclosure Cleaning.......................................................................... 75
7.2 Technical Support............................................................................ 75
7.3 Service Form................................................................................... 77

8Preface
List of Figures
Figure 1 CE Symbol..............................................................9
Figure 2 CSA mark................................................................9
Figure 3 Direct Current Symbol..........................................10
Figure 4 Features Layout View...........................................16
Figure 5 Outline Dimensions for NewStep Actuator..........16
Figure 6 Outline Dimensions for NewStep Controller........17
Figure 7 NewStep-Util Software Icon.................................34
Figure 8 NewStep-Util Opening Screen..............................34
Figure 9 Initializing Controller screen ................................35
Figure 10 Initializing another Controller dialog box.............36
Figure 11 Scan Controllers screen.........................................36
Figure 12 Main screen...........................................................37
Figure 13 View all Tab Screen..............................................39
Figure 14 Move Tab Screen..................................................40
Figure 15 Cycle Utility Screen..............................................41
Figure 16 Status screen..........................................................41
Figure 17 Software and Hardware Information Screen.........42
List of Tables
Table 1 NSA12 Actuator Specifications.............................................17
Table 2 NSC100 Controller Specifications.........................................18
Table 3 Environmental Specifications................................................18
Table 4 Part Numbers .........................................................................19
Table 5 LED Status Table...................................................................24
Table 6 LED Status Table...................................................................30
Table 7 Summary Of Commands Table .............................................44
Table 8 Technical Customer Support Contacts...................................75

9
1Safety Precautions
1.1 Definitions and Symbols
The following terms and symbols are used in this documentation and also appear
on NewStep Actuator and Controller where safety-related issues occur.
1.1.1 European Union CE Mark
Figure 1 CE Symbol
The presence of the CE symbol in or on Newport Corporation equipment means
that it has been designed, tested and certified as essentially complying with all
applicable European Union (CE) regulations and recommendations.
1.1.2 CSA Mark
Figure 2 CSA mark
The presence of the CSA mark” indicates that it has been designed, tested and
certified as complying with all applicable U.S. and Canadian safety standards.

10 Safety Precautions
1.1.3 Direct Current (DC)
Figure 3 Direct Current Symbol
This symbol indicates on the rating plate that the NewStep Actuator and
Controller are suitable for direct current only.
1.2 Warnings and Cautions
The following are definitions of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes that are used
throughout this manual to call your attention to important information regarding
your safety, the safety and preservation of your equipment or an important tip.
WARNING
Situation has the potential to cause bodily harm or death.
CAUTION
Situation has the potential to cause damage to property or equipment.
NOTE
Additional information the user or operator should consider.

Safety Precautions
11
1.2.1 General Warnings
Observe these general warnings when operating or servicing this equipment:
•Read all warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions.
•Do not use this equipment in or near water.
•Only connect the power cord to a grounded power outlet.
•Route power cords and other cables so they are not likely to be damaged.
•Disconnect power before cleaning the equipment. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners; use only a damp lint-free cloth.
•To avoid explosion, do not operate this equipment in an explosive
atmosphere.
1.2.2 General Cautions
Observe these cautions when operating or servicing this equipment:
•Use only the specified replacement parts.
•Follow precautions for static sensitive devices when handling this equipment.
•This product should only be powered as described in this manual.
•There are no user-serviceable parts inside the NewStep Unit.
•If this equipment is used in a manner not specified within this manual, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
•Do not position this equipment in a location that would make it difficult to
disconnect the AC power cord.
1.3 Manual Conventions
The following conventions and standards will be used in this manual.
1.3.1 Acronyms
A word formed from the initial letters of a name, for example: Read Only
Memory (ROM). In this manual acronyms will appear on the first occurrence
and whenever necessary for clarification, acronyms will be enclosed in
parentheses following their definition.

12 Safety Precautions
1.3.2 Keys, Buttons and Icons
Computer keyboard keys and onscreen buttons and icons are used in the text to
describe many user operations. The key-top symbol as it appears on the
keyboard, the button or icon name is represented in boldface type. For example:
Ctrl is used for the Control key.
1.3.3 User Input
Text that is required to be typed in, will be shown in the boldface type courier
(new) font as shown below:
DISKCOPY A: B:
1.3.4 The Display
Text generated by the computer that appears on its display is presented in the
typeface courier (new) font as shown below:
FORMAT complete

13
2Features & Specifications
2.1 Product Overview
CAUTION
Please note that NextStep Actuator and Controller are high precision
instruments. Please use proper care when handling or storing the
instrument.
Newport’s NewStepTM micrometer replacement actuator and controller is an ideal
system for motorizing fine-positioning stages and mounts in opto-mechanical
systems. The NewStepTM family has been designed for hands-off adjustment of
hard-to-reach mirror mounts. Such applications include hands-off adjustment of
hard-to-reach mirror mounts or adjustments of optical mounts that are sensitive to
forces applied while twisting a knob. For example, optimizing the alignment of a
laser cavity or adjusting the pointing of a beam over a long distance.
2.2 Hardware Configuration
The serial (RS-485) communication interface on the NSC100 controller is
accessed through RS485 toRS232 converter. The pin out is designed so that you
can plug RS485 to RS232 converter directly into PC’s RS232 port.
See diagram next page.

14 Getting Started
NOTE
NSC100 is designed so that user can manually control NSA12 NewStep actuator by
adjusting velocity/enable knob or remotely using PC’s RS232 comport to control
NSA12 NewStep actuator.

Safety Precautions
15
2.2.1 Communication Protocol
The RS-232C interface must be properly configured on both devices
communicating. A correct setting is one that matches all parameters (baud rate,
number of data bits, number of stop bits, parity type and handshake type) for
both devices.
The NewStep controller RS-232C configuration is fixed at 19200 bps, 8 data
bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
To prevent buffer overflow when data is transferred to the NewStep controller
input buffer, a CTS/RTS hardware handshake protocol is implemented. The host
terminal can control transmission of characters from the controller by enabling
the Request To Send (RTS) signal once the controller’s Clear To Send (CTS)
signal is ready. Before sending any further characters, the controller will wait for
a CTS from the host.
As soon as its command buffer is full, the controller de-asserts CTS. Then, as
memory becomes available because the controller reads and executes commands
in its buffer, it re-asserts the CTS signal to the host terminal.
2.3 Connection to Non-Newport Controllers
CAUTION
Newport takes no responsibility for improper functioning or damage
of an actuator when it is used with any non-Newport controllers.
CAUTION
Newport guarantees the CE compliance of the NewStep actuators
only if they are used with Newport cables and controllers.

16 Getting Started
2.4 Features Layout
Figure 4 Features Layout View
2.5 Outside Dimensions
Figure 5 Outline Dimensions for NewStep Actuator.
Velocity /Enable
Knob
Status LED
Ca
ble
Lock Nut
Mounting
Screws
(optional)
CSA Compliance
CE Compliance
Parameter
Reset
Product Label
Cable securing
tab mounting
location
(optional)

Safety Precautions
17
Figure 6 Outline Dimensions for NewStep Controller.
2.5.1 Technical Specifications
NSA12 Actuator Specifications
Size (mm) Ø30x65
Travel (mm) 11
Motor Stepper Open loop
Motion sensitivity (µm) 0.3
Repeatability (µm) 0.6
Bi-directional repeatability ((µm) 2.5
Max speed (mm/s) 2 (load dependent)
Load capacity (N) 18N minimum
Limit switches Yes
Remote control Yes
Computer interface Yes
Table 1 NSA12 Actuator Specifications
2”
2”
6”

18 Getting Started
NSC100 Controller Specifications
Output Power
Continuous current 0.4A @ 15VDC
Output Voltage
Maximum effective output voltage at continuous power 15V @ 0.4A
Input Power
Voltage
Average Current @ continuous output rating
Peak Current @ continuous output rating
15V ±5%
0.6A
0.7A
Table 2 NSC100 Controller Specifications
System Environmental Specifications
AC Input 100-240VAC, 1.5A
50/60Hz
±10%
Operating Temperature 5°C to 40°C
Operating Humidity <85% relative humidity non-condensing
Storage Temperature 0-60°C
RH -<85% non-condensing
Altitude <2000m (6562 feet)
Installation Category II
Pollution Degree 2
Use Location Indoor use only
Table 3 Environmental Specifications

Safety Precautions
19
2.5.2 Part Numbers
Part number Description
NSA12 NewStep Actuator, 12 mm travel
NSC100 NewStep Motion controller
NSC-PS25 Universal power supply
NSC-PSC2 Cable power supply to NSC100, 3 m length
NSC-CB3 RS-485 Cable, 3 m length
NSC-CB-485-232 RS-232 to RS-485 Converter
NSC-JT RS-485 Junction box
Table 4 Part Numbers

20 Getting Started
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