PI A-311.F Series User manual

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 1 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
A-311.F & G Series
PIglide Compact Planar XY Air Bearing Stage
Linear Motor Driven with Encoder Feedback

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 2 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH & Co. KG is the owner of the following trademarks:
PI®, PIC®, PICMA®, PILine®, PIFOC®, PiezoWalk®, NEXACT®, NEXLINE®, NanoCube®, NanoAutomation®,
Picoactuator®, PInano®, PIMag®
PI owns the following patents or patent applications for the technology field Magnetic Direct Drives (PIMag®):
WO212146709A2, DE102012207082A1
© 2021 PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. The text, photographs and drawings in this manual are protected by
copyright. With regard thereto, PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. retains all the rights. Use of said text, photographs
and drawings is permitted only in part and only upon citation of the source.
Subject to change without notice. This manual is superseded by any new release. PI continually improves its
product offerings, and listed options and specifications may be superseded at any time.

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 3 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Table of Contents
1. About this Document ____________________________________________________________________5
1.1. Objective and Target Audience of this User Manual ________________________________________5
1.2. Symbols and Typographic Conventions __________________________________________________5
1.3. Other Applicable Documents __________________________________________________________5
2. Safety ________________________________________________________________________________6
2.1. Intended Use ______________________________________________________________________6
2.2. General Safety Instructions ___________________________________________________________6
2.3. Warnings and Safety Notices __________________________________________________________6
2.4. Organizational Measures _____________________________________________________________8
3. Product Description _____________________________________________________________________8
3.1. Model Overview and Part Numbering ___________________________________________________8
3.2. Product Features ___________________________________________________________________9
3.3. Product Labeling__________________________________________________________________ 10
3.4. Scope of Delivery _________________________________________________________________ 10
3.5. Accessories & Cables ______________________________________________________________ 10
3.6. Compatible Controllers ____________________________________________________________ 11
4. Technical Features ____________________________________________________________________ 11
4.1. Air Bearing ______________________________________________________________________ 11
4.2. Linear Motor_____________________________________________________________________ 11
4.3. Linear Encoder ___________________________________________________________________ 11
4.4. Stage Lockdown Control (Optional) ___________________________________________________ 11
5. Unpacking and Handling________________________________________________________________ 12
6. Installation __________________________________________________________________________ 13
6.1. Mounting Surface Quality and Preparation _____________________________________________ 13
6.2. Mounting Procedure ______________________________________________________________ 14
6.3. Removing the shipping lock(s) _______________________________________________________ 14
6.4. Air & Vacuum Supply ______________________________________________________________ 15
6.5. Affixing the Payload to the Stage _____________________________________________________ 15
6.6. Connecting the Stage to Protective Earth ______________________________________________ 16

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 4 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
6.7. Connecting the Cables _____________________________________________________________ 17
6.8. Axis Designation __________________________________________________________________ 17
7. Startup and Operation of the Stage _______________________________________________________ 18
8. Maintenance_________________________________________________________________________ 19
8.1. Cleaning the Stage ________________________________________________________________ 19
8.2. Preparing the Stage for Transport ____________________________________________________ 20
9. Customer Service _____________________________________________________________________ 21
10. Technical Data _____________________________________________________________________ 22
10.1. Basic Specifications______________________________________________________________ 22
10.2. Motor Electrical Specifications_____________________________________________________ 23
10.3. Encoder Specifications ___________________________________________________________ 23
10.4. Ambient Conditions _____________________________________________________________ 23
10.5. Dimensions____________________________________________________________________ 24
10.6. Electrical Connector Pin Assignments (at Stage IO Panel) ________________________________ 25
11. EC Declaration of Conformity__________________________________________________________ 26
12. Old Equipment Disposal ______________________________________________________________ 26
Table of Figures
Figure 1 - Product Features, A-311.F&G _________________________________________________________9
Figure 2 -Product Labeling Example__________________________________________________________ 10
Figure 3 - Mounting Surface Quality___________________________________________________________ 13
Figure 4 - Shipping Lock____________________________________________________________________ 14
Figure 5 - Payload Mounting Holes ___________________________________________________________ 15
Figure 6 - Mounting of the protective earth conductor (profile view) __________________________________ 16
Figure 7 - A-311.F&G Series Stage Dimensions _________________________________________________ 24

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 5 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
1. About this Document
1.1. Objective and Target Audience of this User Manual
This manual contains information on the intended use of the A-311.It assumes that the reader has a
fundamental understanding of basic servo systems as well as motion control concepts and applicable safety
procedures.
1.2. Symbols and Typographic Conventions
The following symbols and markings are used in this User Manual:
Symbol
Meaning
If not avoided, the situation could result in damage to the equipment.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in serious injury to
those performing the procedures and damage to the equipment.
1.
2.
Action consisting of several steps whose sequential order must be
observed
➢
Action consisting of one or several steps whose sequential order is
irrelevant
1.3. Other Applicable Documents
None at this time

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 6 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
2. Safety
2.1. Intended Use
The A-311 is a laboratory device as defined by DIN EN 61010. It is intended to be used in interior spaces and in
an environment which is free of dirt, oil and lubricants.
In accordance with its design and realization, the A-311 is intended for single-axis positioning of loads at different
velocities. The A-311 is not intended for applications in areas in which a failure would present severe risks to
human beings or the environment.
The A-311 is intended for horizontal mounting only in which the plane of the stage tabletop is level and parallel to
the plane of the ground. The stage cannot be used inverted.
The intended use of the A-311 is only possible when completely mounted and connected.
The A-311 must be operated with a suitable controller. The controller is not included in the scope of delivery of
the A-311.
2.2. General Safety Instructions
The A-311 is built according to state-of-the-art technology and recognized safety standards. Improper use can
result in personal injury and/or damage to the A-311.
➢Only use the A-311 for its intended purpose, and only use it if it is in a good working order.
➢Read the user manual.
➢Immediately eliminate any faults and malfunctions that are likely to affect safety.
➢The operator is responsible for the correct installation and operation of the A-311.
2.3. Warnings and Safety Notices
The following statements apply throughout this manual. Failure to observe these precautions could result in
serious injury to those performing the procedures and damage to the equipment. This manual and any additional
instructions included with the stage should be retained for the lifetime of the stage.
To minimize the possibility of electrical shock and bodily injury or death, disconnect all electrical
power prior to making any electrical connections.
To minimize the possibility of electrical shock and bodily injury or death when any electrical circuit
is in use, ensure that no person comes in contact with the circuitry when the stage is connected to
a power source.
To minimize the possibility of bodily injury or death, disconnect all electrical power prior to making
any mechanical adjustments.
To minimize the possibility of bodily injury or death from electric shock in the case of malfunction or
failure of the system, make sure a protective earth conductor is properly connected.
Moving parts of the stage can cause crushing or shearing injuries. All personnel must remain clear
of any moving parts.

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 7 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
The stage table should never be moved without the air supply turned on. Moving the stage table
with no air supply, causing sliding metal-to-metal contact, may damage the bearing surfaces.
Improper use of the stage can cause damage, shock, injury, or death. Read and understand this
manual before operating the stage.
If the stage is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
stage can be impaired.
Stage cables can pose a tripping hazard. Securely mount and position all stage cables to avoid
potential hazards.
Do not expose the stage to environments or conditions outside the specified range of operating
environments. Operation in conditions other than those specified can cause damage to the
equipment.
The stage must be mounted securely. Improper mounting can result in injury and damage to the
equipment.
Use care when moving the stage. Manually lifting or transporting stages can result in injury.
Use care when moving the stage. Avoid any shocks, drops or bumps that can cause scratches,
dings, dents, or distortion of the stage.
The stage contains high power magnets that can attract ferrous objects, such as loose screws.
Attracted objects can damage the stage. Make sure that there are no movable, ferrous objects
within a radius of at least 10 cm around the stage.
The stage contains high power magnets that can damage magnetically sensitive objects such as
magnetic data carriers and electronic devices. Make sure that there are no magnetically sensitive
objects within a radius of at least 10 cm around the stage.
Dirt, oil, lubricants and condensation will damage the stage. Keep the stage clean and free of dirt,
debris, oil, lubricants, and moisture.

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 8 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
2.4. Organizational Measures
User manual
➢Always keep this user manual available near the A-311.
➢Add all information given by the manufacturer to the user manual, for example supplements or Technical
Notes.
➢If you pass the A-311 on to other users, also turn over this user manual as well as other relevant information
provided by the manufacturer.
➢Only use the device on the basis of the complete user manual. Missing information due to an incomplete
user manual can result in minor injury and property damage.
➢Only install and operate the A-311 after having read and understood this user manual.
Personnel qualification
The A-311 may only be installed, started up, operated, maintained and cleaned by authorized and appropriately
qualified personnel.
3. Product Description
3.1. Model Overview and Part Numbering
The A-311 series offers various models, defined by the travel range, encoder type, and motor option. The
dimensions of the various models vary with travel. Encoder and motor options do not affect the dimensions.
Model
Travel
Encoder
Motor Wiring
A-311
F = 300mm x 300mm
B = 1nm resolution absolute
BiSS-C serial output
1 = Standard motor
48 VDC nominal buss
G = 300mm x 400mm

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 9 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
3.2. Product Features
The PIglide IS planar XY air-bearing stage is a low profile, high precision alternative to stacked XY stages. The
fully preloaded air bearing puck floats in both X and Y directions on a common base, proving smooth, frictionless
motion.
The A-311 series stages all incorporate completely non-contact air bearing surfaces, linear motors, and feedback
devices to provide a maintenance free stage. There is no mechanical contact to wear or require lubrication,
making these stages ideal for clean room and medical applications. The A-311 incorporates opposing lateral
preload and magnetic vertical preload. The brushless linear motor uses an ironless motor coil, which means
there is zero cogging and no attractive forces –resulting in unsurpassed smoothness of motion. This is especially
useful in applications where velocity control is important.
The A-311.F & G Series features a gantry configuration, where the lower (Y) axis is driven by two motors and
uses two encoders for feedback. The upper (X) axis uses a single motor and encoder. The twin drive and
feedback mechanism on the lower axis allows for enhanced precision and dynamic performance.
Figure 1 - Product Features, A-311.F&G
#
Description
#
Description
1.
Stage base plate
2.
Moving table
3.
Moving cable loop –upper axis
4.
Moving cable loop –lower axis
5.
Linear motor –upper axis
6.
Moving beam
7.
Encoder electrical connections
8.
Motor electrical connections
9. M
Air & Vacuum supply inlet ports

User Manual
A311D0002 Rev 2.0
11-Nov-2021
Page 10 of 26
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
16 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
3.3. Product Labeling
Figure 2 -Product Labeling Example
#
Description
1.
Product model number (example shown)
2.
Serial number (example), individual for each A-311
Meaning of the places (counting from left):
A = PIglide Air Bearing Product
18 = year of manufacture (i.e. 2019)
223102 = consecutive unique number, 6-digit
3.
Warning sign “Observe manual”
4.
Old equipment disposal warning sign
5.
Country of origin
6.
Manufacturer’s address (website)
7.
Manufacturer’s logo
8.
CE mark
3.4. Scope of Delivery
Item ID
Component
A-311.xxx
XY stage according to the order
---
Stage Mounting Screws (M6 x 55 SHCS)
---
Transport lock kit and hardware
A311D0002
User manual (this document)
3.5. Accessories & Cables
The following accessories are offered to complement the A-311.F & G stageS. Contact PI for all available
configurations.
Part #
Description
A-805.28200
Air Prep Kit (Filter & Regulation), with Vacuum Generation, Panel Mounted,
10 SCFM Light Duty, 8 Channel, Pressure Switch
A-805.28200T
Air Prep Kit (Filter & Regulation), with Vacuum Generation, Panel Mounted,
10 SCFM Light Duty, 8 Channel, Pressure Switch, with 0.75L Storage Tank
A-853.B03
A-853.B05
A-853.B10
Cable set, A-311.FBx to A-8xx Series Controller, Absolute BiSS Encoder (1 set per stage)
3m
5m
10m