THORLABS DDS300 User manual

HA0324T
DDS300(/M)
Direct Drive Translation
Stage
User Guide
Original Instructions

Page 0 ETN013636-D02
DDS300 Direct Drive Translation Stage
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 1
Chapter 2 Safety .......................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Safety Information ............................................................................. 2
2.2 General Warnings .............................................................................. 2
Chapter 3 Installation .................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Unpacking ........................................................................................... 3
3.2 Environmental Conditions ................................................................ 3
3.3 Mounting ............................................................................................. 4
3.3.1 Vertical Mounting .................................................................................... 4
3.3.2 General ................................................................................................... 4
3.3.3 Cable Routing and Cable Extension ....................................................... 4
3.3.4 Mounting the Stage to the Work Surface ................................................ 5
3.4 Electrical Connections ...................................................................... 7
Chapter 4 Operation .................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Getting Started ................................................................................... 9
4.2 General Operation ............................................................................ 10
4.3 Stopping the Stage .......................................................................... 13
4.4 Position Error Messages ................................................................. 14
4.5 Maintenance ..................................................................................... 14
4.6 Transportation.................................................................................. 15
4.7 Troubleshooting............................................................................... 15
Chapter 5 Specification and Accessories ............................................................... 16
5.1 Specification ..................................................................................... 16
5.2 Accessories List .............................................................................. 17
Chapter 6 Using the Legacy APT Software ............................................................. 18
Chapter 7 Regulatory ................................................................................................ 23
Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ..................................................................... 25

Rev F JAN 2023 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction
The Thorlabs’ DDS300 low-profile, direct-drive stage provides 300 mm of travel with 100 nm
minimum step size and a maximum speed of 400 mm/s. The stage is ideal for applications
that require high speeds and high positioning accuracy, including automated alignment,
surface inspection, mapping, and probing.
The innovative low-profile design with integrated brushless linear motors eliminates the
external housings that create mechanical clash points and impede access to the moving
platform. The direct-drive technology removes the need for a lead screw, eliminating
backlash. Twin, precision-grooved linear bearings provide superior rigidity and linearity with
excellent on-axis accuracy. This backlash-free operation coupled with high-resolution,
closed-loop optical feedback ensures a minimal bidirectional repeatability of better than
±0.25 µm.Furthermore, the stage features an integrated cable management system, thereby
eliminating the need for any user side cabling.
Characterized by high-speed translation and high-positional accuracy, the DDS300 stage is
well-suited for surface mapping and characterization applications where there is a need to
move a camera or probe at constant velocity while simultaneously capturing data. Very
precise, fine, positioning and control is easily achieved through the combination of the stable
closed-loop control system and associated MJC001 joystick option.
Fig. 1.1 DDS300 Long Travel Stage

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DDS300 Direct Drive Translation Stage
Chapter 2 Safety
2.1 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.
2.2 General Warnings
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.
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.
When bolting the stage to the work surface and when fixing a load to the top
platform, high tightening torque of the attachment bolts can result in an increased
resistive force on the moving platform. This in turn can lead to degraded
performance and may require the PID parameters to be adjusted. As a general guide,
70 N·cm is a recommended nominal torque when tightening the attachment bolts.

Rev F JAN 2023 Page 3
Chapter 3 Installation
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Unpacking
3.2 Environmental Conditions
Location Indoor use only
Maximum altitude 2000 m
Temperature range 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F)
Maximum Humidity Less than 80% RH (non-condensing) at 31°C
To ensure reliable operation the unit should not be exposed to corrosive agents or excessive
moisture, heat or dust.
If the unit has been stored at a low temperature or in an environment of high humidity, it
must be allowed to reach ambient conditions before being powered up.
The unit must not be used in an explosive environment.
Note
During handling or shipping, the moving platform must be constrained to avoid damage to
the bearings.
Retain the packing in which the unit was shipped, for use in future transportation.
Two handles are shipped with the unit to assist in handling. These handles should be fitted
to the center hole at either end of the stage. The handles require a minimum of three turns
to ensure safe load bearing of the product.
Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the stage can be easily damaged by mishandling.
The unit should only be handled by its base, not by any attachments to the moving
platform.
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect operator
safety.

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DDS300 Direct Drive Translation Stage
3.3 Mounting
3.3.1 Vertical Mounting
3.3.2 General
3.3.3 Cable Routing and Cable Extension
Warning
The safety of any system incorporating this equipment is the responsibility of the
person performing the installation.
Warning
The stage is not suitable for mounting in a vertical (Z-axis) configuration.
Caution
The performance of the stage could be affected if the mounting surface is not flat to
within 200 µm. Care should be taken when bolting the stage to the work surface, to
ensure that the base does not warp, which could cause stiffness to be experienced in
the bearing rails. Shims should be fitted as necessary.
When mounting the stage close to other equipment, ensure that the travel of the
moving platform is not obstructed. If equipment mounted on the moving platform is
driven against a solid object, damage to the internal mechanism could occur. The
range of travel is 300 mm (11.81”).
When considering the stage movement in the proximity of other objects or
equipment, ensure that movement of cables connected to the moving carriage is not
impeded.
When bolting the stage to the work surface and when fixing a load to the top
platform, high tightening torque of the attachment bolts can result in an increased
resistive force on the moving platform. This in turn can lead to degraded
performance and may require the PID parameters to be adjusted.
As a general guide, 70 Ncm is a recommended nominal torque when tightening the
attachment bolts.
High drag forces can adversely affect phase initialization, homing, positioning
accuracy and general reliability. Take care to minimize drag caused by attachments
to the moving platform (cables, tubing, electrical wiring), especially when the stage
is changing direction.
Caution
The D-Type shell of the motor connector houses an ID chip which could be damaged
if the plug is opened. The encoder connector houses circuitry which could be easily
damaged by static discharge. Under no circumstances should these plugs be opened
or removed (e.g. to facilitate cable routing).

Rev F JAN 2023 Page 5
Chapter 3 Installation
3.3.4 Mounting the Stage to the Work Surface
The DDS300 stage is mounted to the work surface by four M6 x 25 mm (1/4”-20 x 1”) screws.
The mounting holes are accessed from the top of the stage as shown below.
Using a diagonal pattern, tighten the mounting bolts.
Fig. 3.1 Mounting

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DDS300 Direct Drive Translation Stage
Below is an example of XY configuration when the top stage is bolted on a top plate of the bottom
stage.
Fig. 3.2 XY Configuration
Caution
When mounting the stage to the worksurface, use only the holes in the end of
the stage as shown above. The performance of the stage could be affected if the
mounting surface is not flat. Pads at the end and in the middle are not on the same
plane.The middle mounting holes should be used exclusively in cases when the ends have no
support.
Care should be taken when bolting the stage to the work surface, to ensure that the base plate
does not warp, which could cause stiffness to be experienced in the bearing rails.
After mounting the stage to the work surface, if any increased resistance is experienced when
moving the top platform, the likely cause is over tightening/torquing of the mounting bolts. As
a general guide, 70 N·cm is a recommended nominal torque when tightening the attachment
bolts.
Please contact tech support for more information.

Rev F JAN 2023 Page 7
Chapter 3 Installation
The stage can also be mounted on its side, using two AP90RL(/M) brackets - see Fig. 3.3.
Using a diagonal pattern, tighten the mounting bolts.
Fig. 3.3 Side Mounting
3.4 Electrical Connections
The stage must be driven by a Thorlabs BBD series and RBD201 controllers. Connect the
motor leads to the MOTOR DRIVE connectors, and the encoder feedback leads to the
FEEDBACK connectors. Ensure that the motor drive and feedback leads for each motor are
connected to the correct channel.
Caution
Ensure that any devices and components attached to the moving platform are
securely fastened. Incorrectly attached components could come loose when the stage
is operated.

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DDS300 Direct Drive Translation Stage
Fig. 3.4 Electrical connections
Pin out information for the motor drive and encoder feedback connectors on the motor
flying leads is detailed below.
Fig. 3.5 DDS300 Motor Drive and Feedback Flying Lead Pin Out Details
1 Motor Phase V
2 GND
3 Thermistor (not used)
4 Motor Phase U
5 Stage ID
6 GND
7 Motor Phase W
8 Enable
1 Not Used
2 GND
3 Not Used
4 Enc Index -
5 QB -
6 QA -
7 5 V
8 5 V
9 GND
10 Limit Switch +
11 Limit Switch -
12 Enc Index +
13 QB +
14 QA +
15 Not Used
3
5
8
2
6
4
1
7
MOTOR DRIVE
ENCODER FEEDBACK
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