Kinesis® Precision, Motorized Vertical Translation Stage

Overview
Specs
Pin Diagrams
Kinesis Software
Kinesis Tutorials
Feedback
Motorized Linear Stages

Key Specifications^a
Travel	30.0 mm (1.18")
Load (Max)	7.0 kg (15.4 lbs)
Velocity (Max)	8.0 mm/s (All Loads)
Pitch Deviation	±25.8 µrad
Roll Deviation	±21.2 µrad
Unidirectional Repeatability	±0.11 µm
Bidirectional Repeatability	±0.12 µm
Stability	±0.06 µm
Platform Dimensions	116.2 mm x 116.2 mm (4.57" x 4.57")
Platform Height	124.2 mm to 154.2 mm (4.89" to 6.07")

Please see the Specs tab for a complete list of specifications.

Click to Enlarge
KVS30 Stage Shown in Fully Extended Position

Features

Motorized Precision Vertical Translation Stage
±0.12 µm Bidirectional Repeatability
0.1 µm Minimum Incremental Movement
Control Locally with Up & Down Buttons or Remotely by PC via USB
External Bidirectional Triggering via I/O Ports (5 V TTL)
Smooth, DC Servo-Driven Linear Motion
Full Kinesis^®Software Control Suite Included
Large Mounting Platform with 1/4"-20 and 8-32 (M6 and M4) Taps
Location-Specific Power Supply Included

The KVS30(/M) Motorized Vertical Translation Stage is a DC servo-driven linear stage with integrated drive electronics. This stage provides precise, stable height adjustment over the full translation range. The stage motor is capable of moving loads up to 7.0 kg on a large 116.2 mm x 116.2 mm mounting platform with minimal pitch and roll deviation. Crossed-roller bearings and a steel scale linear encoder ensure accurate positioning with high repeatability. See the Specs tab for complete specifications.

The top plate has twenty-five 1/4"-20 (M6) taps and sixteen 8-32 (M4) taps for mounting optomechanical subassemblies. The base of the unit has four through holes that accept 1/4"-20 or M6 screws for mounting to a breadboard or optical table; the holes are spaced such that both imperial and metric breadboards are compatible. The unit is supplied with a region-specific power supply with an input of 100 to 240 VAC. The power connector on the unit includes a locking mechanism to avoid accidental removal of the cord. Note that the power supply unit (PSU) should be connected to the stage before connecting the PSU to a power outlet. A USB cable for controlling the stage via PC is also included.

Local Control
Up and Down buttons on the side of the unit can be used to translate the stage when the motor output is enabled. Alternatively, a manual scroll wheel on the side of the unit can be used to adjust the stage height when closed-loop position control is disabled or the stage is powered off. If the stage is connected to a PC running the Kinesis software while using the manual adjustment wheel, any adjustments will be reflected in the position window of the Kinesis GUI. To enable or disable closed-loop position control, either hold the Up and Down buttons simultaneously until the Status LED flashes or change the setting in the Kinesis software when the unit is connected to a PC.

External Control
A USB port on the side of the stage allows it to be connected to a PC and controlled using our Kinesis^® software suite. This software package features new .NET controls that can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabView, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Parameter settings can be adjusted on the PC and stored in non-volatile memory within the unit itself. When the unit is next powered up, these settings are applied automatically. Please see the Kinesis Software and Kinesis Tutorials tabs for more details. External bidirectional triggering is possible using the two I/O ports on the unit.

Specifications^a
Travel	30.0 mm (1.18")
Unidirectional Repeatability	±0.11 µm
Bidirectional Repeatability	±0.12 µm
Accuracy	0.9 µm
Homing Repeatability	±0.36 µm
Pitch Deviation^b	±25.8 µrad
Compliance in Pitch^b	39.0 µrad/N·m
Maximum Torque (Pitch)^c	5.0 N·m
Roll Deviation	±21.2 µrad
Compliance in Roll^b	19.0 µrad/N·m
Maximum Torque (Roll)^c	9.0 N·m
Maximum Load	7.0 kg (15.4 lbs)
Maximum Velocity	8.0 mm/s (All Loads)
Maximum Acceleration	5.0 mm/s² (All Loads)
Minimum Incremental Motion^d	0.1 µm
Stability	±0.06 µm
Lead Screw Pitch	1.0 mm
Operating Temperature	5 to 40 °C
Dimensions (W x D x H) at Homed Position	116.2 mm x 116.2 mm x 124.2 mm (4.57" x 4.57" x 4.89")
Weight	3.4 kg (7.48 lbs)
Input Power Requirements
Current	1 A (Max)
Nominal Voltage	15 VDC

The values above were measured in a thermally stable environment with the power on. See Appendix B of the manual for a glossary of terms.
Pitch or Roll Compliance is the resultant distortion caused by an applied torque such as an off-center or uneven load.
Torque is the twisting force caused by an uneven or off-axis load, which in turn gives rise to compliance.
When Controlled via PC

Computer Connection

*The USB 3.0 port is compatible with a USB 2.0 Micro B connector if the Micro B connector is plugged into the shaded region in the photo above. A USB 3.0 type A to type Micro B cable is included with each KVS30(/M) stage.

I/O 1 MMCX Female	I/O 2 MMCX Female

+5 V TTL	+5 V TTL
These connectors can be independently configured for use with external trigger input or output signal (5 V TTL levels).
In input mode, logic levels are TTL compatible: <0.8 V is recognized as Low and >2.4 V is recognized as High. The default state when the port is unconnected is High.
In output mode, the port provides a push-pull drive of 5 V with a maximum current of 8 mA.

Power Supply

3.15 mm Jack Connector

Thorlabs' Kinesis^® software can be used to control devices in the Kinesis or APT™ family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes and T-Cubes) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

The Kinesis Software features new .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™ or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the APT and Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.25

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

Kinesis GUI Screen

Thorlabs' Kinesis^® software features new .NET controls which can be used by third-party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications.

C#
This programming language is designed to allow multiple programming paradigms, or languages, to be used, thus allowing for complex problems to be solved in an easy or efficient manner. It encompasses typing, imperative, declarative, functional, generic, object-oriented, and component-oriented programming. By providing functionality with this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The Kinesis System Software allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

For a collection of example projects that can be compiled and run to demonstrate the different ways in which developers can build on the Kinesis motion control libraries, click on the links below. Please note that a separate integrated development environment (IDE) (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio) will be required to execute the Quick Start examples. The C# example projects can be executed using the included .NET controls in the Kinesis software package (see the Kinesis Software tab for details).

Click Here for the Kinesis with C# Quick Start Guide
Click Here for C# Example Projects
Click Here for Quick Start Device Control Examples

LabVIEW
LabVIEW can be used to communicate with any Kinesis- or APT-based controller via .NET controls. In LabVIEW, you build a user interface, known as a front panel, with a set of tools and objects and then add code using graphical representations of functions to control the front panel objects. The LabVIEW tutorial, provided below, provides some information on using the .NET controls to create control GUIs for Kinesis- and APT-driven devices within LabVIEW. It includes an overview with basic information about using controllers in LabVIEW and explains the setup procedure that needs to be completed before using a LabVIEW GUI to operate a device.

Click Here to View the LabVIEW Guide
Click Here to View the Kinesis with LabVIEW Overview Page

Posted Comments:

Mikkel Bregnhøj (posted 2020-10-03 03:21:54.373)

Dear Thorlabs Your KVS30/M Z-stage looks to be the perfect platform for reflection SFG measurements, and other multi-beam nonlinear optic techniques where dynamic control of the sample height is essential. However, the minimal platform height of 12.5 cm is a little too heigh for the physical space on our tightly packed optical table. Could you consider designing a version that is somewhat lower, but with approx. the same dynamic travel range and specs? One can always raise the platform, but lowering it is impossible. Kind regards Mikkel Bregnhøj

DJayasuriya (posted 2020-10-06 08:34:33.0)

Hello Mikkel, Thank you for getting in touch with us. Reducing the platform height with the current design would be a bit tricky due to the motor and bearing limits. I will get in touch with you directly top discus your application.

user (posted 2020-02-29 12:53:25.613)

Too bad these motorized instruments are not OS agnostic, which means I cannot put it into a system where OS is dictated by DUT. Make your products like the FW102C, built-in FTDI RS232 controller, so I can send text commands from any OS to operate the equipment.

cwright (posted 2020-03-03 06:01:47.0)

Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. While this device does not have a dedicated port for such communication, you can control this device with text commands via the RS232 standard. There are FTDI drivers which allow for interfacing with a virtual COM port, which allows for OS agnostic operation through our communication protocal document. You can view this communications protocol here: https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/ViewSoftwarePage.cfm?Code=Motion_Control

Motorized Linear Translation Stages

Thorlabs' motorized linear translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from a stage with 20 µm of piezo translation to our 600 mm direct drive stage. Many of these stages can be assembled in multi-axis configurations, providing XY or XYZ translation. For fiber coupling applications, please see our multi-axis stages, which offer finer adjustment than our standard motorized translation stages. In addition to motorized linear translation stages, we offer motorized rotation stages, pitch and yaw platforms, and goniometers. We also offer manual translation stages.

Piezo Stages

These stages incorporate piezoelectric elements in a variety of drive mechanisms. Our Nanoflex™ translation stages use standard piezo chips along with manual actuators. Our LPS710E z-axis stage features a mechanically amplified piezo design and includes a matched controller. The PD1 stage incorporates a piezo inertia drive that uses "stick-slip" friction properties to obtain an extended travel range. The Elliptec™ stages use resonant piezo motors to push and pull the moving platform through resonant elliptical motion.

Piezoelectric Stages
Product Family	Nanoflex™ 20 µm Stage with 5 mm Actuator	Nanoflex™ 25 µm Stage with 1.5 mm Actuator	LPS710E 1.1 mm Z-Axis Stage	PD1 20 mm Stage	Elliptec™ 28 mm Stage	Elliptec™ 60 mm Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	20 µm + 5 mm Manual	25 µm + 1.5 mm Manual	1.1 mm	20 mm	28 mm	60.0 mm
Maximum Velocity	-		-	3 mm/s	180 mm/s	90 mm/s
Drive Type	Piezo with Manual Actuator		Amplified Piezo	Piezoelectric Inertia Drive	Resonant Piezoelectric Motor
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ		-	X, XY, XYZ	X
Additional Details

Stepper Motor Stages

These translation stages feature removable or integrated stepper motors and long travel ranges up to 300 mm. The MLJ150 stage also offers high load capacity vertical translation. The other stages can be assembled into multi-axis configurations.

Stepper Motor Stages
Product Family	LNR Series 25 mm Stage	LNR Series 50 mm Stage	MLJ150 50 mm Vertical Stage	NRT Series 100 mm Stage	NRT Series 150 mm Stage	LTS Series 150 mm Stage	LTS Series 300 mm Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	25 mm	50 mm	50 mm	100 mm	150 mm	150 mm	300 mm
Maximum Velocity	2.0 mm/s	50 mm/s	3.0 mm/s	30 mm/s		50 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ	X, XY, XYZ	-	X, XY, XYZ		X, XY, XYZ
Additional Details

DC Servo Motor Stages

Thorlabs offers linear translation stages with removable or integrated DC servo motors. These stages feature low profiles and can be assembled in multi-axis configurations.

DC Servo Motor Stages
Product Family	MT Series 12 mm Stages	PT Series 25 mm Stages	MTS Series 25 mm Stage	MTS Series 50 mm Stage	KVS30 30 mm Vertical Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	12 mm	25 mm	25 mm	50 mm	30 mm
Maximum Velocity	2.6 mm/s		2.4 mm/s		8.0 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY, XYZ		X, XY, XYZ		-
Additional Details

Direct Drive Stages

These low-profile stages feature integrated brushless DC servo motors for high speed translation with zero backlash. When no power is applied, the platforms of these stages have very little inertia and are virtually free running. Hence these stages may not be suitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when the power is off. We do not recommend mounting these stages vertically.

Direct Drive Stages
Product Family	DDS Series 50 mm Stage	DDS Series 100 mm Stage	DDS Series 220 mm Stage	DDS Series 300 mm Stage	DDS Series 600 mm Stage
Click Photo to Enlarge
Travel	50 mm	100 mm	220 mm	300 mm	600 mm
Maximum Velocity	500 mm/s		300 mm/s	400 mm/s	400 mm/s
Possible Axis Configurations	X, XY		X, XY	X	X
Additional Details

View All »Matching Part Numbers

Kinesis® Precision, Motorized Vertical Translation Stage

Features

Computer Connection

I/O 1

MMCX Female

I/O 2