50 mm Linear Translation Stage, Direct-Drive Brushless Servo Motor

Overview
Specs
Pin Diagram
Motion Control Software
APT Tutorials
Feedback
Motorized Linear Stages

Item #	DDS050(/M)
Travel Range	50 mm (1.97")
Speed (Max)^a	500 mm/s
Acceleration (Max)	5000 mm/s²
Bidirectional Repeatability^b	±1.5 µm
Straightness/Flatness	±5.0 µm
Horizontal Load Capacity (Max)	0.9 kg (1.98 lbs)
Min Incremental Movement^c	5.0 µm
Absolute On-Axis Accuracy	±6.5 µm
Actuator Type	Brushless DC Servo Motor
Dimensions (L x W x H)	145.0 mm x 57.0 mm x 35.0 mm (5.71" x 2.24" x 1.38")

The stage is designed for translation at high speeds, up to 500 mm/sec. When travelling at extremely low speeds (i.e. around 70 nm/sec) the discrete steps in the movement may be noticable.
The average of the repeatability when a set position is approached from both directions.
The measured minimum incremental motion that the stage can achieve, also referred to as the minimum step size.

Features

50 mm Travel Range
Integrated, Brushless DC Linear Servo Motor Actuators
Linear Optical Encoders
High-Quality, Precision-Engineered Linear Bearings
0.9 kg Horizontal Load Capacity
Stackable in XY Configuration

Thorlabs' DDS050(/M) low-profile, direct-drive stage provides 50 mm of travel with ±6.5 µm on-axis accuracy and a maximum speed of 500 mm/s. The stage is ideal for applications that require high speeds and high positioning accuracy, including automated alignment, surface inspection, mapping, and probing.

An 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 brushless DC servo motor removes the need for a lead screw, eliminating backlash, and internal flexible ducting ensures cables cannot become trapped as the mechanism moves. A precision-grooved linear bearing provides 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 ±1.5 μm.

Click to Enlarge
The KBD101 K-Cube Brushless DC Servo Motor Controller (sold separately below) is required to drive these stages.

Motorized Linear Translation Stages
12 mm	Standard
25 mm	Compact
	Standard
	TravelMax
50 mm	Compact
	Direct-Drive Servo
	TravelMax
Long Travel: 100 mm to 300 mm

Controller
The required controller for the DDS050(/M) direct-drive, linear translation stage is the KBD101 K-Cube™ Brushless DC Motor Controller. This controller provides a user-configurable, S-curve acceleration/deceleration profile that enables fast, smooth positioning without vibration or shock. See below for a brief overview, or click here to view the full presentation for these Brushless DC Motor Controllers.

Mounting Adapters
For dual-axis applications, two stages can be bolted together in an XY configuration by using the DDSMP1 XY adapter plate as shown above. Note that these stages are not suitable for operation in a vertical (Z-axis) orientation. Please contact Tech Support for more details.

Adapter brackets are also available that allow optomechanical components to be mounted close to the linear travel of the stage in applications such as a delay line. Please see below for more details.

Please Note: Magnetic components should not be mounted to the stage platform. Magnets prevent proper homing and can affect the accuracy of the stage's encoder even after the magnetic component has been removed. When no power is applied, the platform of the stage has very little inertia and is virtually free running. This may make the stage unsuitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when power is off.

Item #	DDS050(/M)
Travel Range	50 mm (1.97")
Speed (Max)^a	500 mm/s
Speed (Min)^b	70 nm/s
Acceleration (Max)	5000 mm/s²
Acceleration (Max) at 0.9 kg Load	500 mm/s²
Resolution	500 nm
Bidirectional Repeatability^c	±1.5 µm
Backlash	N/A (No Leadscrew)
Min Incremental Movement^d	5.0 µm
Horizontal Load Capacity (Max)	0.9 kg (1.98 lbs)
Absolute On-Axis Accuracy	±6.5 µm
Straightness/Flatness	±5.0 µm
Pitch	±175 µrad
Yaw	±175 µrad
Continuous Motor Force^e	0.8 N
Peak Motor Force (5 s)^f	2.0 N
Bearing Type	High Rigidity Recirculating Precision Linear Bearing
Limit Switches	Magnetic Sensor at Each End of Stage
Operating Temperature Range	5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F)
Motor Type	Brushless DC Linear Motor
Cable Length	1 m (3.3')
Dimensions (L x W x H)	145.0 mm x 57.0 mm x 35.0 mm (5.71" x 2.24" x 1.38")
Weight (with Cables)	0.60 kg (1.3 lbs)

The stage is designed for translation at high speeds, up to 500 mm/sec. When travelling at extremely low speeds (i.e. around 70 nm/sec) the discrete steps in the movement may be noticable.
Theoretical minimum.
The average of the repeatability when a set position is approached from both directions.
The measured minimum incremental motion that the stage can achieve, also referred to as the minimum step size.
The continuous force the motor can deliver without exceeding temperature limits.
The absolute maximum force the motor can deliver before going out of position error.

Motor Control Connector

D-Type Male

D-Type Connector

Pin	Description	Pin	Description
1	Quadrature A-	9	Ground
2	Quadrature A+	10	Motor Phase C
3	Quadrature B+	11	Motor Phase A
4	Quadrature B-	12	Motor Phase B
5	Encoder Index I-	13	+5 V
6	Encoder Index I+	14	Ground
7	Negative Limit	15	Stage ID
8	Positive Limit	15	Stage ID

Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis^® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis 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 .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.

Kinesis GUI Screen

APT GUI Screen

Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis and APT 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 single-axis to 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.

A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos.

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

Software

APT Version 3.21.4

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

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

This guide illustrates some of the basics of using the APT System Software in LabVIEW from a programming point of view that allow immediate command of the APT controllers out of the box.

Click here to view the LabVIEW guide

Posted Comments:

tillsten (posted 2018-11-12 21:20:09.777)

It is possible to use the stage vertically?

AManickavasagam (posted 2018-11-14 06:51:56.0)

Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs - Thanks for your query. These do not have enough torque to be used in the Z configuration. You probably need a stage with a lead screw that provides sufficient torque such as our LNR50 or MTS50/M-Z8.

linahacker91 (posted 2018-09-03 17:42:07.397)

Hello, I'm looking for a linear 50 mm motorized stage with high position accuracy (Travel speed is not important and the load will be very low) and the positioning should be repeatable. I should probably choose a stepper motor, right? Or is there a cheaper option? Thank you for your help!

AManickavasagam (posted 2018-09-06 05:43:28.0)

Response from Arunthathi @ Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. Yes you are correct comparatively for better repeatability, it will be best to use a stepper motor actuator - stage such as the LNR50S which has 0.5 µm Bidirectional repeatability. However, for even more precise positioning we offer LNR50SE which has an inbuilt encoder that works in closed loop with the actuator to maintain positional accuracy.

tim.may (posted 2017-11-21 14:48:57.217)

Hi, occasionally the ddsm50 will not 'home', gives 'Motor Error Detected (Value-position Error(0))' I end up closing the software and shutting off the kbd101 controller sn 28000398 and restarting, sometime it comes back ok, sometimes takes several cycles of the power. What's up with it? the load is 0.48 kg, but even with load removed still fails to home. Thanks for any help. Tim

bhallewell (posted 2017-12-01 09:12:28.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for contacting us. This Position Error message is posted when the achieved position is significantly different to the expected position. Typically this can be caused by running too fast with the given load. If the problem persists, it is suggested to Home the device at a lower velocity. I will contact you directly to troubleshoot the issue.

tim.may (posted 2017-10-16 13:11:26.45)

HI again, I asked about loading at .59# but realise i also have a plate mounted that is 0.48# so the total is >1 kg, beyond the 0.9 limit. my bad, trying another plate thanks tim

bwood (posted 2017-10-17 06:24:02.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. You should try and limit the load on the stage to below 1kg. However, you may have to change the PID loop settings to suit the load on the stage anyway. You can find more details on this in section 6.3.4 of the KBD101 manual.

tim.may (posted 2017-10-14 12:47:37.067)

I have a single stage with load of 1.24# or .56 kg and the stage oscillates on positioning away from home. can some parameter in the loop be adjusted to stop the oscillation? I saw comment here that state 0.9kg is possible, but couldn't find that on spec page. Thanks

bwood (posted 2017-10-17 06:33:26.0)

Please find my responce above.

d.baresch (posted 2017-07-24 17:47:57.79)

The maximum specified horizontal load is 0.9kg. Does this mean that with 2 DDSM50 mounted in XY configuration the only useful load left is 0.3kg (given 1 DDSM50 weighs 0.6kg)?

bwood (posted 2017-07-25 10:56:41.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. This is correct, according to the specifications the maximum load of an XY DDSM50 assembly will be 0.3 kg. If you need a high load, we would recommend the MTS50 and LNR50.

zali023 (posted 2016-08-21 15:14:16.467)

Hi I am currently using a 50 mm (1.97") Compact Motorized Translation Stage, but its velocity stability at ±0.25 mm/sec is too high my application, could you please advise me on the velocity stability for this instrument?

bhallewell (posted 2016-08-22 11:20:52.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. The velocity ripple would be dependent upon the PID control loop settings, the load applied to the stage & also the velocity that you are moving to & from. Generally moving to a lower velocity, you will find a higher percentage ripple however at a reduced deviation. I will contact you to obtain details of your setup to see if this can be optimised.

vopop (posted 2016-06-09 15:03:32.63)

I want to use DDSM50 with '30 mm Cubes with Premounted Turning Mirrors' in vertically aligned state. I saw there written we can not use in vertically aligned state. So, I wonder whether this means just due to there is no stopping force or its due to malfunctioning.

besembeson (posted 2016-06-09 09:41:15.0)

Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes it is due to no stopping force. When no power is applied, the stage has very little inertia so the platform will roll down under its weight and mounted components.

cbrideau (posted 2015-09-23 18:34:29.417)

What is the typical Angular Deviation for this mount?

bhallewell (posted 2015-09-30 06:49:25.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your question here. The spec that you are looking for would be synonymous with the Pitch & Yaw Run-out, which is ±175 µrad. This detail can be located in the ‘Specs’ tab.

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

50 mm Linear Translation Stage, DC Direct-Drive Servo Motor

Zoom

Characterized by high-speed translation and high positional accuracy, the DDS050(/M) 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 a combination of the stable closed-loop control system and a KBD101 controller.

Please Note: Magnetic components should not be mounted to the stage platform. Magnets prevent proper homing and can affect the accuracy of the stage's encoder even after the magnetic component has been removed. These stages are not suitable for operation in a vertical (Z-axis) orientation. When no power is applied, the platform of the stage has very little inertia and is virtually free running. This may make the stage unsuitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when power is off.

XY and End Mounting Adapter Plates

Zoom

Click to Enlarge
Optomechanical components can be mounted next to the travel range of the DDS050 Stage using DDSMA1 and DDSMA2 Adapter Plates.

Click for Enlarge
Two DDS050 stages can be connected in an XY configuration using the DDSMP1 XY Adapter Plate.

For 2-axis applications, two DDS050(/M) stages can be bolted together in an XY configuration using the DDSMP1(/M) adapter plate, as shown in the photo to the right.

The DDSMA1(/M) and DDSMA2(/M) adapter plates attach to the end of the DDS050(/M) stage using the two supplied M3 x 20 screws (see image to the right) and allow optomechanical components to be mounted close to the linear travel of the stage in applications such as a delay line. The plates are drilled and tapped with six 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and five 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) holes.

K-Cube™ Brushless DC Servo Driver

Zoom

Click to Enlarge
KCH601 USB Controller Hub (Sold Separately) with Installed K-Cube and T-Cube™ Modules (T-Cubes shown on the KAP101 Adapter)

Front Panel Velocity Wheel and Digital Display for Controlling Motorized Stages or Actuators
Two Bidirectional SMC Trigger Ports to Read or Control External Equipment
Interfaces with Computer Using Included USB Cable
Fully Compatible with Kinesis^® or APT™ Software Packages
Compact Footprint: 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.42" x 2.42" x 1.94")
Power Supply Not Included (See Below)

Thorlabs' KBD101 K-Cube™ Brushless DC Motor Controller provides local and computerized control of a single motor axis. It features a top-mounted control panel with a velocity wheel that supports four-speed bidirectional control with forward and reverse jogging as well as position presets. A backlit digital display is also included that can have the backlit dimmed or turned off using the the top-panel menu options. The front of the unit contains two bidirectional SMC trigger ports that can be used to read a 5 V external logic signal or output a 5 V logic signal to control external equipment. Each port can be independently configured.

The unit is fully compatible with our new Kinesis software package and our legacy APT control software.

Please note that this controller does not ship with a power supply. Compatible power supplies are listed below. Additional information can be found on the main KBD101 Brushless DC Servo Motor Controller page.

Compatible Power Supplies

Zoom

Click for Details
A location-specific adapter is shipped with the power supply unit based on your location. The adapters for the KPS101 are shown here.

Click to Enlarge
The KPS101 Power Supply Unit

Individual Power Supply
- KPS101: For K-Cubes™ or T-Cubes™ with 3.5 mm Jacks
USB Controller Hubs Provide Power and Communications
- KCH301: For up to Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
- KCH601: For up to Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes

The KPS101 power supply outputs +15 VDC at up to 2.4 A and can power a single K-Cube or T-Cube with a 3.5 mm jack. It plugs into a standard wall outlet.

The KCH301 and KCH601 USB Controller Hubs each consist of two parts: the hub, which can support up to three (KCH301) or six (KCH601) K-Cubes or T-Cubes, and a power supply that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The hub draws a maximum current of 10 A; please verify that the cubes being used do not require a total current of more than 10 A. In addition, the hub provides USB connectivity to any docked K-Cube or T-Cube through a single USB connection.

For more information on the USB Controller Hubs, see the full web presentation.

View All »Matching Part Numbers

50 mm Linear Translation Stage, Direct-Drive Brushless Servo Motor

Features

Motor Control Connector

D-Type Male

Software

Software

Motorized Linear Translation Stages

Piezo Stages

Stepper Motor Stages

DC Servo Motor Stages

Direct Drive Stages

50 mm Linear Translation Stage, DC Direct-Drive Servo Motor

XY and End Mounting Adapter Plates

K-Cube™ Brushless DC Servo Driver

Compatible Power Supplies