At 1.5×1.5 × 6 mm, the latest piezoelectric Squiggle motor is half the size of other micro-motors, yet boasts of 10 times the precision and power. The SQL-1.5 linear motor, from New Scale Technologies Inc, Victor, N.Y.(newscaletech.com) is the smallest version available. The company says it generates a 20 gram push with submicron resolution. Its speed ranges from 1 µm/sec to 5 mm/sec, and it runs quietly and smoothly. “The motor opens a new range of performance for miniature electronic systems such as medical devices,” says New Scale president David Henderson.

The patented ultrasonic motor creates force and motion with few parts and needs no complex electromagnetic gearhead motors which have hundreds of parts. The motor generates no magnetic fields, it works in a vacuum, and can be made from nonferrous metals, making it ideal for use in MRI machines, and scanning-electron and focused-ion microscopes.

The motor has high stiffness, but no parasitic drag or backlash. Digital control means low power, small size, and high efficiency. Frequency, phase, and amplitude are programmable and controls come from a computer through its RS-232c.