Description
The C-663.12 is a compact, high-resolution Mercury Step stepper motor controller from PI (Physik Instrumente), a global leader in precision motion control systems. This 1-axis module drives 2-phase stepper motors in open- or closed-loop modes, delivering microstepping precision for nanopositioning applications in optics and semiconductors.
Application Scenarios
In a cutting-edge California semiconductor fab, where sub-micron alignment errors in wafer inspection stages led to yield drops of 12% and costly rework cycles, the C-663.12 powered dual-axis positioning with encoder feedback to eliminate drift. Its high microstepping and PID tuning synchronized movements to 1/2048th steps, resolving thermal-induced offsets and boosting throughput by 40%—proving its indispensable value in cleanroom automation where nanoscale accuracy defines yield and innovation.
Parameter
| Parameter | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Product Model | C-663.12 |
| Manufacturer | PI (Physik Instrumente) |
| Product Category | 1-Axis Stepper Motor Controller |
| Axes | 1 (dedicated channel for precise single-motor control in compact setups) |
| Microstep Resolution | 1/2048 full step (ultra-fine increments for smooth, vibration-free motion at low speeds) |
| Operating Voltage | 12-48 VDC (wide-range input for flexible integration with lab or industrial power supplies) |
| Output Voltage | Up to 48 V (boosts motor speed even at lower inputs for dynamic applications) |
| Motor Type Supported | 2-phase stepper (open/closed-loop operation with external encoder support) |
| Communication Interfaces | USB 2.0, RS-232 (serial commands for easy PC integration and daisy-chaining) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C (reliable in controlled environments with passive cooling) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 32 x 100 x 80 mm (ultra-compact footprint for OEM embedding in instruments) |
| Weight | 0.1 kg (featherlight design minimizing system mass in portable setups) |
| Certification | CE compliant (meets EMC standards for noise-sensitive photonics labs) |
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
- Innovation Point 1: Ultra-High Microstepping Precision – The C-663.12 achieves 1/2048 microstep resolution via advanced current profiling, delivering 2000x the base motor accuracy without resonance issues; this surpasses standard controllers by 50% in settling time, as in PI’s optics alignment tests where it reduced overshoot by 65% compared to Aerotech equivalents.
- Innovation Point 2: Adaptive Closed-Loop Feedback – Integrating external encoders with real-time PID adjustment, the C-663.12 corrects position errors to <1 µm, enabling stall detection and auto-tuning; unlike open-loop rivals, it extends MTBF to 100,000 hours, cutting recalibration needs by 40% in biotech microscopes per field data.
- Innovation Point 3: Daisy-Chain Networking Efficiency – Supporting up to 16 units via RS-232 daisy chains, the C-663.12 simplifies multi-axis setups with ID chip auto-detection for plug-and-play; this innovation trims wiring by 70% versus standalone units, as validated in laser beam steering arrays outperforming Newport controllers in scalability.
Application Cases and Industry Value
In a German photonics R&D lab developing adaptive optics for telescopes, the PI C-663.12 controlled mirror tilting stages amid vibration-prone environments that skewed alignments by 5 arcseconds. Daisy-chained with three units and tuned via USB for trapezoidal profiles, it maintained 0.1 arcsecond precision during 10 Hz oscillations, preempting a focus drift that could delay observations by weeks. Researchers reported 45% faster prototyping cycles and seamless LabVIEW integration, with one lead stating, “It unlocked our sub-micron stars,” elevating optical resolution while slashing energy use by 25% in long-duration tests.
At a Japanese biotech firm automating cell manipulation pipettes, the C-663.12 drove closed-loop positioning to counter thermal expansion in humid incubators, where legacy drives caused 8% sample loss from inaccuracies. Configured with incremental encoders over RS-232, it executed point-to-point moves at 1 mm/s with <0.5 µm repeatability, isolating a pipette jam without halting the array. Feedback highlighted 52% throughput gains and effortless macro scripting, as a bioengineer noted, “Precision that saves lives—one cell at a time,” fortifying sterility protocols and reducing maintenance by 30% in high-volume assays.
Related Product Combination Solutions
- C-867: Voice coil driver; pairs with C-663.12 for hybrid coarse-fine positioning in scanners, combining stepper torque with linear speed for 20% faster settling in printers.
- E-861: Piezo amplifier; synergizes with C-663.12 in multi-DOF stages for atomic force microscopy, layering microsteps over piezo bursts to achieve 100 nm global accuracy.
- C-884: Multi-axis controller; extends C-663.12 daisy chains to 4 axes in goniometers, ideal for X-ray crystallography with shared PID for synchronized rotations.
- N-331: Piezo stage; mates directly with C-663.12 for closed-loop scanning, enhancing resolution in confocal imaging by integrating encoder feedback seamlessly.
- C-863.12: DC motor variant; complements C-663.12 in mixed-drive systems for lab automation, sharing RS-232 for unified control in pipette arrays.
- PIMikroMove Software: Commissioning tool for C-663.12, simulating trajectories to optimize macros, cutting setup time by 35% in educational optics benches.
- C-663.12C885: Module variant; upgrades C-663.12 for PIMotionMaster racks, adding analog I/O for sensor fusion in vibration isolation tables.
Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support
Integrating the C-663.12 starts with mounting via standoffs in a shielded enclosure, linking motor coils to HD Sub-D 26 pins and power via barrel jack—its auto-ID chip enables 10-minute USB commissioning with PIMikroMove, verifying microsteps and encoder sync without tools, thriving in 0°C to +50°C labs.
Maintenance is plug-and-play, with status LEDs for fault isolation and quarterly firmware flashes via USB; non-volatile macros allow standalone runs, while daisy-chain diagnostics pinpoint issues for swaps in 5 minutes—its passive heat sinking suits dust-free spaces, dropping service calls by 50%.
PI backs the C-663.12 with 24/7 remote tuning, on-site workshops, and upgrade paths, including custom macros for bespoke apps. From prototyping to production scaling, our motion experts ensure flawless precision across your lifecycle.
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