Victor, NY – August 20, 2007 – New Scale Technologies today announced two new motor controllers for its miniature piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors. Both offer on-board electronics for closed-loop control of the company's patented linear motors. The miniature controllers are suitable for SQUIGGLE motor evaluation, for integration into OEM instruments, and for use as reference designs for OEM systems.

The MC-3000 and MC-1000HR controllers generate ultrasonic-frequency electronic signals to drive SQUIGGLE motors. Both controllers accept position feedback from commercially available analog or digital position sensors, allowing complete closed-loop control of SQUIGGLE motors. Users can easily control motor direction and speed (from micrometers to millimeters per second), move to a target position, move a specified distance, and numerous other functions. SQUIGGLE motor position resolution as small as 20 nm; closed-loop position resolution is determined by the resolution of the position sensor and A/D converter.

The controllers ship with New Scale's motor control software for easy evaluation of SQUIGGLE motors via the Windows PC user interface. An ActiveX control is included, and may be integrated into other applications written in languages such as C++ or Visual Basic. The controllers can also accept ASCII commands or input from an optional manual handset. Documentation describes the low-level ASCII control codes that an embedded system or microcontroller would send to a motor control chip.

MC-3000 motor controller

The new MC-3000 motor controller drives the tiny SQL-1.5 SQUIGGLE motor, the world's smallest linear motor. Each MC-3000 controller runs two motors in open-loop or closed-loop configuration.

MC-3000 specifications:

• Motor compatibility Two SQL-1.5 SQUIGGLE motors
• Input voltage 3.3 to 5.5 VDC
• Input power 1650 mW while driving two motors simultaneously
• Position sensor input Analog (12-bit A/D converter) or digital input
• Computer interface USB interface for PC (Windows XP or Vista)
• Other interfaces RS-485 interface for ASCII commands or optional manual handset
• Dimensions 1.150 x 2.275 x 0.875 inches

MC-1000HR motor controller

The MC-1000HR motor controller is a high-resolution version of the original MC-1000 controller for SQL-3.4 and SQ-100 Series linear SQUIGGLE motors. Each controller runs one motor in open-loop or closed-loop configuration.

MC-1000 specifications:

• Motor compatibility One SQL-3.4 or SQ-100 Series SQUIGGLE motor
• Input voltage 5 to 12 VDC with SQL-3.4 motor (24 VDC with SQ-100 motor)
• Maximum current 300 mA
• Position sensor input Analog (16-bit A/D converter) or digital input
• Computer interface RS-232 interface for PC ( Windows XP or Vista)
• Other interfaces RS-485 interface for ASCII commands or optional manual handset
• Dimensions 2 x 3 inches (height depends on motor model)

Availability and pricing

Evaluation kits - including a SQUIGGLE motor, motor controller, control software, AC power adapter and cables - are available now starting at $650 for qualified OEMs. New Scale offers significant discounts for larger quantities. We also work with OEM customers to design application-specific modules with integrated motors, controllers, mounts or housings, and position sensors.

About New Scale Technologies

New Scale Technologies, Inc. (www.newscaletech.com) makes miniature piezoelectric motors that enable smaller products and research tools. Our patented SQUIGGLE motor is the world's smallest linear motor. With very few parts and no gears, SQUIGGLE motors are smaller, more precise, less expensive and more efficient than conventional electromagnetic motors. SQUIGGLE motors also operate reliably in extreme environments such as vacuum, cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic fields.

The SQUIGGLE motor consists of piezoelectric ceramics that create ultrasonic vibrations in threaded nut, causing a mating screw to rotate and translate with precise linear movement and high force in a very small space. A key market is for 'focus and zoom' optics in mobile phone cameras -- an emerging market for one billion tiny motors per year. Other SQUIGGLE motor applications include electronic locks and intelligent fasteners, nano-scale fluid control including lab-on-a-chip systems, medical devices including miniature drug pumps and endoscopes, optics and imaging, automotive modules, lasers, aerospace and defense systems, cryogenic and MRI-compatible instruments, and consumer electronics including micro fuel cells.

SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark of New Scale Technologies, Inc.

Victor, NY – January 7, 2008 – New Scale Technologies today announced an evaluation kit for its SQL Series SQUIGGLE linear micro motors. The starter kit simplifies evaluation of the patented piezoelectric motor technology for use in miniature OEM products such as medical devices, tiny optical systems, and micro-robotic instruments.

The starter kit includes a tiny SQL-1.8-6 SQUIGGLE motor pre-mounted in a polycarbonate holder for "straight out of the box" evaluation. This ultrasonic motor measures only 1.8 x 1.8 x 6 mm, weighs 0.16 grams and pushes loads of up to 30 grams -- nearly 200 times its own weight. Linear travel range is 6 mm.

The starter kit also includes an MC-3000 motor controller, AC power adapter, PC control software and cables.

The controller generates ultrasonic-frequency electronic signals to drive the SQUIGGLE motor. It accepts position feedback from analog or digital position sensors (not included) for closed-loop system evaluation. The motor can also be used in open-loop configuration.

The software enables easy evaluation of SQUIGGLE motors via the Windows® PC user interface. Users can easily control motor direction and speed, move to a target position, move a specified distance, and more. Documentation describes the low-level ASCII codes that an embedded system or microcontroller would send to a motor control chip in a user's system.

SQL Series SQUIGGLE motor starter kit specifications

SQL-1.8-6 SQUIGGLE motor:

• Stator dimensions 1.8 x 1.8 x 6 mm
  
• Screw length 12 mm
• Axial load (stall force) 30 grams
• Travel 6 mm (longer travel available)
• Maximum speed 7 mm/s (at half max load)
• Minimum speed 0.001 mm/s
• Position resolution (open loop) 0.5 micrometers
• Operating temperature -30°C to +80°C
• Lifetime > 300,000 cycles (load-dependent)

MC-3000 motor controller:

• Dimensions 1.2 x 2.3 x 0.9 in
• Input voltage 3.5 to 5.5 V DC
• Position sensor input analog (to on-board 12-bit A/D converter) or digital
• User interface USB with PC control software provided (Windows® NT or Vista)

New Scale works with OEM designers to optimize integration into their systems. We also develop application-specific modules with integrated motors, controllers, mounts or housings, and position sensors.

The SQL motor evaluation kit is available now for qualified OEMs. Contact factory for pricing.

About New Scale Technologies

New Scale Technologies, Inc. (www.newscaletech.com) is a global manufacturer of disruptively small ultrasonic motors. Our patented piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor is the world's smallest linear motor. With very few parts and no gears, SQUIGGLE motors are smaller, more precise, less expensive and more efficient than conventional electromagnetic motors. SQUIGGLE motors can also be made for operation in extreme environments such as vacuum, cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic fields.

The SQUIGGLE motor consists of piezoelectric ceramics that create ultrasonic vibrations in threaded nut, causing a mating screw to rotate and translate with precise linear movement and high force in a very small space. A key market is for 'focus and zoom' optics in mobile phone cameras -- an emerging market for one billion tiny motors per year. Other SQUIGGLE motor applications include electronic locks and intelligent fasteners, nano-scale fluid control including lab-on-a-chip systems, medical devices including miniature drug pumps and endoscopes, optics and imaging, automotive modules, lasers, aerospace and defense systems, cryogenic and MRI-compatible instruments, and consumer electronics including micro fuel cells.

SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark of New Scale Technologies, Inc.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Victor, NY – May 25, 2006 – The latest SQUIGGLE motor from New Scale Technologies, Inc. is the smallest linear motor on the market, the company announced today. At 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm, the new SQL-1.5 piezoelectric motor is half the size of competing micro-motors. It also offers a 20 gram push force and sub-micron position resolution, performing ten times better than its closest competitor on both counts.

"The SQL-1.5 opens a whole new range of performance for miniature electronic systems such as phone cameras and medical devices," said New Scale president David Henderson. "Designers of leading edge mobile devices finally have a precise, reliable linear motor that fits within their size and power budgets. They can add motion – and hence new capabilities – where they were unable to do so before."

Typical applications: phone cameras and medical devices

The SQL-1.5 has been designed into next-generation auto focus and optical zoom assemblies by leading camera module developers, who support the top tier handset manufacturers. Focus and zoom capabilities have become an essential ingredient in the drive to deliver smaller, thinner handsets with the image quality of digital still cameras.

"Even by the most conservative handset sales forecasts, phone cameras alone represent a new market for one billion motors a year," Henderson said. "The requirements of these cameras can not be met by current motor technologies."

The SQL-1.5 is also of interest to medical device manufacturers for a new class of implantable drug pumps and micro-valves. The motor itself is tiny, but its high precision is what enables the most dramatic reduction in overall device size. It provides more precise valve control, which permits more concentrated medications and therefore smaller fluid reservoirs. The patented ceramic motor design generates no magnetic fields and can be made of non-ferrous materials, making it MRI-safe and image compatible.

SQL-1.5 SQUIGGLE Motor Specifications

- Motor body dimensions...... 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm x 6 mm
- Stroke..................... 10 mm (customizable)
- Resolution................. Better than 100 nm
- Speed (no load)............ Up to 10 mm/s
- Force...................... > 20 grams
- Typical input power (moving)....400 mW (< 40 V)
- Input power (stationery)........0 mW (0 V)

SQL-1.5 SQUIGGLE motor evaluation kit is $950 and will be available to qualified OEMs for delivery in July 2006.

The evaluation kit includes an SQL-1.5 SQUIGGLE motor, drive electronics card, cables, and computer control software including an ActiveX command library.

More on Piezo Stepping Motors (PiezoWalk® Piezomotors:

http://www.physikinstrumente.com/en/news/fullnews.php?

• PiezoWalk Principle Video Animation

Overview:

http://www.physikinstrumente.com/en/products/piezo_motor/nexline.php

Nexact Miniature Linear Stepping Piezo Motor / Actuator: Small, Low Cost, Ideal for OEMS

http://www.physikinstrumente.com/en/news/fullnews.php?newsid=123&NRGlbl

NEXLINE® High-Load Piezoelectric Precision Nanopositioning Drive

• Winner of the SEMI Technology Innovation Showcase Award
• 20 mm Travel Range, 600 N Holding Force, Self-Locking
• Integrated High-Resolution Incremental Encoder (Closed-Loop)
• Active Force Generation to 400 N
• >600 N Holding Force, Self-Locking

The novel, patented PiezoWalk® drive design combines long travel ranges (hundreds of millimeters) with high stiffness and high resolution (better than 0.1 nm).

Coordinated motion of shear and longitudinal piezo elements is what allows NEXLINE® to break away from the limitations of conventional Nanopositioning actuators.

NEXLINE® motion is possible in two different modes: a high-resolution, high dynamics analog mode, and a step mode with theoretically unlimited travel range.

See Nexline Presentation at SEMI Website:

High Force, High Resolution, Long Travel Linear Actuators / Positioning Systems Featuring Picometer Resolution and Millimeters of Travel

Piezo Motor Catalogs:

Download the Catalog: Stepping (Walk) Piezo Motors (Higher Precision, Higher Force, slower):

Download the Catalog: Ultrasonic Piezo Motors (Faster, less accurate, lower force):

PiezoMotor Overview:

Piezo Motor White Papers

Piezo Motor Selection Guide

Piezo Motor Technotes

Ultrasonic Piezo Motor Video

More PI News

Victor, NY – Sept. 20, 2006 – New Scale Technologies, Inc. has released updated specifications for its SQL Series piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors. These miniature linear motors are used in mobile phone cameras, medical devices, optical instruments and other OEM product and research applications.

An updated technical data sheet is available for download at http://www.newscaletech.com/motorsforoem.html.

The data sheet includes:
- addition of operating specs for New Scale's smallest model, the 1.5 mm SQL-1.5 Series motor
- updated specs for the 2.4 mm and 3.4 mm SQL Series motors
- updated mechanical drawings

The SQUIGGLE motor is a patented piezoelectric device that converts ultrasonic vibrations into precise linear motion. SQUIGGLE motors are smaller, more precise, less expensive and more efficient than conventional electromagnetic motors. It has lower power consumption than miniature electromagnetic motors and holds its position when the power is turned off. This ceramic motor is fundamentally compatible with high magnetic fields including MRI chambers. SQUIGGLE motors are used in nanotechnology research, microelectronics, optics, lasers, biotechnology, medical devices, aerospace and defense, fluid control, and office/consumer products including mobile phone cameras.

About New Scale Technologies

New Scale Technologies, Inc. (www.newscaletech.com) makes miniature ceramic motors that enable our customers to create smaller products and research tools. Our piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors are smaller, more efficient and more precise than conventional motors. With only seven parts and no gears, this patented piezoelectric motor design uses ultrasonic vibrations to create precise linear motion. New Scale's miniature motors are compatible with extreme environments including vacuum, very low (sub-Kelvin) temperatures, and high magnetic fields.

SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark of New Scale Technologies, Inc.

Victor, NY - December 3, 2007 - New Scale Technologies has added a stronger, faster motor to its SQL Series of piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors, the world's smallest linear motors. The tiny SQL-1.8 SQUIGGLE motor travels as fast as 7 mm per second and pushes axial loads of up to 30 grams -- nearly 200 times its own weight of 0.16 grams. This is 40% faster and 50% stronger than the company's slightly smaller SQL-1.5 SQUIGGLE motor.

At 1.8 x 1.8 x 6 mm, the SQL-1.8 is still less than half the size of competing micro-motors.

New materials and thread design in the linear drive screw enable high volume automated manufacturing on the company's newly-commissioned precision robotic assembly line. They also give the SQL-1.8 a lifetime expectancy of >300,000 cycles, compared to >100,000 cycles for the SQL-1.5.

"Through continuous innovation, we are bringing our patented SQUIGGLE motor technology into mass production for use in phone cameras, medical devices, electronic locks and more," said New Scale CEO David Henderson. "SQUIGGLE motors allow electronic product designers to achieve major performance advances in smaller and smaller products."

SQL-1.8 SQUIGGLE Motor Specifications

• Stator dimensions..... 1.8 x 1.8 x 6 mm
• Screw length ..... 12 mm
• Axial load (stall force) ..... 30 grams
• Travel..... 6 mm (longer travel available)
• Maximum speed..... 7 mm/s at half max load
• Minimum speed..... 0.001 mm/s
• Position resolution (open loop)..... 0.5 micrometers
• Operating temperature..... -30°C to +80°C
• Lifetime..... > 300,000 cycles (load-dependent)

See www.newscaletech.com/motorsforoem.html for complete specifications and a downloadable data sheet with drawings.