A versatile motion control system for astronomical instrumentation

Karl Wagner; Matthias Alter; André Bideaux; Ralf Klein; Michael Lehmitz; Lars Mohr; José Ricardo Ramos

doi:10.1117/12.856243

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20 July 2010 A versatile motion control system for astronomical instrumentation

Karl Wagner, Matthias Alter, André Bideaux, Ralf Klein, Michael Lehmitz, Lars Mohr, José Ricardo Ramos

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Proceedings Volume 7735, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy III; 77353Y (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.856243
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

With steadily increasing telescope sizes and the growing complexity of scientific instruments, there is an ever-growing demand for improved electronics, controlling all the different optical parts on moving mechanisms. Among competing requirements are, on one hand, the increasing number of actuators, with high-precision positioning in closed and open loop, and on the other hand, smaller sizes, low power and restricted heat emission. A specific challenge is accommodating mechanisms that operate in infrared instrumentation at cryogenic temperatures down to 60 Kelvin. In this area piezo motors offer promising solutions. To fulfill these different demands a competitive motion control system has been developed at the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany. A modular chassis with standardized boards provides best solutions for extensive tasks. High and low power DC servo motors, brushless DC servo motors, stepper motors and piezo motors with different technologies are supported. Diversity position feedback capabilities, like incremental and absolute encoders for non cryogenic and capacitive sensors and resolvers for cryogenic applications, are provided.

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Karl Wagner, Matthias Alter, André Bideaux, Ralf Klein, Michael Lehmitz, Lars Mohr, and José Ricardo Ramos "A versatile motion control system for astronomical instrumentation", Proc. SPIE 7735, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy III, 77353Y (20 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.856243

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