AccuStage


The MD3 Microscope Digitizer offers the solution to direct recording of microscope stage position. Linear optical encoders detect position with an accuracy and repeatability of 1 micron. Since the encoders attach directly to the stage, backlash and other mechanical inaccuracies of stage movement are virtually eliminated.	Typical X-axis encoder installation	Typical Y-axis encoder installation

The Digitizer features a micro controller, optical encoder interface,
4-line LCD module and front panel membrane keypad.

The optical encoder interface processes the quadrature signals from the X-axis and Y-axis encoders to derive a signed, 24-bit binary position value for each axis. Each counter bit represents one micron of displacement, and the sign bit indicates position relative to the stage origin at X=0, Y=0. Maximum slew rate of either axis is greater than 250 mm/sec. Therefore, under normal movement conditions, the internal counters always hold the current stage position.

An on-board micro controller reads the encoder position values and transmits them via an RS232C serial port to a PC for further processing. The micro controller also formats the data for display on a 4-line LCD module.

A number of functions are programmed into the Digitizer that are accessed using the front panel keypad:

Origin - Sets the X=0, Y=0 point to the current stage position.
Origin on Mark - Sets (0,0) to the center mark in each encoder.
Sample - Sends a coordinate sample on the serial output.
Count - Counts the number of sample or footswitch presses.
Length - Length between successive sample points.
Area - Area bounded by three or more sample points.

MD3 Digitizer
MD3 Microscope Digitizer