PCS-503 In Stock

The ThorLabs PCS-503 is a micromanipulator axis control unit that is specifically designed for the PCS-5000 assembly that is used in patch clamp recording for electrophysiology and life sciences research. This high-precision assembly offers unparalleled control of pipette manipulation for precise experimentation. By incorporating the PCS-503 into the assembly, piezoelectric control of translation stages can be achieved, providing a smooth and accurate movement of the pipette head.

The PCS-503 is a table-top device that can produce 0 to 60 V drive signals for controlling three independent PZT axes via rotary. Utilizing piezoelectric control, this axis control unit can achieve superior positioning compared to other manipulator options such as hydraulic, mechanical, or motorized lead screws. The piezoelectric control mechanism provides smooth and predictable movement with no backlash and minimal drift, ensuring reliable and precise results. With the PCS-503, the user can easily adjust pipette placement by hand with smooth and repeatable movement. Each of the three stages comprising the micromanipulator assembly can connect to one of the potentiometer knobs on the unit, and the user can choose any knob to control any particular stage.

The knobs on the PCS-503 control three-turn potentiometers that regulate voltage to the piezo flexure assembly, which determines the position of the pipette head. With three turns corresponding to the full travel range of the piezo assembly, the resolution is 0.04% of the total piezo travel range. Fully counterclockwise knob turning results in a 60 V output while fully clockwise (three revolutions) results in a 0 V output. For easy cell approach, the user can set the approach axis voltage to 0 V (ACU knob fully counterclockwise) and set the Y and Z axes' voltage to 30 V (ACU knob in mid-range). Additionally, the potentiometer friction can be adjusted to suit experimental needs.

The PCS-503 allows for precise positioning of the pipette under a microscope, providing high-resolution results. This axis control unit is compatible with the PCS-PS60 Power Supply, offering straightforward and convenient control of the PZT actuators. The position resolution of each axis is calculated by dividing the maximum travel of the PZT flexure stage by 2500. Therefore, a 300 µm stage has 120 nm of resolution, and a 150 µm stage has 60 nm of resolution. The adjustment knob and cable for each of the linear stages are numbered 1, 2, and 3, while the PCS-503 knobs and connectors on the ACU are labeled A, B, and C. By plugging cable 1 into connector A, the user can have knob A control stage 1. The potentiometer on the axis control unit can also be adjusted to achieve the smoothest possible position control, ensuring the highest quality results.