Examples of Using the AZ Series mini Driver for Space Saving Genetic Testing Equipment

Issue: To reduce the size of genetic testing equipment and shorten restoration time

Conventional Problems

• Because genetic testing equipment is used stand-alone in laboratories, the overall footprint of the equipment must be kept as small as possible. However, conventional drivers are large in size, making it difficult to secure control cabinet space
• The equipment is equipped with a safety mechanism that shuts off the power supply when the door is opened, requiring time to perform return-to-home and operational confirmation
• Reduction of work by equipment maintenance personnel and downtime was an issue for this equipment

Solution: Motor equipped with a battery-free built-in absolute encoder, and compact driver to space saving and reduce downtime

At sites where genetic testing equipment is operated, emphasis is placed on reducing equipment downtime and space saving, in addition to ensuring safety. The AZ Series mini Driver is highly effective in addressing these issues.
Safety, operability, and design freedom are improved with the position information retention function using a battery-free absolute encoder and the palm-sized mini Driver smaller and lighter than single-axis drivers.

The Downsized Driver Significantly Reduces Equipment Size

The AZ Series mini Driver, which contribute to space saving of equipment, realize a compact size with external dimensions of W 47 mm × D 53 mm × H 24 mm (for RS-485 communication type).
Compared to the size of a typical servo motor driver, it is small, allowing a significant reduction in equipment size.

Image of Installation Space Reduction With αSTEP AZ Series Motor and mini Driver

Size and Mass Comparison of Single-axis Driver and mini Driver

The mini Driver (RS-485 communication type), which is 75% smaller in volume than conventional single-axis drivers, can be installed in free space near the motor, for example, to meet the need for downsizing the entire equipment by installing drivers and control systems in a distributed manner.

Single Axis Driver (Built-in controller type)	mini Driver RS-485 Communication Type
W 35 mm x D 70 mm x H 100 mm	W 47 mm x D 53 mm x H 24 mm
Mass: 150 g	Mass: 56 g

Reduced Downtime

The AZ Series battery-free absolute encoder retains position information even when power is interrupted, eliminating the need for initialization (return-to-home operation) after power-on. In the past, it took several minutes for each axis to detect the home sensor after an abnormal stop, making initialization time a major burden. The AZ Series retains stop location information, allowing immediate restart without initialization. This reduces downtime and contributes to improved work efficiency and equipment uptime.

Image of Downtime Reduction Using αSTEP AZ Series mini Driver 

Product Proposal: αSTEP AZ Series mini Driver

Combinable Motors

• AZ Series DC input (Frame size: □20 mm, □28 mm, □42 mm, □60 mm)

Combinable Electric Actuators

• AZ Series equipped electric linear slide EZS Series DC input
• AZ Series equipped electric cylinder EAC Series DC input
• AZ Series equipped compact electric cylinder DR Series/DRS2 Series
• AZ Series equipped hollow rotary actuator DGII Series DC input
• Electric gripper EH Series

• *Products for EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Ethernet type/CC-Link IE Field Basic and PROFINET are available.