Products Home / Motorized Stages / Motorized 50 mm (1.97") Linear Translation Stages / 50 mm Linear Translation Stage, Direct-Drive Brushless Servo Motor50 mm Linear Translation Stage, Direct-Drive Brushless Servo Motor
- 50 mm Travel at Speeds up to 500 mm/s
- Brushless DC Servo Motors
- Stackable in XY Configuration
DDS050
50 mm (1.97") Servo Motor
Translation Stage
Application Idea
Two DDS050 Stages in XY Configuration,
Using an DDSMP1 Adapter Plate
DDSMP1
XY Adapter Plate
DDSMA2
End Mounting Adapter
Please Wait
| Item # | DDS050(/M) |
|---|---|
| Travel Range | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Speed (Max)a | 500 mm/s |
| Acceleration (Max) | 5000 mm/s2 |
| Bidirectional Repeatabilityb | ±1.5 µm |
| Straightness/Flatness | ±5.0 µm |
| Horizontal Load Capacity (Max) | 0.9 kg (1.98 lbs) |
| Min Incremental Movementc | 5.0 µm |
| Absolute On-Axis Accuracy | ±6.5 µm |
| Actuator Type | Brushless DC Servo Motor |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 145.0 mm x 57.0 mm x 35.0 mm (5.71" x 2.24" x 1.38") |
Features
- 50 mm Travel Range
- Integrated, Brushless DC Linear Servo Motor Actuators
- Linear Optical Encoders
- High-Quality, Precision-Engineered Linear Bearings
- 0.9 kg Horizontal Load Capacity
- Stackable in XY Configuration
Thorlabs' DDS050(/M) low-profile, direct-drive stage provides 50 mm of travel with ±6.5 µm on-axis accuracy and a maximum speed of 500 mm/s. The stage is ideal for applications that require high speeds and high positioning accuracy, including automated alignment, surface inspection, mapping, and probing.
An innovative, low-profile design with integrated, brushless linear motors eliminates the external housings that create mechanical clash points and impede access to the moving platform. The brushless DC servo motor removes the need for a lead screw, eliminating backlash, and internal flexible ducting ensures cables cannot become trapped as the mechanism moves. A precision-grooved linear bearing provides superior rigidity and linearity with excellent on-axis accuracy. This backlash-free operation coupled with high-resolution, closed-loop optical feedback ensures a minimal bidirectional repeatability of ±1.5 μm.
Click to Enlarge
The KBD101 K-Cube Brushless DC Servo Motor Controller (sold separately below) is required to drive these stages.
| Motorized Linear Translation Stages | |
|---|---|
| 12 mm | Standard |
| 25 mm | Compact |
| Standard | |
| TravelMax | |
| 50 mm | Compact |
| Direct-Drive Servo | |
| TravelMax | |
| Long Travel: 100 mm to 300 mm | |
Controller
The required controller for the DDS050(/M) direct-drive, linear translation stage is the KBD101
K-Cube™ Brushless DC Motor Controller. This controller provides a user-configurable, S-curve acceleration/deceleration profile that enables fast, smooth positioning without vibration or shock. See below for a brief overview, or click here to view the full presentation for these Brushless DC Motor Controllers.
Mounting Adapters
For dual-axis applications, two stages can be bolted together in an XY configuration by using the DDSMP1 XY adapter plate as shown above. Note that these stages are not suitable for operation in a vertical (Z-axis) orientation. Please contact Tech Support for more details.
Adapter brackets are also available that allow optomechanical components to be mounted close to the linear travel of the stage in applications such as a delay line. Please see below for more details.
Please Note: Magnetic components should not be mounted to the stage platform. Magnets prevent proper homing and can affect the accuracy of the stage's encoder even after the magnetic component has been removed. When no power is applied, the platform of the stage has very little inertia and is virtually free running. This may make the stage unsuitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when power is off.
| Item # | DDS050(/M) |
|---|---|
| Travel Range | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Speed (Max)a | 500 mm/s |
| Speed (Min)b | 70 nm/s |
| Acceleration (Max) | 5000 mm/s2 |
| Acceleration (Max) at 0.9 kg Load | 500 mm/s2 |
| Resolution | 500 nm |
| Bidirectional Repeatabilityc | ±1.5 µm |
| Backlash | N/A (No Leadscrew) |
| Min Incremental Movementd | 5.0 µm |
| Horizontal Load Capacity (Max) | 0.9 kg (1.98 lbs) |
| Absolute On-Axis Accuracy | ±6.5 µm |
| Straightness/Flatness | ±5.0 µm |
| Pitch | ±175 µrad |
| Yaw | ±175 µrad |
| Continuous Motor Forcee | 0.8 N |
| Peak Motor Force (5 s)f | 2.0 N |
| Bearing Type | High Rigidity Recirculating Precision Linear Bearing |
| Limit Switches | Magnetic Sensor at Each End of Stage |
| Operating Temperature Range | 5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F) |
| Motor Type | Brushless DC Linear Motor |
| Cable Length | 1 m (3.3') |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 145.0 mm x 57.0 mm x 35.0 mm (5.71" x 2.24" x 1.38") |
| Weight (with Cables) | 0.60 kg (1.3 lbs) |
Motor Control Connector
D-Type Male
| Pin | Description | Pin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quadrature A- | 9 | Ground |
| 2 | Quadrature A+ | 10 | Motor Phase C |
| 3 | Quadrature B+ | 11 | Motor Phase A |
| 4 | Quadrature B- | 12 | Motor Phase B |
| 5 | Encoder Index I- | 13 | +5 V |
| 6 | Encoder Index I+ | 14 | Ground |
| 7 | Negative Limit | 15 | Stage ID |
| 8 | Positive Limit |
Software
Kinesis Version 1.14.50
The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis system controllers.
Also Available:
- Communications Protocol
Kinesis GUI Screen
Thorlabs offers the Kinesis® software package to drive our wide range of motion controllers. The software can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide variety of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel benchtop units and modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the MMR60x Rack System).
The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework and APIs are included with each install. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.
By providing this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can mix and match any of our motion control devices in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.
The software package allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.
Legacy Software
Select products are still capable of running the legacy APT™ software package. Information on software compatibility can be found in the product documentation (
), and additional details about the APT software can be found here.
| Posted Comments: | |
Mattia Ronch
(posted 2021-07-21 13:23:33.08) Dear Madam/Sir,
would you be so kind to send me the 3D cad of this product?
Thanks for your attention.
Best regards,
MR DJayasuriya
(posted 2021-07-22 03:28:37.0) Thank you for your inquiry. You would be able to find this on our website :https://www.thorlabs.de/thorproduct.cfm?partnumber=DDS050/M ('Drawings and Documents'' table on he right hand side, you can download the 'Solidworks' file) tillsten
(posted 2018-11-12 21:20:09.777) It is possible to use the stage vertically? AManickavasagam
(posted 2018-11-14 06:51:56.0) Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs - Thanks for your query. These do not have enough torque to be used in the Z configuration. You probably need a stage with a lead screw that provides sufficient torque such as our LNR50 or MTS50/M-Z8. linahacker91
(posted 2018-09-03 17:42:07.397) Hello, I'm looking for a linear 50 mm motorized stage with high position accuracy (Travel speed is not important and the load will be very low) and the positioning should be repeatable. I should probably choose a stepper motor, right? Or is there a cheaper option? Thank you for your help! AManickavasagam
(posted 2018-09-06 05:43:28.0) Response from Arunthathi @ Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. Yes you are correct comparatively for better repeatability, it will be best to use a stepper motor actuator - stage such as the LNR50S which has 0.5 µm Bidirectional repeatability. However, for even more precise positioning we offer LNR50SE which has an inbuilt encoder that works in closed loop with the actuator to maintain positional accuracy. tim.may
(posted 2017-11-21 14:48:57.217) Hi, occasionally the ddsm50 will not 'home', gives 'Motor Error Detected (Value-position Error(0))' I end up closing the software and shutting off the kbd101 controller sn 28000398 and restarting, sometime it comes back ok, sometimes takes several cycles of the power. What's up with it?
the load is 0.48 kg, but even with load removed still fails to home. Thanks for any help.
Tim bhallewell
(posted 2017-12-01 09:12:28.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for contacting us. This
Position Error message is posted when the achieved position is significantly different to the expected position. Typically this can be caused by running too fast with the given load. If the problem persists, it is suggested to Home the device at a lower velocity.
I will contact you directly to troubleshoot the issue. tim.may
(posted 2017-10-16 13:11:26.45) HI again, I asked about loading at .59# but realise i also have a plate mounted that is 0.48# so the total is >1 kg, beyond the 0.9 limit.
my bad, trying another plate
thanks tim bwood
(posted 2017-10-17 06:24:02.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. You should try and limit the load on the stage to below 1kg. However, you may have to change the PID loop settings to suit the load on the stage anyway. You can find more details on this in section 6.3.4 of the KBD101 manual. tim.may
(posted 2017-10-14 12:47:37.067) I have a single stage with load of 1.24# or .56 kg and the stage oscillates on positioning away from home. can some parameter in the loop be adjusted to stop the oscillation? I saw comment here that state 0.9kg is possible, but couldn't find that on spec page.
Thanks bwood
(posted 2017-10-17 06:33:26.0) Please find my responce above. d.baresch
(posted 2017-07-24 17:47:57.79) The maximum specified horizontal load is 0.9kg. Does this mean that with 2 DDSM50 mounted in XY configuration the only useful load left is 0.3kg (given 1 DDSM50 weighs 0.6kg)? bwood
(posted 2017-07-25 10:56:41.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. This is correct, according to the specifications the maximum load of an XY DDSM50 assembly will be 0.3 kg. If you need a high load, we would recommend the MTS50 and LNR50. zali023
(posted 2016-08-21 15:14:16.467) Hi
I am currently using a 50 mm (1.97") Compact Motorized Translation Stage, but its velocity stability at ±0.25 mm/sec is too high my application, could you please advise me on the velocity stability for this instrument? bhallewell
(posted 2016-08-22 11:20:52.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. The velocity ripple would be dependent upon the PID control loop settings, the load applied to the stage & also the velocity that you are moving to & from. Generally moving to a lower velocity, you will find a higher percentage ripple however at a reduced deviation. I will contact you to obtain details of your setup to see if this can be optimised. vopop
(posted 2016-06-09 15:03:32.63) I want to use DDSM50 with '30 mm Cubes with Premounted Turning Mirrors' in vertically aligned state. I saw there written we can not use in vertically aligned state. So, I wonder whether this means just due to there is no stopping force or its due to malfunctioning. besembeson
(posted 2016-06-09 09:41:15.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes it is due to no stopping force. When no power is applied, the stage has very little inertia so the platform will roll down under its weight and mounted components. cbrideau
(posted 2015-09-23 18:34:29.417) What is the typical Angular Deviation for this mount? bhallewell
(posted 2015-09-30 06:49:25.0) Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your question here. The spec that you are looking for would be synonymous with the Pitch & Yaw Run-out, which is ±175 µrad. This detail can be located in the ‘Specs’ tab. |
Motorized Linear Translation Stages
Thorlabs' motorized linear translation stages are offered in a range of maximum travel distances, from a stage with 20 µm of piezo translation to our 600 mm direct drive stage. Many of these stages can be assembled in multi-axis configurations, providing XY or XYZ translation. For fiber coupling applications, please see our multi-axis stages, which offer finer adjustment than our standard motorized translation stages. In addition to motorized linear translation stages, we offer motorized rotation stages and goniometers. We also offer manual translation stages.
Piezo Stages
These stages incorporate piezoelectric elements in a variety of drive mechanisms. ORIC® stages incorporate piezo inertia drives that use "stick-slip" friction properties to obtain extended travel ranges. Our Nanoflex™ translation stages use standard piezo chips along with manual actuators. Elliptec® stages use resonant piezo motors to push and pull the moving platform through resonant elliptical motion. Our LPS710E z-axis stage features a mechanically amplified piezo design and includes a matched controller.
| Piezoelectric Stages | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Family | ORIC® PDXZ1 Closed-Loop 4.5 mm Vertical Stage |
ORIC® PD2 Open-Loop 5 mm Stage |
ORIC® PDX2 Closed-Loop 5 mm Stage |
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| Travel | 4.5 mm | 5 mm | ||
| Speed | 1 mm/s (Typ.)a | 10 mm/s (Typ. Max)b | 8 mm/s (Typ.)c | |
| Drive Type | Piezoelectric Inertia Drive | |||
| Possible Axis Configurations | Z | X, XY, XYZ | ||
| Mounting Surface Size |
45.0 mm x 42.0 mm | 13 mm x 13 mm | ||
| Additional Details | ||||
| Piezoelectric Stages | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Family | ORIC® PD1 Open-Loop 20 mm Stage |
ORIC® PD1D Open-Loop 20 mm Monolithic XY Stage |
ORIC® PDX1 Closed-Loop 20 mm Stage |
ORIC® PDX1A Closed-Loop 20 mm Stage Low-Profile |
ORIC® PD3 Open-Loop 50 mm Stage |
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| Travel | 20 mm | 50 mm | ||||
| Speed | 3 mm/s (Typ. Max)a | 20 mm/s (Typ. Max)c | 10 mm/s (Typ.)b | 10 mm/sd | ||
| Drive Type | Piezoelectric Inertia Drive | |||||
| Possible Axis Configurations | X, XY, XYZ | XY, XYZ | X, XY, XYZ | X, XY, XYZ | X, XY, XYZ | |
| Mounting Surface Size |
30 mm x 30 mm | 80 mm x 30 mm | ||||
| Additional Details | ||||||
| Piezoelectric Stages | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Family | Nanoflex™ 20 µm Stage with 5 mm Actuator |
Nanoflex™ 25 µm Stage with 1.5 mm Actuator |
Elliptec® 28 mm Stage | Elliptec® 60 mm Stage | LPS710E 1.1 mm Vertical Stage | |
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| Travel | 20 µm + 5 mm Manual | 25 µm + 1.5 mm Manual | 28 mm | 60.0 mm | 1.1 mm | |
| Maximum Velocity | - | 180 mm/s | 90 mm/s | - | ||
| Drive Type | Piezo with Manual Actuator | Resonant Piezoelectric Motor | Amplified Piezo | |||
| Possible Axis Configurations | X, XY, XYZ | X | Z | |||
| Mounting Surface Size | 75 mm x 75 mm | 30 mm x 30 mm | 15 mm x 15 mm | 21 mm x 21 mm | ||
| Additional Details | ||||||
Stepper Motor Stages
These translation stages feature removable or integrated stepper motors and long travel ranges up to 300 mm. Many of these stages either have integrated multi-axis capability (PLSXY) or can be assembled into multi-axis configurations (PLSX, LNR Series, NRT Series, and LTS Series stages). The MLJ150 stage also offers high load capacity vertical translation.
| Stepper Motor Stages | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Family | PLSX with and without PLST(/M) Top Plate 1" Stage |
PLSXY with and without PLST(/M) Top Plate 1" Stage |
LNR Series 25 mm Stage |
LNR Series 50 mm Stage |
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| Travel | 1" | 25 mm | 50 mm | ||
| Maximum Velocity | 7.0 mm/s | 2.0 mm/s | 50 mm/s | ||
| Possible Axis Configurations |
X, XY | X, XY, XYZ | X, XY, XYZ | ||
| Mounting Surface Size |
3" x 3" | 60 mm x 60 mm | 100 mm x 100 mm | ||
| Additional Details | |||||
| Stepper Motor Stages | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Family | NRT Series 100 mm Stage |
NRT Series 150 mm Stage |
LTS Series 150 mm Stage |
LTS Series 300 mm Stage |
MLJ250 50 mm Vertical Stage |
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| Travel | 100 mm | 150 mm | 150 mm | 300 mm | 50 mm | |
| Maximum Velocity | 30 mm/s | 50 mm/s | 3.0 mm/s | |||
| Possible Axis Configurations |
X, XY, XYZ | X, XY, XYZ | Z | |||
| Mounting Surface Size |
84 mm x 84 mm | 100 mm x 90 mm | 148 mm x 131 mm | |||
| Additional Details | ||||||
DC Servo Motor Stages
Thorlabs offers linear translation stages with removable or integrated DC servo motors. These stages feature low profiles and many can be assembled in multi-axis configurations.
| DC Servo Motor Stages | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Family | MT Series 12 mm Stages |
PT Series 25 mm Stages |
MTS Series 25 mm Stage |
MTS Series 50 mm Stage |
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| Travel | 12 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum Velocity | 2.6 mm/s | 2.4 mm/s | ||
| Possible Axis Configurations | X, XY, XYZ | X, XY, XYZ | ||
| Mounting Surface Size |
61 mm x 61 mm | 101.6 mm x 76.2 mm | 43 mm x 43 mm | |
| Additional Details | ||||
| DC Servo Motor Stages | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Family | M30 Series 30 mm Stage |
M30 Series 30 mm Monolithic XY Stage |
M150 Series 150 mm XY Stage |
KVS30 30 mm Vertical Stage |
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| Travel | 30 mm | 150 mm | 30 mm | |
| Maximum Velocity | 2.4 mm/s | X-Axis: 170 mm/s Y-Axis: 230 mm/s |
8.0 mm/s | |
| Possible Axis Configurations | X, Z | XY, XZ | XY | Z |
| Mounting Surface Size |
115 mm x 115 mm | 272.4 mm x 272.4 mm | 116.2 mm x 116.2 mm | |
| Additional Details | ||||
Direct Drive Stages
These low-profile stages feature integrated brushless DC servo motors for high speed translation with zero backlash. When no power is applied, the platforms of these stages have very little inertia and are virtually free running. Hence these stages may not be suitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when the power is off. We do not recommend mounting these stages vertically.
| Direct Drive Stages | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Family | DDS Series 50 mm Stage |
DDS Series 100 mm Stage |
DDS Series 220 mm Stage |
DDS Series 300 mm Stage |
DDS Series 600 mm Stage |
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| Travel | 50 mm | 100 mm | 220 mm | 300 mm | 600 mm |
| Maximum Velocity | 500 mm/s | 300 mm/s | 400 mm/s | 400 mm/s | |
| Possible Axis Configurations | X, XY | X, XY | X | X | |
| Mounting Surface Size | 60 mm x 52 mm | 88 mm x 88 mm | 120 mm x 120 mm | ||
| Additional Details | |||||
ZoomCharacterized by high-speed translation and high positional accuracy, the DDS050(/M) stage is well-suited for surface mapping and characterization applications where there is a need to move a camera or probe at constant velocity while simultaneously capturing data. Very precise, fine positioning and control is easily achieved through a combination of the stable closed-loop control system and a KBD101 controller.
Please Note: Magnetic components should not be mounted to the stage platform. Magnets prevent proper homing and can affect the accuracy of the stage's encoder even after the magnetic component has been removed. These stages are not suitable for operation in a vertical (Z-axis) orientation. When no power is applied, the platform of the stage has very little inertia and is virtually free running. This may make the stage unsuitable for applications where the stage's platform needs to remain in a set position when power is off.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Optomechanical components can be mounted next to the travel range of the DDS050 Stage using DDSMA1 and DDSMA2 Adapter Plates.
Click for Enlarge
Two DDS050 stages can be connected in an XY configuration using the DDSMP1 XY Adapter Plate.
For 2-axis applications, two DDS050(/M) stages can be bolted together in an XY configuration using the DDSMP1(/M) adapter plate, as shown in the photo to the right.
The DDSMA1(/M) and DDSMA2(/M) adapter plates attach to the end of the DDS050(/M) stage using the two supplied M3 x 20 screws (see image to the right) and allow optomechanical components to be mounted close to the linear travel of the stage in applications such as a delay line. The plates are drilled and tapped with six 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) and five 8-32 (M4 x 0.7) holes.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
KCH601 USB Controller Hub (Sold Separately) with Installed K-Cube and T-Cube™ Modules (T-Cubes shown on the KAP101 Adapter)
- Front Panel Velocity Wheel and Digital Display for Controlling Motorized Stages or Actuators
- Two Bidirectional SMC Trigger Ports to Read or Control External Equipment
- Interfaces with Computer Using Included USB Cable
- Fully Compatible with Kinesis® Software Package
- Compact Footprint: 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.42" x 2.42" x 1.94")
- Power Supply Not Included (See Below)
Thorlabs' KBD101 K-Cube™ Brushless DC Motor Controller provides local and computerized control of a single motor axis. It features a top-mounted control panel with a velocity wheel that supports four-speed bidirectional control with forward and reverse jogging as well as position presets. A backlit digital display is also included that can have the backlit dimmed or turned off using the the top-panel menu options. The front of the unit contains two bidirectional SMC trigger ports that can be used to read a 5 V external logic signal or output a 5 V logic signal to control external equipment. Each port can be independently configured.
The unit is fully compatible with our Kinesis software package.
Please note that this controller does not ship with a power supply. Compatible power supplies are listed below. Additional information can be found on the main KBD101 Brushless DC Servo Motor Controller page.
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Click for Details
Each KPS201 power supply includes one region-specific adapter, which can be selected upon checkout.
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The KPS201 Power Supply Unit
- Individual Power Supply
- KPS201: For K-Cubes™ or T-Cubes™ with 3.5 mm Jacks
- USB Controller Hubs Provide Power and Communications
- KCH301: For up to Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
- KCH601: For up to Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes
The KPS201 power supply outputs +15 VDC at up to 2.66 A and can power a single K-Cube or T-Cube with a 3.5 mm jack. It plugs into a standard wall outlet.
The KCH301 and KCH601 USB Controller Hubs each consist of two parts: the hub, which can support up to three (KCH301) or six (KCH601) K-Cubes or T-Cubes, and a power supply that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The hub draws a maximum current of 10 A; please verify that the cubes being used do not require a total current of more than 10 A. In addition, the hub provides USB connectivity to any docked K-Cube or T-Cube through a single USB connection.
For more information on the USB Controller Hubs, see the full web presentation.
 High-Speed DC Servo Stage |