PI Expanded Piezo-Driven Positioning Capability
The company has updated its bi-phase inertia drive motors to enhance high-force linear motion and precision positioning.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Physik Instrumente (PI) has announced new motor architectures for its Bi-Phase Inertia Drive (BIX) technology, enabling advanced capabilities in linear motion, rotary positioning, and tip/tilt alignment. The development represents a technical expansion of existing piezo-actuated positioning systems.
Why it matters
By utilizing a dual-actuator design, the technology addresses performance limitations in precision engineering such as piezo hysteresis, which is the lag between an electrical signal and the physical mechanical response. This approach allows for greater acceleration and force output in compact, high-precision motion systems.
The B-421 BIX miniature linear stages provide 10 nm minimum incremental motion with a 6 nm encoder resolution. These systems achieve velocities up to 14 mm/s across travel ranges spanning 13 mm to 33 mm.
The players
Physik Instrumente
A global manufacturer specializing in precision motion control, piezo-actuator technology, and nanopositioning systems for industrial and scientific applications.
The details
BIX positioning stages operate using two synchronized multilayer piezo actuators—ceramic components that change shape when voltage is applied. The system utilizes mirrored sawtooth signals to drive these actuators, which expand and contract in sequence to provide motion. For micrometer screw drives, this microscopic expansion is converted into rotational torque to move a drive screw, while 2D-BIX designs leverage four PICMA piezo stacks configured with a lever structure to increase force output.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: PI announced the BIX technology developments.
The Tech Race
This development moves beyond the standard single-actuator inertia drive architectures currently prevalent in nanopositioning. It specifically positions PI to compete in high-force applications that previously required more complex or bulky mechanical drive solutions.
These positioning stages are designed for laboratory and industrial engineers requiring high-force linear or rotary motion in confined spaces. Users can integrate these components into workflows where nanometer-scale precision and speed are simultaneously required.
The takeaway
The dual-actuator design enables more robust performance in high-force environments by mitigating standard piezo mechanical lag. Engineers should watch for the release of full load-capacity performance benchmarks to evaluate the suitability of these stages for specific heavy-duty positioning tasks.
Further reading
For more on the hardware enabling advanced experimentation, visit our Quantum Computing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZoRobotics.
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