Fast and precise beam-steering mirror position feedback

Fast and precise beam-steering mirror position feedback: Kaman’s new KD5100+ offers a high reliability specification for fast beam-steering mirror control systems

Kaman Precision Products Inc, the USA based designer and manufacturer of precision, inductive eddy current position measurement systems for the military/aerospace industries and many other challenging application areas has recently launched a high-reliability version of its fast beam-steering mirror measurement system. Available with full support from Kaman’s UK distribution partner - Ixthus Instrumentation - the upgraded KD-5100+ enables high-precision position feedback for control systems used in mirror steering and scanning tasks for laser communications on satellites and ground stations, airborne and shipborne directed energy systems and image stabilisation systems.

Typical inductive sensor configurations used with the KD-5100+ include Kaman’s 15N or 20N series offering non contacting measurement ranges of +/- 0.9 mm and +/- 1.9 mm respectively. Arranged in precisely matched pairs on the X and Y mirror axes with each pair acting as a balanced bridge circuit on either side of the mirror, these sensors detect the differential distance as the mirror rotates about its pivot, providing an output voltage from the KD5100+ which is proportional to the mirror’s angular displacement. The resulting resolution and precision for each axis is in the sub-micro radian range - providing the means for exceptional accuracy.

The KD5100+ measurement system features an operating temperature range of -20°C to +60°C (sensors are -52°C to +105°C) with excellent thermal and long term stability in a small and easily installed package size. The highly durable measurement system is designed for long trouble-free operational life for maximum high-reliability usage.

The upgraded KD5011+ features an identical Mil-PRF-38534 Class H proprietary hybrid microcircuit as the KD5100 ‘standard’ version with the addition of high-rel diodes and capacitors plus an upgraded aerospace specification for circuit layout, ground connections and sensor connectors. The KD5100 is already providing nanometre level precision for control systems used, for example, in laser focussing for micro-column architecture in semiconductor wafer manufacture as well as precision long-range telescope positioning and many other applications were differential inductive measurement is contributing to an advance in precision measurement technology.

Throughout ISO 9001-200 certified Kaman’s comprehensive range of sensors and measurement systems, customisation is available for application areas as diverse as cryogenics, high-vacuum, radiation tolerance or other severe environment position measurement tasks across all types of industry and research settings. A lower cost industrial specification version for fast beam steering mirror position control, utilising inductive eddy current sensors, is also available as the Kaman DIT-5200. Ixthus Instrumentation provide a complete UK-based service from the first enquiry to delivery and after sales support for Kaman’s specialised range of products.

Bolstering its commitment for aerospace related applications across its wide range of inductive sensors and measurement systems, Kaman recently took affiliate membership with the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) – the USA based organisation that provides support and representation for operators, service providers and equipment suppliers for the commercial satellite industry.

Ixthus works closely with Kaman and other global sensor technology leaders for force, torque and vibration measurement, providing a comprehensive sales and support service at component level or for complete instrumentation systems. Ixthus’ knowledgeable technical staff are on hand to assist with measurement solutions - from the first enquiry, to supply and to after-sales support. For further information please call +44 (0) 1327 353437, email info@ixthus.co.uk  or visit www.ixthus.co.uk.