F-206 Hexapod Automated Fiber Optic 6-Axis Alignment System
The F-206 HexAlign system was a compact six-axis parallel-kinematics alignment robot for automated photonics packaging, fiber alignment, collimator alignment, optical device testing, and micro-positioning applications.
This legacy product has been replaced with the newer F-141 PINovAlign Alignment System .
Key Features
- Compact, low-profile six-axis MicroMotion robot
- Automatic transverse and angular alignment
- PivotAnywhere fully virtualized center of rotation about any point in space
- Alignment routines for collimators and arrayed fibers/components
- Digital controller with built-in photometer options or external metrology compatibility
- High speed, fast settling, and automatic path planning
- No moving cables for improved reliability, easier setup, and reduced friction
- LabVIEW drivers and DLL libraries
A newer and improved replacement of the the F-206/H-206 is available with the PINovAlign Alignment Family
The F-141 PINovAlign provides more travel range, higher precision and higher load compared to the F-206/H-206 precision photonics alignment system for 3DOF, 4DOF and 6DOF optical device positioning and alignment applications.
Precision 6-Axis Alignment
The F-206 Hexapod 6-axis MicroMotion robot is based on PI ultra-high-resolution hexapod technology developed for aligning optics in astronomical telescopes. It provides motion in all six degrees of freedom with sub-micron minimum incremental motion and PivotAnywhere virtualized rotation.
PivotAnywhere allows the user to define the center of rotation anywhere inside or outside the F-206 workspace with a single software command. This is useful for angular alignment of fibers and collimators because the pivot point can be placed near the optical interface to minimize lateral walk-off during tip/tilt adjustment.
Compact, Plug & Play Parallel Kinematics
The F-206 is more compact than a conventional stacked multi-axis stage assembly. Its parallel-kinematics design avoids moving cables, reduces friction, and provides uniform dynamics regardless of the direction of motion.
Constant-Length Strut Concept
The F-206 operating principle is related to the hexapod principle, but unlike classical hexapods with variable-length struts, the F-206 uses constant-length struts driven by identical servo-motor and encoder units.
This architecture reduces size and inertia, improves dynamic performance, and simplifies assembly and service. The controller handles the six-space coordinate transformations and path planning internally, allowing users to work in familiar X, Y, Z, Theta-X, Theta-Y, and Theta-Z coordinates.
PivotAnywhere Virtualized Rotation
Since the F-206 motion is defined by real-time six-space control algorithms rather than fixed mechanical rotation bearings, the center of rotation can be set by software. This makes it possible to rotate about the optical interface or another application-specific point in space.
For fiber and collimator alignment, this helps optimize angular alignment while reducing unwanted lateral movement of the component under test.
Optical Metrology and Automation
Optional photometer cards and automatic alignment procedures support photonics packaging applications including fiber-array alignment, collimator alignment, and optical component testing.
Software Architecture
The controller software provides high-level commands to reduce communications overhead and simplify integration into automated alignment workstations.
- Integrated scan and automatic alignment functions
- LabVIEW drivers and DLL libraries
- Simulation tools and terminal software
- Manual pre-alignment support
Digital Six-Axis Servo Controller
- Digital six-axis servo controller, with two additional optional axes
- Optional IR and visible photometer cards for array alignment
- Built-in high-speed analog input
- Wide-range power supply
- Optional front panel keyboard / LCD display
- Optional interactive control pad with programmable step size
- Compact high-level command set
The controller performs the coordinate transformations and path planning internally, so the system can be controlled in Cartesian coordinates and angular units rather than individual motor coordinates.
Force-Limiting / Force-Sensing Platforms
F-206.MHU is a magnetic kinematically clamped platform designed to release when a force or torque threshold is exceeded, helping protect fixtures and optical components. F-206.MFU adds force sensors for enhanced safety monitoring.
Rapid NanoAlign Upgrade
The F-206.NCU Rapid NanoAlign upgrade adds a closed-loop XYZ NanoCube alignment module and controller board for applications that require nanometer-range resolution or rapid cross-coupling-area mapping.
6D Interactive Control Pad
The F-206.MC6 option provides six digital controls, one for each degree of freedom, enabling manual step-by-step operation with programmable step size during setup and test.
Ordering Information
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| F-206.S0 | Hexapod 6-axis precision alignment system / manipulator with 6-DOF controller |
| F-206.SD | Hexapod system with controller, built-in display, and keypad |
| F-206.AC8 | Upgrade for two additional servo-motor control channels |
| F-206.MHU | Force-limiting mounting platform |
| F-206.NCU | Rapid NanoAlign upgrade with NanoCube and E-760 controller card |
| F-206.MC6 | 6D interactive manual control pad |
| F-206.VVU / F-206.iiU | Visible / IR 2-channel photometer cards |
Talk to a PI Application Engineer
For standard or custom photonics alignment and 6-axis motion systems, contact PI or review the current H-206 product information.