Features
-
Scan lengths 3 to 80 ft (0.9 to 24.4m)
- Closed loop position encoders ensure position
repeatability and accuracy
- Rugged, practical mechanical design maintains alignment
stability and exceptional dynamic planarity
- Modular design meets present and future measurement
requirements
Description
The MI-6910 Family of Planar Scanners offers scan dimensions
from 3 to 80 ft (0.9 to 24.4m) and can be configured with a
variety of options to improve accuracy, increase automation and
simplify operation. Both vertical and horizontal scanners are
manufactured with quality, state-of-the-art features. Both are
designed to employ Z-axis correction if required. Horizontal
scanners are generally custom designs that are based on customer
requirements and standard proven design configurations. All of
the standard sizes shown here can be adjusted to fit an exact
scanning solution to any set of unique requirements.
Applications
The MI-6910 Family of Planar Scanners provides a
cost-effective solution for precise positioning. These scanners
bring unmatched speed and accuracy to planar near-field antenna
test applications.
Absolute position accuracy is critical to most measurement
applications. The MI-6910 Family of Planar Scanners is designed
to make repeated measurements at critically accurate positions.
A prime example is the position accuracy required for near-field
antenna measurements. MI Technologies has designed positioners
for operation at high frequencies without software correction.
For higher frequencies, probe correction techniques developed by
the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) may be
applied.
Typically high gain directional antennas with low sidelobes
are tested in the planar near field and even the smallest
position errors and uncertainties can quickly degrade system
dynamic range. To ensure the best possible measurement results,
MI Technologies has implemented a robust mechanical design
utilizing state-of-the-art drive system developments. When
combined with our MI closed loop position control solutions, the
MI-6910 scanner offers industry leading position accuracy of
better than 0.002 inches (0.05 mm).
MI Technologies has a long history of producing accurate and
reliable positioning systems. Many of our positioners sold more
than 30 years ago are still in use today providing accurate
movement of antennas, probes, and other complex components. The
MI-6910 Family of Planar Scanners is designed in this tradition
to maintain alignment over long periods of time even when used
around the clock.
Specifications
| Model # |
MI-6910 -3X3 |
MI-6910 -5X5 |
MI-6910 -8X8 |
MI-6910 -10X8 |
MI-6910 -10x10 |
MI-6910 -12X10 |
MI-6910 -12X12 |
MI-6910 -20X10 |
MI-6910 -16X16 |
MI-6910 -23X22 |
MI-6910 -30X30 |
MI-6910 -80X40 |
| Scan Area Horiz. x Vert. ft (m)
|
3x3 (.9x.9) |
5x5 (1.5x1.5) |
8x8 (2.4x2.4) |
10x8 (3X2.4) |
10x10 (3x3) |
12x10 (3.7x3) |
12x12 (3.7x3.7) |
20x10 (6.1x3) |
16X16 (4.9x4.9) |
23X22 (7x6.7) |
30X30 (9.1x9.1) |
80X40 (24.4x12.2) |
| Recommended Frequency Range (GHz)1 |
| Low |
3.3 |
2.2 |
1.12 |
1.12 |
0.96 |
0.96 |
0.96 |
0.75 |
0.96 |
0.75 |
0.49 |
0.49 |
| High |
110 |
110 |
60 |
60 |
60 |
40 |
40 |
40 |
40 |
40 |
40 |
40 |
| Planarity |
|
| Uncorrected in. rms (mm rms) |
0.002 (0.05) |
0.002 (0.05) |
0.003 (0.08) |
0.003 (0.08) |
0.003 (0.08) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.006 (0.15) |
| Corrected (in rms) |
0.001 (0.03) |
0.001 (0.03) |
0.001 (0.03) |
0.001 (0.03) |
0.001 (0.03) |
0.002 (0.05) |
0.002 (0.05) |
0.002 (0.05) |
0.002 (0.05) |
0.002 (0.05) |
0.002 (0.05) |
0.003 (0.08) |
| Position Accuracy |
| X (in rms) |
0.003 (0.08) |
0.003 (0.08) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.006 (0.15) |
0.006 (0.15) |
0.006 (0.15) |
0.008 (0.20) |
0.008 (0.20) |
0.008 (0.20) |
0.008 (0.20) |
| Y (in rms) |
0.003 (0.08) |
0.003 (0.08) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.004 (0.10) |
0.006 (0.15) |
0.006 (0.15) |
0.006 (0.15) |
0.008 (0.20) |
0.008 (0.20) |
0.008 (0.20) |
0.008 (0.20) |
| Z (in) |
±0.01 (±0.08) |
±0.01 (±0.08) |
±0.02 (±0.5) |
±0.02 (±0.5) |
±0.02 (±0.5) |
±0.03 (±0.8) |
±0.03 (±0.8) |
±0.03 (±0.8) |
±0.03 (±0.8) |
±0.03 (±0.8) |
±0.03 (±0.8) |
±0.03 (±0.8) |
| Roll (deg) |
±0.05 |
±0.05 |
±0.05 |
±0.05 |
±0.05 |
±0.05 |
±0.05 |
±0.05 |
±0.03 |
±0.03 |
±0.03 |
±0.03 |
| Scan Speed |
|
| X (in/sec) |
15 (38) |
15 (38) |
15 (38) |
15 (38) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
| Y (in/sec) |
15 (38) |
15 (38) |
15 (38) |
15 (38) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
10 (25) |
| Z Axis Travel |
0, 6 in (15 cm), 12 in (30 cm). See option table. |
| Roll Axis Travel |
| Manual |
-95° to +95°. Detents to indicate -90°, -45°, 0°, 45°, 90°. |
| Motorized |
0-360° continuous with rotary joint.
-140° to +190° travel with limit switches |
| Motorized Roll Capacity |
Standard: 40 lbs (18 kg) or 13 ft-lbs (18 N-m)
High: 60 lbs (27 kg) or 60 ft-lbs (81 N-m) |
| Manual Roll Capacity |
60 lbs (27 kg) or 60 ft-lbs (18 N-m) |
| Recommended Absorber in. (cm) |
5 (13) |
8 (20) |
12 (30) |
12 (30) |
12 (30) |
12 (30) |
12 (30) |
18 (46) |
24 (61) |
24 (61) |
24 (61) |
24 (61) |
| Outline dimensions |
| Height in. (m) |
80 (2.03) |
104 (2.64) |
140 (3.56) |
140 (3.56) |
164 (4.17) |
164 (4.17) |
188 (4.78) |
164 (4.17) |
236 (5.99) |
320 (8.13) |
416 (10.57) |
536 (13.61) |
| Width in. (m) |
90 (2.29) |
114 (2.9) |
150 (3.81) |
184 (4.67) |
174 (4.42) |
208 (5.28) |
208 (5.28) |
304 (7.72) |
268 (6.81) |
391 (9.93) |
500 (12.7) |
1123 (28.51) |
| Depth in. (m) |
34.5 (0.88) |
34.5 (0.88) |
34.5 (0.88) |
34.5 (0.88) |
34.5 (0.88) |
44.5 (1.13) |
44.5 (1.13) |
44.5 (1.13) |
56.5 (1.44) |
87 (2.21) |
111 (2.82) |
135 (3.43) |
Note 1: Higher frequencies can be attained when using less than the maximum
scan area.
Ordering Information
The above specifications are only representative of the
standard product models listed. The MI-6910 Family of Planar
Scanners is highly customizable and MI Technologies can readily
optimize the size, frequency range, planarity and other
performance factors to customer requirements. Because of this
breadth of design flexibility, customers are encouraged to
specify their need rather than the tightest tolerance available.
The MI-6910 scanners are designed to work specifically with
MI position controllers.
Cables and position control units are ordered separately. If
desired an installed RF path must be requested by ordering the
appropriate option.

Configuration Options
|
Absorber Shield |
Z Axis Travel |
Roll Axis |
Rotary Joint |
RF Path |
|
-A0 |
-Z0 |
-RTM |
-RJ26.5 |
-RF0 |
|
-A0 No absorber |
-Z0 No travel
|
-RTH Manual roll |
-RJ0 No rotary joint |
-RF0 No RF path |
|
-AS Standard absorber |
-ZH6 Manual 6in travel |
-RTM Motorized roll standard capacity |
-RJ26.5 DC-26.5GHz |
-RFP Add RF path1 |
| |
-ZH12 Manual 12in travel |
-RTL Motorized roll high capacity |
-RJ40 DC-40GHz |
|
-ZM6 Motorized 6in travel |
|
|
|
|
-ZM12 Motorized 12in travel |
|
|
|
1. Standard RF path frequency range: DC-18GHz, other frequency ranges for RF
path available. Consult Factory.
Accessories
MI-6970 Family of Probes and Probe Mounts
MI-51000 Azimuth axis for cylindrical near-field capability
MI-4190 Family of Position Controllers
|