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Prior Scientific has launched the ES12ZETTL, a new compact single-axis stepper motor controller designed to provide precise, flexible control of motorised focus axes, filter wheels, filter turrets, nosepieces and other single-axis devices.
Combining high-resolution motion control, plug-and-play device sensing, encoder support and extensive TTL I/O, the ES12ZETTL provides advanced functionality in a compact and cost-effective format. It is suitable for OEM integration, automated microscopy, metrology and precision inspection applications.
Developed as the successor to Prior’s popular ES10ZE focus controller, the ES12ZETTL offers significantly greater flexibility and functionality.
Greater versatility for single-axis control
While the ES10ZE was designed specifically for linear focus motors, the ES12ZETTL supports both linear and rotary devices, including Prior’s HF108B filter wheel.
Dedicated operating modes for each device group allow the ES12ZETTL to support a wider range of single-axis Prior devices than previous controllers. This makes it particularly useful for customers who want to integrate an individual Prior component into an existing microscope, imaging platform or OEM system without requiring a more complex control solution.
Reliable control for automated workflows
Built-in support for both linear and rotary encoders enables closed-loop operation, helping to deliver high positioning accuracy, repeatability and automatic error correction.
The controller is designed to interface easily with other hardware and software. USB connectivity enables PC-based control, while extensive TTL input and output capability allows direct hardware integration with other controllers and devices.
With 10 TTL inputs and five TTL outputs, the ES12ZETTL can support precise triggering, timing and synchronisation. This is particularly valuable in automated workflows where focus movement, filter positioning, image capture or other processes need to operate in a tightly controlled sequence.
Designed for OEM integration
In addition to the standard benchtop version, the ES12ZETTL is available with OEM casework, allowing straightforward integration into automated imaging and inspection equipment.
Unlike the ES10ZE, human interface controls are provided through the optional CS200Z joystick rather than being incorporated into the controller itself. This helps keep the controller compact while providing OEM developers with greater flexibility over how it is incorporated into their systems.
Combined with an open SDK/DLL, the ES12ZETTL provides a straightforward route for integrating Prior devices and motion control into OEM instruments.
Modern connectivity and high-resolution motion
The ES12ZETTL features USB-C 2.0 connectivity and compact TTL I/O connections for fast and reliable system integration. Maintenance and upgrades are also simplified through an easy-to-use firmware update tool.
As a new generation OptiScan controller, the ES12ZETTL incorporates technology more closely aligned with Prior’s ProScan III platform. It provides 1/250 microstep resolution and higher drive current, enabling high levels of performance from Prior’s latest devices while retaining the accessibility of the OptiScan controller range.
Plug-and-play sensing automatically recognises compatible Prior devices, including the HF108B filter wheel and FB210 focus motor, helping to simplify installation and making the controller suitable for both new systems and upgrades to existing equipment.
Applications across microscopy and precision inspection
The combination of compact design, precise motion control and flexible interfacing makes the ES12ZETTL suitable for a wide range of laboratory and industrial applications, including:
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Confocal microscopy
- Super-resolution microscopy
- Automated Z-stacking
- Metrology and measurement systems
- Industrial inspection
- Automated imaging
- TTL-triggered filter switching
- OEM instrument development
Whether controlling a relatively simple single-axis device or operating as part of a more sophisticated automated workflow, the ES12ZETTL provides a flexible way to add precise motion control to microscopy, imaging and inspection systems.
The controller is also compatible with third-party software and stepper motor devices, providing additional flexibility for system developers and integrators.
