Thorlabs BPC303 3-Channel 150V Benchtop Piezo Controller
Overview
The Thorlabs BPC303 is a 3-channel benchtop piezo controller engineered to drive piezoelectric actuators and nanopositioning stages with high-resolution voltage output across three independent channels. Designed for both open-loop and closed-loop operation, the Thorlabs BPC303 gives laboratory and industrial users precise command over piezo-actuated positioning systems used in optical alignment, microscopy, fiber coupling, and precision metrology. Each of the three channels can be configured independently for 75 V, 100 V, or 150 V full-scale output, allowing a single unit to control a wide range of Thorlabs piezo actuators and flexure stages without needing separate drivers for each axis.
For applications demanding sub-nanometer positioning stability, the Thorlabs BPC303 controller supports closed-loop feedback through strain-gauge-equipped actuators. In this mode the controller continuously compares the actuator’s measured position against the commanded setpoint and applies proportional-integral (PI) correction, compensating for piezo hysteresis, creep, and thermal drift that would otherwise degrade open-loop accuracy. This makes the Thorlabs BPC303 a practical upgrade path for users who start with open-loop piezo control and later need repeatable, drift-free positioning for automated alignment or long-duration measurement sequences. With engineering support in Muscat, Seven Star LLC supplies the Thorlabs BPC303 across Oman and the wider GCC, with manufacturer-standard calibration data and responsive local technical support.
Working Principle and Engineering Design
The Thorlabs BPC303’s engineering design centers on precision analog voltage generation with clean, low-noise amplification for each of its three channels. Internally, the Thorlabs BPC303 generates a high-voltage analog drive signal for each channel from a digitally-set command value, amplifying it to the piezo actuator’s operating range while maintaining low output noise to avoid introducing positioning jitter. Three independent SMC output connectors on the front panel route the drive signal directly to compatible piezo actuators or nanopositioning stages, while three dedicated 9-pin D-type connectors accept strain-gauge feedback signals when a closed-loop-capable actuator is connected, allowing each channel to switch seamlessly between open-loop and closed-loop control.
A front-panel digital display shows either the commanded voltage or, in closed-loop mode, the actuator’s measured displacement in microns, with adjustable display brightness for use in darkened optical labs. An external analog modulation input accepts a 0–10 V differential BNC signal per channel, letting the Thorlabs BPC303 be driven directly by a function generator, DAQ card, or feedback loop from external control software — a common requirement in automated alignment stations and OEM integration. A 15-pin D-type auxiliary I/O connector exposes digital input/output lines and a 5 V auxiliary supply for interfacing with limit switches, triggers, or simple external logic, and a dedicated handset connector accepts the Thorlabs MZF001 3-axis joystick controller for manual, hands-on positioning during setup and alignment.
Key Features
The Thorlabs BPC303 piezo controller combines three independently configurable 75/100/150 V piezo channels in a single benchtop chassis, eliminating the need for multiple single-channel drivers when controlling multi-axis nanopositioning stages. Selectable open-loop and closed-loop operation on each channel gives users the flexibility to start simple and add feedback precision as application requirements evolve, without replacing the controller. The unit is broadly compatible with Thorlabs’ full range of piezo-actuated actuators and flexure stages that use strain-gauge feedback, so a single Thorlabs BPC303 can typically serve as the control hub for an entire 3-axis positioning setup.
The Thorlabs BPC303’s connectivity options extend well beyond basic piezo drive. External BNC analog modulation inputs and a 15-pin digital I/O port make the Thorlabs BPC303 straightforward to integrate into automated test benches and custom alignment software, while the MZF001 joystick handset connector supports fast manual jogging for initial coarse positioning before switching to programmatic fine control. The digital display’s switchable voltage/micron readout and adjustable brightness improve usability both on the bench and in low-light optical setups, and the compact 240 × 360 × 133 mm benchtop enclosure keeps the footprint manageable next to other test and measurement instrumentation.
Industrial Applications
The Thorlabs BPC303 is deployed across a wide range of precision-positioning use cases where reliable multi-axis piezo control matters. In photonics and laser laboratories, the Thorlabs BPC303 is widely used to drive multi-axis fiber launch and coupling stages, where sub-micron alignment between a laser source and an optical fiber directly determines coupling efficiency. Microscopy and imaging systems rely on the Thorlabs BPC303 to control piezo-driven focus and sample-positioning stages, where closed-loop feedback ensures repeatable focal plane positioning across long imaging sequences without drift. Precision metrology setups use the controller for calibrated micro-positioning of reference targets, interferometer components, or detector arrays during automated measurement scans.
Beyond the laboratory bench, the Thorlabs BPC303 is also common in OEM sub-systems. OEM instrument integrators building custom optical or semiconductor inspection tools frequently specify the Thorlabs BPC303 for its combination of analog modulation input and digital I/O, which allows the controller to be embedded into a larger automated sequence controlled by a host PC or PLC. Research groups working on quantum optics, atom trapping, and adaptive optics benches also use the Thorlabs BPC303 to drive multiple piezo mirror mounts or beam-steering elements from a single compact controller, simplifying rack space and cabling in space-constrained optical setups. With manufacturer documentation, Seven Star LLC supplies the Thorlabs BPC303 to laboratories, industrial facilities, and research institutions throughout Oman, Muscat, and the Sohar and Salalah economic zones, with lead time confirmed at quotation.
Technical Specifications
The table below summarizes the key electrical, mechanical, and interface specifications of the Thorlabs BPC303 to help you match the controller to your piezo actuator and system integration requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 3, independently configurable |
| Output Voltage Range (per channel) | 0–75 V, 0–100 V, or 0–150 V DC (selectable) |
| Maximum Output Current (per channel) | 1 A |
| Control Modes | Open-loop and closed-loop (strain-gauge PI feedback) |
| Piezo Outputs | 3 × SMC connectors |
| Feedback Inputs | 3 × 9-pin D-type (strain-gauge) |
| External Analog Input | BNC, 0–10 V differential per channel |
| Auxiliary I/O | 15-pin D-type, digital I/O + 5 V supply |
| Handset Support | Thorlabs MZF001 joystick connector |
| Display | Digital, voltage or micron readout, adjustable brightness |
| Dimensions | 240 × 360 × 133 mm |
| Weight | 6.7 kg |
Also available: Thorlabs PDA200C Photodiode Amplifier
Request a Quote for Thorlabs BPC303 3-Channel 150V Benchtop Piezo Controller
Seven Star LLC is an experienced supplier of the Thorlabs BPC303 and the full Thorlabs precision motion and photonics instrumentation line across Oman and the wider GCC region. For pricing, lead times, or technical guidance on matching the Thorlabs BPC303 to your piezo actuator or nanopositioning stage, contact our engineering team for a tailored quotation and application support. Whether you are commissioning a single-axis alignment stage or a full multi-channel nanopositioning bench, our team can help you specify and configure the Thorlabs BPC303 correctly the first time. Working closely with plant engineers in the region, Seven Star LLC supplies the Thorlabs BPC303 on request with regional technical support.
- Instruction Manual Thorlabs BPC303 Manual Download
Thorlabs instruments listed here
The listed items fall into four groups. Thorlabs power meter consoles: the handheld PM100D, the touchscreen PM400 and the PM100USB interface, all of which read the manufacturer's photodiode, thermal and pyroelectric sensor heads. Laser diode control: the LDC205C current driver, the TED200C thermoelectric temperature controller, the combined ITC4001 laser diode and TEC controller, and the compact CLD1015 driver and TEC controller with a mount for butterfly-packaged lasers. Motion control: the BPC303 three-channel benchtop piezo controller, the MDT693B three-channel open-loop piezo controller and the KDC101 K-Cube brushed DC servo controller. Detection: the PDA200C photodiode amplifier.Where Thorlabs equipment is used
Typical users are university physics and engineering departments, fiber-optic and telecom test benches, laser development groups, spectroscopy and sensing laboratories, and production lines that align or test optical assemblies. Buyers in the GCC usually need a specific item number that is named in a setup description or a published method.Ordering Thorlabs items: what we need
Thorlabs item numbers are exact, so PM100D, PM400 and PM100USB are different products, and a console is normally ordered with a separately numbered sensor. Send the item numbers and quantities. For a power meter, add the wavelength, the power or energy range and the beam size, so the sensor can be checked. For laser diode drivers, give the diode pin configuration, the operating current and the TEC current. For motion controllers, name the actuator or stage to be driven. Mention the mains voltage and plug type you need.Browse Thorlabs products by category: Controllers & Data Acquisition, Portable Test & Measurement, Sensors & Transmitters.
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