13 
2  Features & Specifications 
2.1  Product Overview 
 
 
CAUTION 
Please note that NextStep Actuator and Controller are high precision 
instruments. Please use proper care when handling or storing the 
instrument. 
 
Newport’s NewStep
TM
 micrometer replacement actuator and controller is an ideal 
system for motorizing fine-positioning stages and mounts in opto-mechanical 
systems.   The NewStep
TM
 family has been designed for hands-off adjustment of 
hard-to-reach mirror mounts.  Such applications include hands-off adjustment of 
hard-to-reach mirror mounts or adjustments of optical mounts that are sensitive to 
forces applied while twisting a knob.  For example, optimizing the alignment of a 
laser cavity or adjusting the pointing of a beam over a long distance. 
 
 
2.2  Hardware Configuration 
The serial (RS-485) communication interface on the NSC100 controller is 
accessed through RS485 toRS232 converter. The pin out is designed so that you 
can plug RS485 to RS232 converter directly into PC’s RS232 port. 
 
See diagram next page.