We designed and implemented a magnetically levitated stage with large
planar motion capability, This planar magnetic levitator employs four
novel permanent-magnet linear motors. Each motor generates vertical fo
rce for suspension against gravity, as well as horizontal force for dr
ive. These linear levitation motors can be used as building blocks in
the general class of multi-degree-of-freedom motion stages. In this pa
per, we discuss electromechanical modeling and real-time vector contro
l of such a permanent-magnet levitator, We describe the dynamics in a
dy frame introduced to decouple the forces acting on the magnetically
levitated moving part, namely, the platen. A transformation similar to
the Blondel-Park transformation is derived for commutation of the sta
tor phase currents. We provide test results on step responses of the m
agnetically levitated stage. It shows 5-nm rms positioning noise in x
and y, which demonstrates the applicability of such stages in the next
-generation photolithography in semiconductor manufacturing.