A servo drive is a part of a larger motion control system and is the device that controls a servo motor. It ensures that the right voltage and current are provided to the motor for it to function. It is also able to control position, speed, and even in some cases, torque.

There are many different types of servo drives; however, to be able to make the correct decision on which servo motor would be best for you, it is important to know the type of servo motor that it will be used for. In this article, we will discuss some servo drive basics as well as the different types of servo motors.

Types of Servo Motors  

There are three prominent types of servo motors, each suitable for different applications. These three drives consist of:

• Linear: these servo motors convert rotary motion into linear motion. They do this by making use of a rack and pinion mechanism which ultimately allows them to change their output. 
• Continuous Rotation: There is no limit to the range of motion on this servo motor. This means that they are able to move in both CW and CCW directions. They are able to do this due to the input signal determining which witch direction the servo should be rotating towards. In this motor type, the input relates to the speed of the output and direction. 
• Positional Rotation: This servo motor only rotates 180 degrees. Their output shaft can and should not over-rotate which is why they are designed to include stops within the gear mechanism.

How Does a Servo Drive Work?

There are a few simple steps to explain how a servo drive actually works and relates to the servo motor. 

• A command signal is emitted by the control board
• This command signal is received by the servo drive which then amplifies the low power signal, making the servo motor move.
• A feedback signal is then sent back to the servo drive via a sponsor on the servo motor. This signal communicates the current motor status to the drive.
• In response, the drive adjusts the frequency of the voltage so that it matches the original signal that was sent out by the control panel. 

There are many more aspects to choosing the correct servo drive and motor for your application which is why it is recommended to consult a professional about your requirements. Contact us at EP Normand to find out more about servo drives and motors.