A servo motor is an electromechanical device that produces torque and velocity provided by the supplied current and voltage. It forms part of a servo mechanism which consists of three key elements namely; a motor, a feedback device, and control electronics.
Servo motors work as part of a closed loop system, relying on a servo control to provide torque and velocity, utilising a feedback device to close the loop. The feedback device supplies information such as current, velocity, or position to the servo controller, which adjusts the motor action depending on the commanded parameters.
Servo Motors: Components
Servo motors are versatile devices that come in a variety of sizes, types and shapes for different purposes. They can differ by containing a motor that can be AC or DC, brushed or brushless, rotary or linear, and of any size.
The feedback device can be:
- potentiometer,
- tachometer,
- resolver,
- encoder,
- linear transducer,
- or any other sensor as suited to the requirement.
There are many types of servo motor applications, these include:
- operating remote-controlled or radio-controlled toy cars,
- airplanes,
- robotics,
- in-line manufacturing,
- pharmaceuticals and food services.
A simple industrial servo motor consists of a permanent magnet DC motor with an integral tachometer that provides an output voltage proportional to speed. The drive electronics delivers the necessary voltage and current to the motor based on the voltage fed back from the tachometer.
In a more sophisticated servo motor system, multiple embedded loops are tuned for optimal performance to provide precision motion control. The system consists of current, velocity, and position loops that utilise precision feedback elements. Each loop signals the subsequent loop and monitors the appropriate feedback elements to make real time corrections to match the commanded parameters.
Servo Motor for Sale
EP Normand is a specialist variable speed drive company. Metals, cable, paper and plastic industries are some of our typical customers. Our suppliers in the countries of origin train our staff, and all have recognised engineering qualifications. We are able to supply a turnkey solution in this business and supply a 24-hour back-up service. Contact our team for more information and to order your products.