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SERVO MOTOR: DIAGRAM, DEFINITION, TYPES,
WORKING & APPLICATIONS
Last Updated on: April 7, 2022 by MD Iyas

In this article, you will learn what is a servo motor? Its diagram, definition,
parts, types, function, advantages, and applications are explained
with Pictures.

If you need a PDF file? Just download it at the end of the article.

What is a Servo Motor?

Contents [show]

Definition of Servo Motor:

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A servo motor is defined as a linear or rotary type of actuator that

provides fast precision position control for closed-loop position
control applications.

As compared to large industrial electric motors, servo motors are not useful for
continuous energy conversion. These motors have a high-speed response due to
how inertia and are designed with small diameters and long rotor lengths.

Servo motors have a mechanism that uses position feedback to control the speed
and final position of the motor. Internally, a servo motor combines a motor,
feedback circuit, controller, and another electronic circuit.

These types of motors are best suited for smaller applications. With the
advancement of microprocessors and power transistors, AC servo motors are used
more often due to their high accuracy control.

Read Also: What are the different types of electric circuits and their working?

Construction of Servo Motor

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It uses an encoder or speed sensor to provide speed feedback and position. This
feedback signal is compared with the input command position (desired position of
the motor corresponding to a load) and produces the error signal (if there exists a
difference between them).

The error signal available at the output of the error detector is not enough to drive
the motor. So the error detector followed by a servo amplifier raises the voltage
and power level of the error signal and then turns the shaft of the motor to the
desired position.

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Essentially, servo motors are divided into AC and DC servo motors based on the
supply used for their operation. Brushed permanent magnet servo motors are
used for simple applications due to their low cost, efficiency, and simplicity of
working.

Parts of Servo Motor

Following are the main parts of a servo motor:

1. Housing
2. Motor shaft
3. Bearings
4. Rotor
5. Stator
6. Brake
7. Snap ring
8. O ring
9. Bearing keeper
10. Encoder

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 Image: IndiaMart

#1 Housing
It is about 1 inch thick coated aluminum housing that surrounds the inner parts of
the servo motor so that it protects the motor from external particles. The motor’s
housing is designed for quick and easy disassembly and reassembly.

#2 Motor Shaft
It works similar to a prime mover, whereas the gearbox or belt and pulley system
to which it is attached can use that energy to increase the motor’s torque while
reducing the motor’s speed. The motor is generally made from cold or hot-rolled
steel.

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#3 Bearings
Bearings can provide high accuracy and very low vibration to the motor. The result
is a very smooth and cool operation. Bearing life will be improved by using new
greases and methods to reduce fret.

#4 Rotor
The rotor is usually attached to the shaft of the motor and is placed between two
bearings. The rotor is the moving part of the servo motor. With the given voltage,
the rotor of the motor rotates in the required direction until the error is zero.

#5 Stator
It is the stationary part of the servo motor. The function of the stator is to create a
rotating magnetic field to generate torque efficiently. It is usually made up of 12
individually wrapped winding segments connected by a single copper wire.

#6 Brake
Brakes are used to hold things when the machine is turned off or the E-stop is
activated, it is made up of only a few parts. Keep in mind that the spring will let go
when voltage is applied, so care should be taken when releasing the brakes as the
motor will fall.

#7 Snap Ring
Using a snap ring minimizes damage to the motor while maintaining the shaft
position after a direct hit or nudge from an unwanted force. Without it, the shaft
could easily slide back into the housing.

#8 O Ring
An O-ring is placed between the two parts to form a seal to stop fluid from
entering. O rings are made of plastic polymers and servo motors consist of
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multiple o-rings.

#9 Bearing Keeper
A bearing keeper is a handheld plate located close to the pulley end that prevents
the bearing from slipping out of place.

#10 Encoder
An encoder is an electro-mechanical device used to transmit the speed and
direction of a motor back to the drive. This allows the operator to observe and
adjust certain parameters on demand. These are light in weight and are quite
compact.

Servo Motor Working Principle

The servo motor works on the principle of the pulse width modulation
method. In this, the angle of rotation is controlled by the duration of the applied
pulse to its control pin. Essentially, the servo motor is a type of DC motor
controlled by a variable resistor (potentiometer) and some gears.

Read Also: What is a capacitor and how does it work?

Working of Servo Motor

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A DC servo motor consists of a DC motor, a position sensing device, a gear
assembly, and a control circuit. The DC servo motor has a small DC motor is
employed for driving the loads at a precise speed and position.

Now, a DC reference voltage is set to the corresponding desired output. This

voltage is applied using a potentiometer by controlling the pulse width to the
voltage converter or via a timer depending on the control circuitry. The dial on the
potentiometer generates a related voltage which is then applied to the error
amplifier.

In some circuits, a pulse control method is used to create a DC reference voltage

corresponding to the desired position or speed of the motor. It is then applied to
the voltage converter by the pulse width.

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Through this converter, the capacitor begins to charge at a constant rate when the
pulse is high. Then the charge on the capacitor is fed to the buffer amplifier when
the pulse is low and this charge is further applied to the error amplifier.

So the length of the pulse decides the voltage applied at the error amplifier as the
desired voltage to produce the desired speed or position.

The feedback signal corresponding to the present position of the load is obtained
by using a position sensor. This sensor is normally a potentiometer that produces
the voltage corresponding to the absolute angle of the motor shaft through the
gear mechanism.

Servo Motor Mechanism

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A servo system mainly consists of three basic components – a controlled device, an
output sensor, and a feedback system.

This is an automatically closed-loop control system. Here instead of controlling a

device by applying a variable input signal, the device is controlled by a feedback
signal generated by comparing the output signal and reference input signal.

When a reference input signal or command signal is applied to the system, it is

compared with the system’s output reference signal produced by the output
sensor and a third signal made by the feedback system.

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This third signal acts as the input signal of the controlled device. This input signal
to the device presents as long as there is a logical difference between the
reference input signal and the output signal of the system.

After the device achieves its desired output, there will be no longer a logical
difference between the reference input signal and the reference output signal of
the system.

Then, the third signal produced by comparing these above signals will not be
sufficient to further operate the device and produce a further output of the system
until the next input signal or command signal is applied to the system. x
Hence the primary task of a servo mechanism is to maintain the output of a
system at the desired value in the presence of disturbances.

Read Also: 10 Different Types of Insulators Used In Transmission Lines

Types of Servo Motor

Following are the types of servo motor:

1. DC servo motor
2. AC servo motor
3. Positive rotation
4. Continuous rotation
5. Linear servo motor

#1 DC Servo Motor
This type uses separate DC sources in the field of winding & armature winding. A
DC servo motor consists of some components which are a small DC motor,
feedback potentiometer, gearbox, motor drive circuit, and feedback control loop. It
is quite similar to the normal DC motor.

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Motor control by controlling armature current or field current. These provide a
very precise and fast response to the start or stop command signal due to low
armature inductive reactance. These motors are used in computerized numerically
controlled machines.

#2 AC Servo Motor
AC motors include encoders that are used with controllers to provide feedback
and closed-loop control. This motor can feature high accuracy and has a high
design of tolerances. Some designs also use higher voltages to obtain more
torque.

They are used in automation, robotics, CNC machinery, and other applications for
the high degree of accuracy and versatility required.

#3 Positive Rotation
In this motor, the output shaft of the motor rotates 180 degrees. The motor mainly
consists of physical stops which are in the gear mechanism to prevent the rotation
sensor from rotating. These are commonly seen in radio-controlled water, radio-
controlled cars, planes, robots, toys, etc.

#4 Continuous Rotation
These are standard servo motors that have been modified to provide open-loop
speed control instead of their usual closed-loop position control. The control signal
is interpreted as the speed and direction of rotation, rather than determining the
position of the servo.

Servo to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the range of possible command

sources at varying speeds. The application is found in a drive motor on a mobile
robot.

#5 Linear Servo Motor

Linear servo motors fall into a class of positional rotation servo motors, but with
an additional set of gears to convert the O/P back and forth from circular. These
servo motors are rarely found but are sometimes they are used as actuators in
higher model airplanes.

Read Also: What are the different types of transformers?

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Advantages of Servo Motor

 1. They have the ability to produce high output power relative to motor size
and weight.
2. It has high efficiency and can reach 90% at light loads.
3. The motor provides high torque to inertia ratio and can accelerate loads
rapidly.
4. It can provide quiet operation, run smoothly, and provide high accuracy.
5. The position of servo motors can be controlled more precisely as compared
to other DC motors.

Disadvantages of Servo Motor

1. The drawback of the servo motor is that it demands tuning to stabilize the
feedback loop.
2. If something breaks, the motor will be unreliable. Therefore, a protection
circuit is required.
3. The overall system cost and installation cost are higher than that of a
stepper motor due to the need for feedback components.
4. It would require a complex controller to provide the encoder and electronic
support.

Applications of Servo Motor

Following are the applications of servo motor:

1. The servo motor is used in robotics to activate movements, giving the arm
its precise angle.
2. These are used to start, move, and stop-conveyor belts carrying the product
along with many stages. For instance, product labeling, bottling, and
packaging.
3. The servo motor is built into the camera to correct the lens of the camera to
improve out-of-focus images.
4. This motor is used in a robotic vehicle to control the robot wheels,
Producing plenty of torque to move, start and stop the vehicle and control
its speed.
5. These are also used in the solar tracking system to correct the angle of the
panel so that each solar panel stays to face the sun. In addition, These are
also used in metal forming and cutting machines to deliver specific motion
control for milling machines.
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6. Servo motor is used in Textiles to control spinning and weaving machines,
knitting machines, and looms.
 7. The servo motor is used in automatic door openers to control the door in
public places like supermarkets, hospitals, and theatres.
8. In Automobiles, servomechanism is used in power steering, braking system,
and cruise (speed) control.

Conclusion
In short, servo motors are used in many industries and have many advantages as
we discussed above. They offer many solutions regarding mechanical concerns
and have features that make them powerful and efficient.

So for now, I hope I’ve covered everything you were looking for about “Servo
Motor”. If you still have any doubts or questions regarding this topic, leave a
comment below I’ll definitely reply. If you liked it, then share this with your friends.

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You might like to read more in our blog regarding automobile engineering:

1. What are the parts of an engine for a car?

2. How does a steering system work in a vehicle?
3. Why suspension system is required in automobiles?

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 About MD Iyas

He is a mechanical engineer by profession and has five years of experience in

the mechanical engineering field. He knows everything about machines and
production work. Say hi to him :)
...

2 thoughts on “Servo Motor: Diagram, Definition, Types, Working

& Applications”

Gregory Ganira
June 26, 2022 at

Sent me the download link please

Reply

Saif M
June 28, 2022 at

The PDF file has been sent to your inbox.

Reply

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