SERVOMECHANISM

MOHSIN SABIR
70072952
INTRODUCTION

• Servomechanism, automatic device used to correct the performance of a mechanism

by means of an error-sensing feedback.
• The term servomechanism properly applies only to systems in which the feedback
and error-correction signals control mechanical position or one of its derivatives such
as velocity or acceleration.
• All servomechanisms have at least these basic components: a controlled device, a
command device, an error detector, an error-signal amplifier, and a device to perform
any necessary error corrections (the servomotor).
• For example, an automotive power window control is not a servomechanism, as
there is no automatic feedback that controls position,the operator does this by
observation. By contrast the car's cruise control uses closed loop feedback,which
classifies it as a servomechanism.
• The Boeing 777 is the first heavy jet plane engineered to fly with all major flight-
control functions managed by servomechanisms. The design of this revolutionary
plane is based on the so-called “fly-by-wire” system. In normal flight a digital
signal communicates the pilot’s instructions electrically to control
servomechanisms that position the plane’s control surfaces as needed.
OPEN LOOP SYSTEM

DEMAND
• In this system, an input is applied and an output DEMAND
INPUT SIGNAL
obtained. Figure shows an example; assume an TRANSDUCER
AMP

aircraft rudder controlled by an open loop system.

• The demand, made by the pilot on the rudder bar, is
picked up by the transducer which converts it to an
electrical signal i.e. the demand signal. This signal RESPONSE

is amplified and fed to the motor, which responds

MOTOR LOAD
by moving the load i.e. the rudder. There is no
positional feedback and the pilot does not know if
the rudder has adopted the position requested.
CLOSED LOOP SYSTEM
ERROR
DETECTOR

• In the closed loop system, the INPUT

TRANSDUCER
ERROR
AMP
SERVO
MOTOR
LOAD

demand is made in the same way. In SIGNAL

a basic system, positional feedback

would be given to the pilot who
would make adjustments accordingly
but this is not practical with systems POSITION
FEEDBACK OUTPUT
POSITION
TRANSDUCER
such as aircraft flying controls.Figure
shows closed lo system
 FOLLOW UP
• If in our example the rudder were to be displaced from its demanded position, or
from the optimum speed at which the demanded position may be achieved, an
error signal occurs.
• In the way described, there is a feedback signal and the system returns to its
demanded position or speed. This process is called 'follow up'.
 POSITIONAL FEEDBACK
• Positional feedback is obtained from transducers positioned at the output. The
feedback element, or transducer, converts the output shaft angle into a signal
suitable for operating the error detector. In this case a voltage signal. The
simplest form of element is a R-pot, or a helical potentiometer similar to that used
as a control element. In practice, helical potentiometers are used since they give
360° coverage, which a R-pot cannot provide. Following figure shows positional
feedback in a dc system.
CONTROL
ERROR
ELEMENT
DETECTOR SERVO
MOTOR

LOAD

VELOCITY TACHO
FEEDBACK GEN

POSITIONAL FEEDBACK
FEEDBACK ELEMENT
 TYPES OF SERVO

There are two main classes of servomechanism - remote position control (RPC) servos and
velocity control servos (velodynes):

• RPC servos. These are used to control the angular, or linear position of a load. A typical example
of the use of a RPC servo is the control of the direction in which a radar scanner is pointing.
• Velodynes. These are used to control the speed of a load. In this case, the speed of the driving
motor is made proportional to the input demand (usually a voltage). A typical example of the use
of a velodyne is the control of a radar scanner, which is required to rotate with a constant angular
velocity
 APPLICATIONS OF SERVO
• Automotive power steering uses hydraulic fluid under great pressure to power an
actuator that redirects the wheels of a car as needed. The driver gently turns the
steering wheel and the power-assist servomechanism provides much of the
necessary energy needed to position the wheels.
• High-performance airplanes need special servo-mechanisms called flight-control
systems to compensate for performance instabilities that would otherwise
compromise their safety.
THANK YOU