You must have heard about motors, and having a slight or intermediate knowledge about these devices. There are a number of different types of motors being used today in diverse applications. One such type of motor is a servo motor. These motors have been around for several years now, and are most commonly used for pushing different machine parts to carry out various processes. So, what is a servo motor? How does it work? Why it is being used so extensively in most applications? Are these questions popping into your mind? Well, the answers to all these questions lie in the following post. Read on to know everything about the servo motor.
Let’s Get Started with the Basics of Servo Motor
This section will answer the first question- What is a servo motor? It is an electrical device, which is used to rotate or push an object accurately. This device allows you to rotate the object at desired angles and distance. Inside this servo motor is a servo mechanism, which is the key driving element of the motor. Depending on whether the motor is AC powered or DC powered, it is termed as an AC servo motor or a DC servo motor respectively.
The Working of a Servo Motor
The main components of a servo motor include:
Gear assembly
Potentiometer
AC/DC Motor
Controlling Circuit
The working of a servo motor is as described in the steps below:
First, in order to increase the torque of the servo motor and reduce the rotations per minute (RPM), a gear assembly is used. In the initial stage, that is, before the motor starts, the position of the potentiometer is arranged in such a way that the output port of the potentiometer does not generate any electrical signal.
After confirming the position of potentiometer in the earlier step, the input terminal of the error detector amplifier is provided with an electrical signal.
Now, there are two signals – from potentiometer and the other source. The feedback mechanism of the motor processes the difference between these two signals. The output of this process is measured in the terms of error signal, which is the input for starting the servo motor.
The shaft of the motor is connected to the potentiometer. As the motor rotates, the shaft moves the potentiometer, thus generating a signal.
As the potentiometer moves, its angular position changes. This in turn changes the output feedback signal. A point comes when the potentiometer reaches a certain position, where the output of the potentiometer and the external signal is the same.
This is the point where the difference between the signal generated by the potentiometer and external signal is zero. Thus, the amplifier will not provide any output signal to the motor input. This will stop the rotating motor.
What Makes Servo Motor Popular in Diverse Applications
The following advantages of a servo motor are the reasons for its popularity in a wide range of applications:
A servo motor has a good efficiency.
It allows you to carry out operation at high speed.
Though small in size, the motor delivers a high output power.
In case of heavy load conditions, the motor current is increased by the driver. This prevents the out-of-step condition.
The accuracy and resolution is determined by the encoder of the servo motor.
The operation is carried out without any vibration and resonance.
All in all, servo motors are considered to be among the most essential devices in industrial applications. Its performance depends on its quality and brand. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out proper maintenance of these motors. There are many experienced suppliers and manufacturers, which can provide you with quality servo motor maintenance services. One such service provider is Motor & Gear Engineering, Inc.
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