What Is a Servo Motor?
A servo motor, often shortened to "servo," is a self-contained electrical device that rotates or pushes parts of a machine with high precision. Unlike a standard motor that spins continuously, a servo can be instructed to move to a specific angle or linear position and hold it there, making it essential for tasks requiring precise control.
Section 2: Key Components of a Servo
A typical servo motor consists of three main parts: a small DC motor, a gear reduction unit, and a control circuit with a feedback sensor (usually a potentiometer). The motor provides the power, the gears reduce the speed while increasing the torque (rotational force), and the control circuit reads the feedback sensor to ensure the output shaft is at the commanded position.
Section 3: A Practical Example
Consider the steering system in a remote-controlled (RC) car. When you turn the wheel on the remote, a signal is sent to the servo connected to the car's front wheels. The servo's control circuit interprets this signal, rotates the output shaft to a specific angle, and turns the wheels. The internal sensor confirms the wheels are at the correct angle and holds them steady until a new command is received.
Section 4: Importance and Applications
Servo motors are crucial in fields that demand precise positional control. Their ability to move to a specific position and hold it makes them fundamental components in robotics for moving arms and legs, in model airplanes for controlling flaps and rudders, in industrial automation for positioning tools, and even in cameras for autofocus mechanisms.