Servo motor: everything you need to know

A servo motor is a special type of motor because it can combine mechanics and electronics. Thus, thanks to its composition, it allows you to make several very precise adjustments to the acceleration and speed of your car.

⚙️ How does a servo motor work?

A servo motor consists of a motor, but also of position sensor, also called rotation sensor... The latter can always know and record the position of the motor shaft.

In addition, it has an electronic element that allows it to be adjusted and is called servo regulator... As the name suggests, it will make adjustments as needed according to the collected values. Thus, it is possible to install the control circuit built into the servo motor.

Let us denote as servo the various interactions between the servo controller and the servo motor in the circuit. Unlike a fixed-duty positioning motor, the servo motor operates in a closed control loop.

Thus, the servo motor allows the rotor position to be measured by various methods. In particular, incremental position measurement, single-turn or multi-turn absolute encoders are highlighted. When these measurements are recorded, they are transmitted to the servo controller.

Thus, it provides more energy efficiency and more power. The servomotor is always equipped with 3 or 5 color-coded wires, the number of wires varies according to the power of the vehicle.

Thus, when your motor is running, the servo motor axis will change its position to change the resistance of the potentiometer. There are currently 3 types of servo motors:

• Classic servo motor : it can be offset from 0 ° to 180 °.
• Continuously rotating servomotor : here it is the control impulse that will select the direction and speed of rotation. Works as a geared motor.
• Analog Servo Motor : The feedback signal provides information about the exact position of the servomotor. This model offers great stability.

⚠️ How to maintain the servo motor?

To maintain the servo motor and ensure its longevity, the following reflexes must be considered when using it:

• Avoid overloading the servomotor : If it is in an overload situation, the electric current consumption will increase significantly, and in the long term there is a risk of damage to the servo motor;
• Check the sliding of the rods : if they do not slide correctly in the ducts, the energy consumption will be higher and this will affect the positioning accuracy;
• Make sure there is no blockage : The servomotor cannot be blocked, otherwise it may be destroyed;
• Protect the servomotor : It can be protected with power outlets to protect it from vehicle vibration;
• Use the right servo motor for your needs : Choose the model according to the power of your car (for example, 3 or 5 wires).

👨‍🔧 How to program a servo motor?

The servomotor can be programmed and controlled by programmable electronic card equipped with a processor and memory. Several sensors can be connected to it, for example: potentiometers, vibration or humidity sensors.

Thus, you can connect this electronic card to the servo motor using different cables. Then you will need a computer to install the program to test and control your servo motor. Several code steps may be required to program the servo motor.

In addition, it will also be necessary to connect the servo motor and electronic board to the potentiometer so that the servo motor can be easily controlled. It is important to follow the wiring diagrams carefully when performing this operation, as they may differ depending on the different models of the electronic board.

As you can imagine, this maneuver requires a mastery of electronics and computers. If you feel that you cannot perform this operation, it is better to entrust it to a professional so as not to damage the servo motor.

💸 How much does a servo motor cost?

A servo motor is more or less expensive, depending on the model and power chosen. This is because more powerful 5-wire models will sell for more than 3-wire servo motors. Usually costs from 60 € and 250 €... If you also want to purchase an electronic card for its programming, it will take from 7 € and 25 € to purchase it.

A servomotor is a truly intelligent motor that combines the power of mechanics and electronics to provide power and stability to a vehicle. If you have the slightest doubt about its health, feel free to use our garage comparator to find one near your home and at the best price!