How do Servo Motors Work
The term "servo" is derived from the Latin (Latin "servus" = servant). This means that each motor used for (exact) positioning or to remain constant torque or speed can be named as servo motor.
For this purpose, however, a closed-loop control with appropriate sensors are necessary. The servo motors themselves form part of this closed-loop control.
Thus, there is generally no limitation, which types of electric motors are actually used as servomotors. Thus, a DC motor, a synchronous motor or asynchronous motor, even a stepper motor with rotor position detection can be used as a "servomotor".
How a servo drive works - simplified illustration
If one speaks of servo drive, then usually the combination of servomotor and servo controller is meant, which together form a closed-loop control (position, speed, torque).
Servo drive = Controller + Servomotor
In this video below you get the functioning of a servo motor and how the components of a servo drive system work together. From the content:
- Introduction Servo motor
- Clarify the terms Servo motor and Servo Drive systems in general
- Sensor feedback device as a part of the servo drive
- The components of a Servo Motion Control System
- Structure and functioning of a AC servo motor