A servo motor is a rotary actuator that allows for precise control of angular position, velocity, and acceleration. It consists of a motor coupled to a sensor for position feedback, along with a control circuit. Servo motors are widely used in applications requiring accurate movement and positioning, such as robotics, automation systems, RC vehicles, and industrial machinery. Their ability to maintain a specific position makes them ideal for tasks like steering mechanisms, robotic arms, and camera gimbals.
Servo motors come in various sizes and specifications, but the following are typical for standard hobby servo motors:
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
Operating Voltage | 4.8V to 6V |
Stall Torque | 1.5 kg·cm to 20 kg·cm (varies) |
Operating Speed | ~0.1 to 0.2 seconds per 60° |
Control Signal | PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) |
PWM Pulse Range | 1 ms to 2 ms (for 0° to 180°) |
Idle Current | ~10 mA |
Maximum Current | ~1 A (varies by model) |
Rotation Range | 0° to 180° (standard) |
Connector Type | 3-pin (Signal, VCC, GND) |
The servo motor typically has a 3-pin connector with the following pinout:
Pin | Wire Color | Description |
---|---|---|
Signal | Orange/White | Receives PWM control signal |
VCC | Red | Power supply (4.8V to 6V) |
GND | Brown/Black | Ground connection |
Below is an example code to control a servo motor using an Arduino UNO:
#include <Servo.h> // Include the Servo library
Servo myServo; // Create a Servo object to control the motor
void setup() {
myServo.attach(9); // Attach the servo to pin 9 on the Arduino
}
void loop() {
myServo.write(0); // Move the servo to 0 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
myServo.write(90); // Move the servo to 90 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
myServo.write(180); // Move the servo to 180 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}
Servo
library simplifies the process of generating PWM signals for servo control.myServo.write(angle)
function sets the servo to a specific angle (0° to 180°).Servo Motor Not Moving
Servo Jitters or Vibrations
Servo Overheating
Servo Moves Erratically
Q: Can I rotate the servo motor beyond 180°?
Q: Can I control multiple servos with one Arduino?
Servo
library, but ensure the power supply can handle the total current draw.Q: Why does my servo make a buzzing noise?
By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate and troubleshoot a servo motor in your projects.