How to Use Servo MG90S: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The MG90S is a small, lightweight servo motor commonly used in robotics and hobby projects. It features a metal gear for improved durability and provides precise control of angular position, making it ideal for applications requiring movement and positioning. This servo motor is widely appreciated for its reliability, compact size, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for beginners and professionals alike.

• Robotic arms and grippers
• RC vehicles (cars, boats, planes)
• Pan-tilt camera systems
• Automated mechanisms and animatronics
• Educational and DIY electronics projects

The MG90S servo motor is designed to deliver high performance in a compact form factor. Below are its key technical details:

The MG90S servo motor has a 3-wire connector with the following pinout:

The MG90S servo motor is straightforward to use and can be controlled using a microcontroller like an Arduino. Below are the steps to use it in a circuit:

1. Power Supply: Connect the red wire to a 5V power source and the brown wire to ground (GND). Ensure the power supply can provide sufficient current (at least 1A) to avoid voltage drops.
2. Signal Connection: Connect the orange wire to a PWM-capable pin on your microcontroller (e.g., pin 9 on an Arduino UNO).
3. Bypass Capacitor: Place a 100 µF capacitor across the power supply terminals to stabilize the voltage and reduce noise.

Below is an example of how to control the MG90S servo motor using an Arduino UNO:

#include <Servo.h> // Include the Servo library

Servo myServo; // Create a Servo object to control the MG90S

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
}

• Power Supply: Avoid powering the servo directly from the Arduino's 5V pin, as it may not provide enough current. Use an external power source if possible.
• PWM Signal: Ensure the PWM signal is within the specified range (500 µs to 2500 µs) to avoid damaging the servo.
• Mechanical Load: Do not exceed the servo's torque rating to prevent overheating or damage to the motor.

1. Servo Not Moving

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or insufficient power supply.
   • Solution: Double-check the wiring and ensure the power supply provides at least 1A of current.

2. Servo Jittering

   • Cause: Electrical noise or unstable power supply.
   • Solution: Add a bypass capacitor (e.g., 100 µF) across the power supply terminals.

3. Servo Overheating

   • Cause: Excessive mechanical load or prolonged operation at high torque.
   • Solution: Reduce the load or allow the servo to cool down periodically.

4. Limited Rotation

   • Cause: The MG90S is a positional servo with a range of 0° to 180°.
   • Solution: Ensure your PWM signal is within the specified range (500 µs to 2500 µs).

Q: Can the MG90S rotate continuously?
A: No, the MG90S is a positional servo with a limited rotation range of 0° to 180°. For continuous rotation, consider using a continuous rotation servo.

Q: Can I control multiple MG90S servos with one Arduino?
A: Yes, you can control multiple servos using different PWM-capable pins. However, ensure your power supply can handle the combined current draw of all servos.

Q: What happens if I exceed the torque rating?
A: Exceeding the torque rating can cause the servo to stall, overheat, or become damaged. Always operate within the specified limits.

Q: Can I use the MG90S with a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the MG90S can be controlled using the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins with a PWM signal. However, you may need a dedicated PWM driver for precise control.