What is a Servo Motor Everything You Need to Know

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What is a Servo Motor Everything You Need to Know

What is a Servo Motor Everything You Need to Know — In factories, labs, and even in your camera lens, there’s a quiet performer making precise movements possible — the servo motor.
Many people hear the term but never really understand what makes these motors different from the regular ones.
If you are in manufacturing, robotics, packaging, or any field that needs accuracy and control, knowing how servo motors work is not optional — it is essential.
A small design mistake, a poor motor selection, or skipping proper wiring can cost hours of downtime and thousands in losses.
At Reckers Automation, we have seen this first-hand — machines failing mid-process because the wrong servo motor was used, or connections were made without following manufacturer instructions. This blog is here to help you avoid those mistakes and understand servo motors in depth.
What is a Servo Motor?

A servo motor is a special type of motor designed for precise control of position, speed, and acceleration.
Unlike standard motors that just spin continuously when powered, a servo motor can move to a specific angle, stop, and hold that position — all with incredible accuracy.
The term “servo” comes from the Latin word servus, meaning “slave” or “servant.” That is exactly how these motors behave — they respond to a control signal and “serve” the command.

You will find servo motors in:

Industrial robots
CNC machines
Camera auto-focus systems
Packaging lines
Conveyor systems
Medical devices

How Does a Servo Motor Work?

The servo motor working principle is simple in concept but advanced in execution.
It uses a closed-loop control system — meaning it continuously receives feedback about its position from a sensor, usually an encoder or potentiometer.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Command signal -
A controller sends a target position, speed, or torque to the servo drive.
Drive control -
The servo drive sends power to the motor according to the command.
Movement and feedback -
As the motor moves, the sensor checks the position.
Error correction -
If there’s any difference between the target and actual position, the drive corrects it instantly.
Example: In a packaging machine, if a servo motor is set to move 90 degrees and stop, it will do so precisely — not 88 degrees, not 92 degrees. That accuracy is what sets it apart from standard motors.

Types of Servo Motors
Servo motors come in different designs depending on the application.

1. AC Servo Motor
Runs on alternating current
Known for high efficiency, better torque, and longer lifespan.
Used in heavy-duty industrial applications like CNC machining and robotics.

2. DC Servo Motor
Runs on direct current.
Known for simpler control and lower cost.
Common in smaller, lighter-duty applications.

3. Servo Motor SG90
A micro servo motor popular in hobby projects, drones, and small robots.
Can rotate about 180 degrees with good precision.

Servo Motor Connections and Pins
Correct servo motor connection is critical for performance.
Most servo motors have three pins:

Power supply - Usually 5V for small servos, higher for industrial ones.

Ground - Common reference point.

Control signal - Receives commands from the controller.

For larger industrial servo systems, connections include:

Encoder feedback wiring
Motor power lines
Brake connections (for holding position when powered off)

Improper wiring can cause overheating, signal loss, or complete system failure. At Reckers, we always advise following the manufacturer’s wiring diagram exactly — and double-checking it before powering on.

Servo Motor vs Stepper Motor

One of the most common questions we get is — what is the difference between a servo motor and a stepper motor?

Features Servo Motor Stepper Motor
Control Close- loop Open-loop
Accuracy Very high Moderate
Speed High Medium
Tongue at high speed Stronger Week
Cost Higher Lower
Applications Robotics, CNC, conveyors 3D printing, light automation

In short — if your application needs precision at high speed, go for a servo. If cost is the main concern and speed isn’t critical, a stepper might do the job.

Servo Motor Diagrams and Internal Components
A servo motor diagram typically shows:

Motor housing
Gear assembly (for torque control)
Control circuit
Position sensor (encoder/potentiometer)

These parts work together to make sure the motor moves exactly as intended, without drifting off target.

Applications of Servo Motors

Servo motors are used across multiple industries:
E-mobility – Electric vehicles use servo motors in steering and braking systems.
Robotics – For precise arm movements and positioning.
CNC machines – For accurate cutting, drilling, and shaping.
Camera systems – For lens focus and stabilization.
Medical equipment – For robotic surgery and automated testing systems.
Packaging lines – For labeling, sealing, and sorting.

Specifications You Should Know Before Choosing a Servo Motor

When selecting a servo motor, consider:

Torque rating – How much force it can apply.
Speed – Measured in RPM.
Voltage requirement – AC or DC, and the voltage level.
Control type – Pulse width modulation (PWM) or other control methods.
Duty cycle – Whether it can run continuously or needs rest periods.

Fun Fact – Largest Servo Motor in the World

The largest industrial servo motors can weigh over 1,000 kilograms and deliver torque in the range of 50,000 Nm.
These are used in applications like ship steering systems and giant telescope positioning.

How Reckers Automation is Helping in This Field

At Reckers Automation, servo motors are more than just components — they are part of a bigger solution.
We help industries:

Select the right type and size of servo motor for the job.
Integrate motors with PLC and SCADA systems for complete automation.
Provide wiring, commissioning, and testing to ensure zero downtime.
Offer maintenance contracts to keep motors in peak condition.

Whether it’s retrofitting an older production line or designing a new automation setup, we ensure every servo motor is installed for maximum efficiency and longevity.

Conclusion

A servo motor is not just another motor — it is a precision tool that can transform your automation system.
From factory floors to medical labs, its ability to position with accuracy makes it invaluable.
Understanding the types, connections, and applications will help you make smarter automation decisions.
If you want expert guidance on selecting and integrating servo motors, Reckers Automation is here to help.

FAQs

Q1: What is a servo motor used for?
It is used for precise positioning and speed control in machines like CNCs, robots, and packaging systems.

Q2: How is a servo motor different from a stepper motor?
A servo motor uses feedback for precise control, while a stepper motor works in fixed steps without feedback.

Q3: What is the working principle of a servo motor?
It operates on a closed-loop control system, adjusting its position based on feedback from a sensor.

Q4: Can I connect a servo motor directly to a power supply?
No. It requires a controller or driver to interpret commands and control movement.

Q5: Which is better — AC or DC servo motor?
AC servo motors are better for heavy-duty, high-speed work. DC servo motors are good for light, simple applications.

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