In one of our articles about motors, we introduced you to the main types of electric motors. Here, the intention is to show you the servo motor, which is part of the category of electric motors, but allows specific applications, different from the more traditional standard motors.

The main function of an electric motor is the transformation of electrical energy into mechanical energy, which in the case of the servo motor is not different. This motor has exactly the same purpose but can be controlled differently. As a matter of curiosity, we present you the true meaning of the term "servo motor": the word "servo" derives from the name "servant" or "slave" and therefore represents the mechanism that is being controlled, while the control mechanism is represented by "motor" for being the master.

These motors are not categorized into any specific class since their type can vary, that is, there are servo motors within all categories of electric motors, whether Direct Current or Alternating Current. Servo motors are a constituent of motorization, like any other motor, and controlled via an electrical signal that determines the "amount of motion" on the shaft. That is, it is possible in a servo motor to precisely control the electrical quantities of Current and Voltage in order to perfectly control the movement generated in the motor.

As they require a dedicated controller, they have a higher cost. However, this cost has been decreasing and servo motors are gaining more relevance in the market and are already an alternative, in several applications, to replace standard electric motors.