- Servo Motor
A rotary or linear actuator that allows for precise control of position, speed, and torque.
- Torque
The force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. Torque in servo motors refers to the motor’s ability to produce rotational force.
– Synonym: Twisting force
- RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
A unit of rotational speed that indicates the number of full rotations a motor makes in one minute.
– Synonym: Rotational speed
- Encoder
A sensor that provides feedback to the servo motor’s control system about the position, speed, and rotation direction.
– Synonym: Position sensor
- Backlash
The slack or lost motion in a mechanical system caused by gaps between moving parts, which can affect servo motor accuracy.
– Synonym: Play
- Closed-loop System
A servo system where the output is continuously monitored and adjusted based on feedback to maintain precise control.
– Synonym: Feedback system
- Open-loop System
A servo system that operates without feedback, so the control is not adjusted based on the motor’s actual performance.
– Synonym: Non-feedback system
- PID Controller (Proportional-Integral-Derivative Controller)
A control loop mechanism that uses feedback to control variables like speed or position in servo motors.
- Stator
The stationary part of a motor, housing the coils that generate a magnetic field when current is applied.
- Rotor
The rotating part of a motor that is acted upon by the magnetic field produced by the stator.
- Commutation
The process of switching the current in motor windings to maintain torque production in an electric motor.
– Synonym: Switching
- Brushless DC Motor (BLDC)
A type of motor that uses electronic commutation (instead of brushes) to drive the motor, increasing efficiency and reducing wear.
– Synonym: N/A
- Brushed DC Motor
A motor that uses mechanical brushes to commutate the motor windings, leading to more wear and tear compared to brushless motors.
– Synonym: N/A
- Linear Actuator
A type of actuator that creates motion in a straight line rather than rotational movement.
– Synonym: Linear motor
- Stepping Motor / Stepper Motor
A motor that moves in discrete steps, allowing for precise control of position without requiring feedback.
– Synonym: N/A
- Feedback
Information sent from the motor to the control system, allowing adjustments to maintain the desired operation (e.g., position, speed).
– Synonym: Monitoring signal
- Resolution
The smallest movement increment that a servo motor can detect and respond to, often determined by the encoder.
– Synonym: Precision
- Duty Cycle
The ratio of the time a motor is on to the total operating time, expressed as a percentage.
– Synonym: On-time ratio
- Inertia
The resistance of an object to changes in its motion. In motors, this refers to the resistance to acceleration or deceleration.
– Synonym: Mass moment of inertia
- Hysteresis
The lag between the input and output of a system, often seen in the difference between forward and reverse operation of motors.
– Synonym: Lag
- Inductance
The property of an electrical conductor that causes a voltage to be generated in response to a change in current.
- Capacitance
The ability of a system to store electrical charge. In servo motors, capacitance can affect power delivery.
- Shaft
The rotating element that transmits power in a motor.
– Synonym: Axle
- Flange
A flat or projecting rim used to attach a motor to a mounting surface or another device.
– Synonym: Mounting plate
- Peak Torque
The maximum torque that a motor can produce for a short duration without damage.
– Synonym: Maximum torque
- Continuous Torque
The maximum torque a motor can produce continuously without overheating.
– Synonym: Sustained torque
- Nominal Voltage
The voltage at which a motor is designed to operate optimally.
– Synonym: Rated voltage
- Power Rating
The maximum amount of power a motor can handle before overheating or failing.
– Synonym: Rated power
- Friction
The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another, which can affect motor performance.
– Synonym: Drag
- Magnetic Field
The field around a magnet or current-carrying conductor where magnetic forces are exerted, essential for motor operation.
– Synonym: Electromagnetic field
- Poles
The number of magnetic poles in a motor, which affects the motor’s speed and torque.
– Synonym: Magnetic poles
- Brushes
Components in a brushed DC motor that conduct current between stationary wires and moving parts.
– Synonym: Contactors
- Commutator
A rotary switch in a brushed motor that periodically reverses the current direction in the windings.
– Synonym: Electrical switch
- Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
A technique used to control motor speed by varying the width of the pulses in a signal.
– Synonym: Pulse control
- Cogging
A form of mechanical resistance felt when rotating the motor’s shaft due to magnetic attraction between the rotor and stator.
– Synonym: Magnetic resistance