What Is a Servo Processor?

Servos are small DC motors.

A servo is a direct current (DC) motor that has feedback control circuitry. Digital servo processors control the feedback loops from the servo motor's circuitry.

Digital vs Analog

There are two kinds of servo motors: digital and analog. While the two have the same basic control mechanisms, a digital servo motor's processor updates information from the feedback loops much more often than analog servo processors.

Servo vs Non-servo Motors

Because servo motors have feedback loops and a processor to interpret them, the motor itself can be aware of its current position. Non-servo motors have no awareness of their position; they simply move when told to do so.

Uses

Servo motors are often used in robotics and remote-controlled hobby devices, such as boats and planes.

References

• Philips Semiconductors: Digital Servo Processor (DSIC2)
• Society of Robots: Actuators - Servos