What Is a Closed-Loop Servo?
Open and closed-loop servo systems can be found in electrical and mechanical industries and are used primarily as electrical or electronic mechanisms. You can also find servos in computing and communication devices and as a remote source of control for thousands of small, medium and large consumer and industrial devices. Applications include everything from remote-controlled (RC) toys to large cargo ship rudders and multi-ton cooling fans.
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How it Works
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A servo uses an electrical control signal to move a device or load from one point to another or from one distinct position to another with surprising accuracy. An RC airplane, for instance, can bank left or right with amazing precision with a simple turn of a control because of an electronic synchronization or servo device built into the airplane. The servo signal originates at one point, is amplified and directed to the servo motor, which in turn controls the mechanism that moves the object.
Power Source
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Servo systems can be electronic, electro-mechanical, electro-hydraulic, hydraulic (powered by fluid, such as water) or pneumatic (powered by air). The type of servo control system chosen is determined by the load it will be moving.
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Closed-Loop Servo
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Because it provides greater accuracy and responds more quickly, closed-loop systems are more common than open-loop systems. This type of servo utilizes a continuous flow of input and output signals called "feedback," which creates a continuous loop signal path. A closed-loop system has a control transmitter, a control transformer and a servo motor.
Open-Loop System
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In comparison, an open-loop servo system is directly controlled by an input signal, which, when activated, controls the servo device to move the load or object. An open-loop system only has a signal amplifier and motor and is less common because it is less precise.
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References
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