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Published2025-10-15
Introduction to the SG90 Servo Motor and Its Applications
When it comes to robotics and electronic DIY projects, the SG90 servo motor stands out as one of the most reliable and popular choices. It has earned its place due to its affordability, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you're building a robotic arm, a remote-controlled car, or any project that involves precise movement, the SG90 offers unmatched efficiency and simplicity.
At its core, a servo motor is a rotary actuator that allows precise control of angular position, velocity, and acceleration. Unlike standard DC motors, which only rotate continuously, servo motors are designed to rotate to specific angles, making them ideal for applications where controlled movement is essential.
The SG90 is a small, lightweight, and highly affordable servo motor commonly used in educational projects, hobbyist robotics, and model building. Despite its size, it delivers impressive performance with a torque of about 1.8 kg·cm at 4.8V. It is capable of rotating between 0 to 180 degrees, which makes it ideal for applications requiring small, controlled movements.
Understanding the SG90 Servo Motor Pins
To get the most out of your SG90 servo motor, it’s essential to understand how to connect it properly to your control system, be it a microcontroller like Arduino or Raspberry Pi. The SG90 servo typically has three pins that must be connected correctly:
VCC (Power): This pin provides power to the servo. It is usually connected to a 5V supply, though it can sometimes work with lower voltages depending on the specific model and voltage requirements.
GND (Ground): This pin is for the ground connection. It must be connected to the ground of your power supply or microcontroller.
PWM (Signal): The signal pin receives a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal to control the position of the servo. The width of the pulse determines the angle of rotation. A 1.5ms pulse will set the servo to its neutral position (90 degrees), while a 1ms pulse will rotate it to 0 degrees, and a 2ms pulse will rotate it to 180 degrees.
Understanding these pins is crucial for configuring your servo motor for different projects. Connecting the power and ground pins properly ensures your motor receives the correct voltage, while the signal pin ensures precise control.
How Does the SG90 Servo Motor Work?
The operation of a servo motor like the SG90 is controlled through the PWM signal. A standard servo typically operates within a 5V power range, and the input signal (PWM) controls the angle by adjusting the pulse width.
The servo motor has a built-in feedback system that allows it to move to specific positions, keeping the motor’s shaft at a desired angle. This makes the SG90 ideal for applications like steering mechanisms, pan-and-tilt systems, and robotic arms.
When you send a PWM signal to the motor, the internal circuitry of the servo adjusts the position of the motor’s shaft accordingly. The servo motor is designed to respond to pulses that are repeated at regular intervals (usually 50Hz). The length of each pulse determines the angle to which the motor turns.
Popular Applications of the SG90 Servo Motor
The SG90 servo motor is widely used in a variety of fields, particularly in robotics, automation, and educational projects. Here are a few of its most common applications:
Robotics: The SG90 servo motor is a popular choice for creating robotic arms, legs, and joints. Its precise control makes it ideal for constructing movement systems in robots.
Model Vehicles: Many hobbyists use the SG90 servo to control the steering mechanism of remote-controlled cars, boats, and planes.
Pan-and-Tilt Cameras: Servo motors are often used to control the tilt and pan of camera systems, allowing for smooth and precise movement.
Automation Projects: The SG90 is used in home automation, where it can control doors, windows, or other elements that require mechanical movement.
Educational Kits: The affordability and simplicity of the SG90 make it an excellent tool for teaching electronics and robotics to students and hobbyists alike.
How to Connect and Program the SG90 Servo Motor
Wiring the SG90 Servo Motor
Now that we understand the theory behind the SG90 servo motor, it’s time to look at how to wire and use it in your projects. Below is a simple guide to help you get started:
Connect the VCC pin: Connect the VCC pin of the SG90 servo to the 5V pin of your microcontroller or power supply. Ensure that the voltage is within the 4.8V to 6V range for optimal performance.
Connect the GND pin: Connect the GND pin of the servo to the ground (GND) pin of your microcontroller or power supply. This establishes a common reference for both the signal and power supply.
Connect the PWM pin: The PWM pin is responsible for controlling the angle of the servo. Connect this pin to a PWM-enabled pin on your microcontroller. On an Arduino, this might be any of the digital pins marked with a '~' symbol, such as pin 9 or pin 10.
Programming the SG90 Servo Motor
To control the SG90, you will need to send a PWM signal to the signal pin. Let’s walk through a basic example of controlling the servo motor with an Arduino:
#include // Include the Servo library
Servo myServo; // Create a Servo object
myServo.attach(9); // Attach the servo to pin 9
myServo.write(0); // Rotate the servo to 0 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
myServo.write(90); // Rotate the servo to 90 degrees (neutral position)
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
myServo.write(180); // Rotate the servo to 180 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
In this example, we use the Servo library, which is built into the Arduino IDE. The code first attaches the servo motor to pin 9 of the Arduino. Then, in the loop() function, it continuously rotates the servo to 0, 90, and 180 degrees, with a 1-second delay between each movement.
Power Considerations for the SG90 Servo Motor
While the SG90 servo motor is known for its efficiency, it’s important to remember that it still requires an adequate power supply to perform optimally. If the voltage is too low or if the servo is overloaded, it may fail to reach its desired position or even stop working altogether.
When using multiple SG90 servo motors, it’s crucial to ensure that your power supply can handle the combined current requirements. It is also advisable to use an external power supply if you plan to run several servos simultaneously to avoid overloading the microcontroller’s power supply.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Servo Not Moving: If the servo isn’t moving, double-check the wiring connections, particularly the signal pin. Make sure the power supply voltage is sufficient and that the servo is attached to the correct pin on your microcontroller.
Jerky Movement: If the servo moves erratically or produces jerky movements, ensure that you’re sending the correct PWM signal and that the servo’s power supply is stable. Also, avoid overloading the servo with excessive weight or force.
Servo Not Reaching Desired Angles: Sometimes, the servo may not rotate to the expected position. This can happen if the PWM pulse width is incorrect. Use a servo tester or adjust your code to fine-tune the signal.
The SG90 servo motor is an incredibly versatile tool for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. With its simple wiring and control system, it’s an excellent choice for a wide range of projects. By understanding how to wire and program it correctly, you can unlock its full potential and create precise, reliable mechanical movements for your projects. Whether you’re building robots, remote-controlled vehicles, or automation systems, the SG90 servo motor is sure to be a key component in bringing your ideas to life.
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Update：2025-10-15
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