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Published2025-10-15
Introduction to the SG90 Servo Motor
The SG90 servo motor is a small, lightweight, and affordable component that plays a key role in robotics and other mechanical systems. It is one of the most popular motors for hobbyists, engineers, and robotic enthusiasts, particularly for use in small-scale robotic arms, vehicles, and other projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, understanding the SG90 servo motor is crucial to mastering its applications.
What is an SG90 Servo Motor?
A servo motor is a type of motor that allows for precise control of angular position, speed, and torque. Unlike standard DC motors, which rotate continuously, a servo motor is designed to rotate to a specific angle based on the input signal. The SG90, a sub-model of standard servos, is popular due to its small size, light weight, and cost-effectiveness. Typically, SG90 motors have a rotational range of approximately 180°, making them perfect for applications that need precise movement within a restricted angle.
The "SG" in SG90 refers to the manufacturer "Sunjie," while "90" refers to the specific model. As one of the most widely used servo motors in the market, the SG90 is particularly favored in DIY robotics, models, and even educational tools.
Components of the SG90 Motor
Before exploring the uses and applications of the SG90, it’s essential to understand the components that make up the motor. These include:
Motor: The core of the SG90 is the motor itself, a small DC motor that powers the rotation.
Gearbox: The motor's high-speed rotations are reduced by the gearbox, allowing for precise control of the angle.
Control Circuitry: The control circuitry is responsible for interpreting the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals and adjusting the motor's movement accordingly.
Feedback Mechanism: A potentiometer (or similar feedback device) provides the position feedback, ensuring the motor achieves the desired angle.
Pins: The motor typically has three pins: VCC (Voltage), GND (Ground), and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). These pins control the motor’s movement by receiving electrical signals from a microcontroller, such as an Arduino.
Size and Weight: The SG90 is extremely compact, with dimensions of around 22.5mm x 12mm x 27mm and a weight of just 9 grams. This makes it ideal for small robots or projects where space and weight are crucial.
Torque and Speed: Despite its small size, the SG90 delivers a torque of approximately 1.8kg-cm at 4.8V, and it can rotate up to 180° with an impressive speed of 0.1s per 60° at 4.8V.
Power Requirements: The SG90 operates on a supply voltage range between 4.8V and 6V, with a current draw of about 150mA under typical operation. This means that the servo is relatively power-efficient, which is beneficial for battery-powered projects.
The Motor Servo SG90 Pinout and Connections
When wiring the SG90 to a microcontroller, such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi, it’s crucial to understand the pinout configuration. The motor typically has three pins:
VCC Pin: This is the power supply pin. It connects to the 5V or 6V output from your microcontroller or external power source.
GND Pin: This is the ground pin, which completes the circuit. It must be connected to the ground (GND) pin on the microcontroller.
PWM Pin: The PWM pin is the signal pin that controls the position of the servo. The pulse width modulated signal sent to this pin determines how far the motor turns. The typical pulse width for an SG90 servo motor is 1ms to 2ms, with a 20ms period.
By sending different PWM values, you can instruct the servo to rotate to specific angles. For instance, a pulse width of 1ms typically rotates the motor to 0°, and 2ms corresponds to 180°. This method of control allows for precise positioning, making SG90 motors popular in robotic applications where accuracy is key.
Applications of the SG90 Servo Motor
One of the most common uses for the SG90 servo motor is in robotic systems. Robotics enthusiasts often use these motors to power various parts of a robot, including arms, legs, and even heads in humanoid robots. The servo’s small size and precise control make it ideal for these tasks.
Servo motors are essential for building functional robotic arms, which require precise joint movement. By linking multiple SG90 servos together, users can create articulated arms with different degrees of motion. The SG90’s small size also makes it perfect for applications where space is constrained, such as in miniature robots or toys.
Another application of SG90 motors is in the movement of small robot vehicles. The motor can be used to control the wheels or steering mechanisms in a robot, giving it the ability to move in a controlled manner. The precision of the SG90 allows for smooth and accurate turns, essential in robotic navigation.
Educational Projects and Prototyping
The SG90 servo motor is an invaluable tool for educational purposes. It is often used in teaching students about mechanics, electronics, and programming. The affordability of the SG90 makes it accessible for a wide range of educational institutions, from schools to universities.
Students can experiment with servo motors to build simple projects like automated doors, moving robots, or even electronic toys. The SG90’s straightforward control with microcontrollers like Arduino also makes it an excellent introductory component for learning about PWM control and servo programming.
Automation and Control Systems
Beyond robotics, SG90 motors are also employed in various automation systems. For instance, they can be used in automated cameras, solar panel trackers, or even in controlling the angle of antennae. These applications rely on the ability of the SG90 to make small, precise movements.
One practical example is in automated plant watering systems, where SG90 motors are used to adjust the direction of water dispensers. The fine control provided by these motors ensures that the water is delivered accurately and without waste.
For hobbyists, SG90 motors are an essential part of DIY projects. Whether it’s building a remote-controlled car, a clock with moving parts, or even a small mechanical display, the SG90 motor can provide the necessary precision and movement.
Because SG90 motors are widely used in hobbyist projects, they are readily available in various hobby stores and online platforms. Additionally, since they are lightweight and inexpensive, they are ideal for anyone looking to create something unique without breaking the bank.
Interfacing with Microcontrollers
SG90 motors are easily interfaced with microcontrollers such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or ESP32. Using libraries like the Arduino Servo library, developers can easily control the motor’s position with simple code. This makes the SG90 a fantastic choice for anyone working on a microcontroller-based project.
The code used to control SG90 motors is typically simple and easy to understand. Developers can adjust the motor’s angle by sending the correct PWM signal. The ease of integration with microcontrollers has led to the SG90 becoming one of the go-to motors for educational purposes and small-scale projects.
Conclusion: Why the SG90 is a Must-Have for Makers
In conclusion, the SG90 servo motor is an essential component for anyone working with robotics, automation, or hobbyist projects. Its small size, affordability, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced engineers alike. Whether you are designing a robotic arm, building an educational project, or automating a system, the SG90 servo motor offers precision and reliability.
By understanding the SG90’s components, applications, and control methods, you can harness its potential in your projects and experiments. Its adaptability makes it one of the most popular servo motors in the world today, and as technology continues to evolve, so too will the uses for this remarkable little motor.
Leveraging innovations in modular drive technology, Kpower integrates high-performance motors, precision reducers, and multi-protocol control systems to provide efficient and customized smart drive system solutions.
Update：2025-10-15
Contact Kpower's product specialist to recommend suitable motor or gearbox for your product.
