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Published2025-10-15
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The TowerPro SG90 Servo Motor: A Tiny But Powerful Tool for Robotics and DIY Projects
When it comes to building robots, creating remote-controlled models, or working on various electronics projects, the servo motor plays a pivotal role. While there are many different types of servo motors available in the market, the TowerPro SG90 servo motor is one of the most popular choices among hobbyists, engineers, and creators alike.
But what exactly makes this small, unassuming motor stand out from the crowd? In this first part of our exploration, we'll dive deep into the features and capabilities of the TowerPro SG90, why it's such a versatile component, and why it has earned its spot as a favorite in robotics and DIY electronics projects.
What is the TowerPro SG90 Servo Motor?
At its core, the TowerPro SG90 is a micro servo motor, which is a type of motor used to rotate an object or control the movement of a system in small, controlled increments. Unlike a standard DC motor, which continuously rotates, a servo motor is designed to rotate to a specific position, holding that position until instructed to move again. This precision makes servo motors like the SG90 an essential tool for robotics, model airplanes, remote-controlled cars, and even hobbyist automation projects.
The SG90 stands for its size (SG for "Small Gear") and its 9g weight, which makes it incredibly light and compact. This size allows it to fit into small robotic builds or projects that require tight spaces. Despite its small size, it packs enough power to deliver precise movements, making it a favorite for precise control tasks.
Key Features of the TowerPro SG90 Servo Motor
1. Compact and Lightweight
One of the most appealing aspects of the TowerPro SG90 servo motor is its compact size. Weighing only 9 grams and measuring approximately 22.2 x 11.8 x 31mm, it’s ideal for projects where space and weight are important factors, such as in small robots or remote-controlled models. Its light weight means that it won't burden your project with unnecessary weight, yet it can still perform its task with remarkable precision.
2. High Torque for Its Size
The TowerPro SG90 servo motor is capable of producing around 1.8 kg/cm of torque at 4.8V, which is fairly high for such a small servo motor. This allows it to move objects with moderate resistance, such as turning a small robotic arm or controlling the steering of a remote-controlled car. Despite its size, the SG90 can deliver significant power to handle precise mechanical tasks.
3. 360° Rotation with Precise Control
While many basic motors rotate continuously, the SG90 is designed for precise control of its angle, with a rotation range of 0° to 180°. This makes it ideal for controlling positions, such as rotating an object to a specific angle in robotics, cameras, or any setup that requires accurate and repeatable movements. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal used to control the servo allows it to rotate with exceptional precision, providing 1-degree increments of movement.
The TowerPro SG90 is also known for its low power consumption, operating at 4.8V but capable of working with voltages ranging from 3.0V to 6.0V. This characteristic makes it suitable for battery-powered devices, as it won’t drain the power source quickly, allowing you to maximize battery life in your robotics projects.
Servo motors like the SG90 are incredibly easy to control using PWM signals from microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or even custom-built circuits. The simple control mechanism makes it ideal for beginners in electronics, while still providing enough precision and flexibility for advanced projects. The standard three-wire configuration (signal, ground, and power) allows for easy integration with a wide variety of systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Why Is the TowerPro SG90 Servo Motor So Popular?
The TowerPro SG90 has been the go-to servo motor for a wide variety of applications, especially in robotics, thanks to its versatility and affordability. For hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, the SG90 is one of the most accessible motors on the market. Whether you’re building a small robot, creating a mechanical system, or working on a model aircraft, this motor’s affordable price and precise control make it an ideal choice.
The motor’s reliability is another key factor behind its popularity. It has become a trusted part of many beginner and advanced projects because of its durability and long-lasting performance. Despite its low cost, the SG90 provides excellent reliability in a variety of applications, whether you're using it for simple systems or complex mechanical setups.
For robotics enthusiasts, the SG90 is particularly useful because it can be used to control multiple parts of a robotic build, such as arms, legs, or even heads. It is also used in other areas like servo-driven cameras, servo-controlled grippers, and other components where precise control is necessary.
In summary, the TowerPro SG90 servo motor strikes a balance between size, power, precision, and cost. It's small but powerful enough for various applications, and its ease of use makes it a must-have for any hobbyist or engineer working on robotics, automation, or remote-control systems.
Applications of the TowerPro SG90 Servo Motor
The TowerPro SG90 is most commonly used in robotics. In small robots, this servo motor can serve as the driving force behind precise movements, such as rotating the head, moving the arms, or controlling the legs. Whether you're building a simple robotic arm or a more complex walking robot, the SG90’s ability to handle different angles and deliver reliable performance makes it perfect for the job.
In addition to movement, the SG90 can also be used for precise control in other systems, like controlling sensors or manipulating small mechanical systems. For example, it is often used in robotic hands to mimic the movement of human fingers or in servo-driven camera mounts to adjust camera angles automatically.
2. Remote-Controlled Cars and Planes
Another popular use for the TowerPro SG90 is in remote-controlled (RC) vehicles, such as RC cars, boats, and planes. In these models, the servo motor is used to control the steering mechanism, allowing the user to easily maneuver their vehicle in the desired direction. The SG90’s small size allows it to fit into these compact models without compromising performance.
Whether you’re building a basic RC car or designing an advanced model plane, the SG90 can be an excellent choice for precise, smooth control over your model’s movements.
Many automation systems rely on servo motors to position or move components accurately. The TowerPro SG90 is commonly used in DIY automation projects like automatic blinds, door openers, and even 3D printers. Its ability to hold a precise position means it’s an excellent choice for tasks requiring exact movements.
The motor can also be integrated into conveyor systems, robotic arms used in manufacturing, and even automated testing equipment in laboratories. The low power consumption and ease of control via microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi make it ideal for battery-powered automation projects.
4. Camera Systems and Gimbals
The SG90 servo motor is a key component in many camera systems, particularly in gimbal stabilizers. A gimbal is a pivoted support used to keep an object, like a camera, steady by compensating for unwanted motion. Using the SG90 servo motor, gimbals can precisely adjust the angle and direction of the camera to keep it stable, even during movement.
The low power consumption and lightweight nature of the SG90 make it perfect for small gimbal applications where weight and power efficiency are key considerations.
How to Control the TowerPro SG90 Servo Motor
Controlling the TowerPro SG90 is straightforward. Most often, it's controlled via a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal, where the width of the pulse determines the position of the servo. For example, a 1.5ms pulse will rotate the servo to 90 degrees, a 1ms pulse will move it to 0 degrees, and a 2ms pulse will move it to 180 degrees.
Using a microcontroller like Arduino or Raspberry Pi, you can easily program the servo to rotate to any desired position. For those new to programming, many simple libraries are available to control the SG90, which helps streamline the learning process and allows hobbyists to get their projects up and running quickly.
The TowerPro SG90 servo motor may be small, but its power, precision, and versatility have made it a staple in robotics, remote-controlled systems, and DIY electronics projects. Whether you are a hobbyist, a student, or a professional engineer, this affordable and reliable motor can bring your ideas to life, whether it’s in a small robot, an automation project, or a custom-designed remote-controlled vehicle.
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.
