Looking for a suitable motor?
小编
Published2025-10-15
The SG90 motor servo is one of the most popular and versatile servos used in robotics, RC (remote-controlled) vehicles, and various other applications. This article takes you through everything you need to know about the SG90 motor servo, from its working principles to its practical uses in different fields. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, you’ll find this guide to be a valuable resource.
.webp)
Understanding the SG90 Motor Servo and Its Core Features
The SG90 motor servo is a widely recognized and often-used servo motor in the world of electronics and robotics. Compact, affordable, and reliable, the SG90 servo is an essential part of many DIY projects, professional robots, and even hobbyist RC vehicles. Whether you're building a robot arm or a simple RC car, the SG90 motor servo can be an ideal choice due to its exceptional performance and ease of use.
What is an SG90 Motor Servo?
The SG90 is a small, lightweight, and high-performance servo motor that is typically used for precise control of angular positions. A servo motor differs from regular motors because it includes an integrated controller that allows for precise movement control over a specified range of angles. This makes servos perfect for applications that require movement with a high degree of accuracy, such as robotic arms, pan-and-tilt camera mounts, and RC airplanes or helicopters.
The SG90 motor servo can rotate anywhere between 0 to 180 degrees, making it suitable for many precision tasks. It operates using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals to control the angle, with a standard pulse that determines the desired position.
Core Features of the SG90 Motor Servo
Compact Size and Lightweight
One of the standout features of the SG90 servo is its small size and light weight. It measures just 22.2 x 11.8 x 31.0 mm and weighs only 9 grams, making it an excellent choice for space-constrained projects. Its size makes it particularly useful in small robots or remote-controlled devices where space is a premium.
Standard Operating Voltage
The SG90 typically operates within a voltage range of 4.8 to 6.0 volts, which is compatible with most microcontroller platforms, such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi. This makes it highly versatile and easy to integrate into various projects without the need for special power supplies.
At 4.8 volts, the SG90 motor delivers a torque of approximately 1.2 kg/cm. This is sufficient for many lightweight tasks like controlling flaps, rudders, or robotic grippers in smaller robots. It offers decent speed, completing a full 180-degree turn in about 0.1 seconds.
The SG90 motor servo uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals to determine its angle. The duty cycle of the PWM signal sent to the servo directly correlates to the angle it will rotate. For example, a 1ms pulse will rotate it to 0 degrees, a 1.5ms pulse to 90 degrees, and a 2ms pulse to 180 degrees.
Durability and Reliability
Despite its small size, the SG90 is quite durable. It is made with high-quality components, and the motor is capable of withstanding heavy use in various DIY projects and robotics applications. Additionally, the servo operates silently, making it a preferred option in environments where noise could be an issue.
Applications of the SG90 Motor Servo
The SG90 motor servo is used across a wide range of applications. Its versatility and ease of use make it ideal for many projects. Below are some common uses of this small, but powerful, servo motor:
In robotics, the SG90 is often used for controlling joints, grippers, and robotic arms. Its ability to rotate to precise angles makes it an excellent choice for tasks like picking and placing objects, moving parts with precision, or controlling the rotation of a robot's head or camera.
RC Cars, Helicopters, and Aircraft
The SG90 is a popular choice for remote-controlled vehicles, especially for controlling steering and rudder mechanisms. It provides precise movements, which is critical for navigating an RC vehicle with accuracy.
Pan-and-tilt mechanisms are used in surveillance cameras, drones, and even some photography equipment to enable a camera to rotate and adjust its angle. The SG90 is frequently used in such applications because of its ability to move smoothly and accurately within a 180-degree range.
For those into home automation, the SG90 can be used to control various mechanisms, such as automated curtains, door locks, and other adjustable parts. It is also commonly used in DIY security systems to move cameras or sensors.
How to Use the SG90 Motor Servo in Your Projects
If you are looking to integrate the SG90 motor servo into your next project, understanding how to interface and control it with a microcontroller like Arduino is essential. In this part, we’ll go over the practical aspects of using the SG90 motor servo, including setting it up and programming it to perform various tasks.
Connecting the SG90 Servo to Arduino
To begin using the SG90 motor servo with an Arduino, you'll need a few basic components:
Arduino board (e.g., Arduino Uno)
External power supply (optional for more powerful servos)
Connect the Servo to the Arduino
The SG90 servo has three wires: power (red), ground (black or brown), and signal (yellow or orange).
The red wire connects to the 5V pin on the Arduino (or an external 5V power supply if needed).
The black or brown wire connects to the GND pin on the Arduino.
The yellow or orange wire connects to a digital pin on the Arduino, such as pin 9.
You can either power the SG90 directly from the Arduino (if your project does not require a lot of current) or use an external power source for more demanding applications. Servos may draw higher current during operation, so an external power supply ensures stable performance.
Programming the SG90 Servo
Once you have everything connected, you’ll need to program the Arduino to send PWM signals to the SG90 motor servo. This can be easily done using the Servo library that comes pre-installed with Arduino IDE.
#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
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
myServo.write(180); // Rotate the servo to 180 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
This simple code will rotate the servo motor to 0, 90, and 180 degrees, pausing for one second at each position. You can adjust the angles and timing to suit your needs.
Advanced Applications of the SG90 Servo
If you’re looking to build a robotic arm, the SG90 servo can be used to control the joints. By combining several servos, you can create a fully articulated arm that can pick and place objects, perform simple tasks, or even interact with its environment.
The SG90 is a great choice for controlling both the pan (horizontal rotation) and tilt (vertical rotation) movements of a camera or sensor. By using two servos and connecting them to an Arduino, you can create a system where the camera or sensor follows a particular target or simply scans an area.
In small autonomous vehicles, such as robots or drones, the SG90 can be used to control the steering mechanism or control surface. By accurately adjusting the vehicle's direction with precise movements, the SG90 ensures smooth navigation.
Tips for Maximizing SG90 Performance
Use a Proper Power Supply:
When using multiple SG90 servos or powering your servo for long periods, consider using an external power supply. This will prevent the Arduino from overloading and ensure consistent performance.
The SG90 servo works best with light loads. Excessive weight on the servo will reduce its responsiveness and accuracy, so try to keep the attached components as light as possible.
Avoid Continuous Operation:
While the SG90 is durable, it’s not designed for continuous high-torque operation. If your project requires continuous movement, consider using a more powerful and durable servo motor.
The SG90 motor servo is a highly versatile and affordable component for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a beginner working on your first project or an experienced engineer integrating it into a complex system, the SG90 is an excellent choice.
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.
