In the industrial automation and robotics, servo drive types are important in speed, accuracy and reliability. Whether the servo drive is CNC machine or a packaging system, the choice between an AC servo drive and a DC servo drive will greatly affect the performance of your system.
This article takes a deep dive into the servo drive working principle, real-world servo drive applications, and the basics of wiring diagrams, and even how to program a servo drive, all whilst comparing both the AC and the DC variants.
Working Principle of Servo Drive
- It is fed with a reference signal by the controller.
- The drive contrasts it with motor feedback (usually through an encoder).
- It removes any deviation by altering voltage and current to the motor.
Servo drives are suitable to dynamic and high performance applications because of this exact control capability.
Types of Servo Drives
When deciding on the best solution to any particular application it is important to have a clear understanding of the various categories of servo drives:
1. AC Servo Drives
These drives run on alternating current and thus have better power and speed performance and are thus suitable to high end industrial automation.
2. DC Servo Drives
These units run on direct current and are relatively straightforward in construction and usually more economical, so are especially well suited to low to medium power applications.
AC Servo Drive vs DC Servo Drive – Comparison Table
| Feature | AC Servo Drive | DC Servo Drive |
| Power Source | Alternating Current | Direct Current |
| Maintenance | Low | Higher (brush wear) |
| Speed Control | Precise | Good but limited |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Applications | Robotics, CNC, Automation | Basic motion control, actuators |
The most typical comparison is between AC servo drive and DC servo drive although the AC drives offer more dynamic response, DC drives are not obsolete in those applications where price and simplicity are the main factors.
Some Common Model Codes for Servo Drives and Servo Motors
THSD-23-380V-3P-5.5, THSD-23-380V-3P-7.5, THSD-23-380V-3P-11, THSD-23-380V-3P-15, THSD-23-380V-3P-18.5, THSD-23-380V-3P-22, THSD-23-380V-3P-30, THSD-23-380V-3P-37, THSD-23-380V-3P-45, THSD-23-380V-3P-55, THSD-23-380V-3P-75,
THM THH6-18F0320K3-F2R4, THM THH6-18F0420K3-F2R4, THM THH6-18F0520K3-F2R4, THM THH6-18F0620K3-F2R4, THM THH6-18F0920K3-F2R4, THM THH6-18F1120K3-F2R4, THM THH6-18F1420K3-F2R4, THM THH6-18F1820K3-F2R4, THM THH6-18F2220K3-F2R4, THM THH6-21F2820F3-F2R4, THM THH6-21F3120F3-F2R4,
Servo Drive Wiring Diagram: Basics You Should Know
Proper wiring is essential for maximum performance and for preventing functional failure. In most cases, a standard servo drive wiring diagram consists of the following components:
- Power supply input
- Encoder feedback loop
- Control signal input
- Motor output terminals
- Ground and safety terminals
For accurate guidance, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation.
Tips to Program a Servo Drive to Get Best Results
Each servo drive is programmed differently, though these are some general tips:
- Apply OEM software or PLC interfaces.
- Define motion profiles (position, velocity, acceleration).
- Tune PID loop parameters to be precise.
- Install overcurrent, overvoltage parameters.
The knowledge of servo drive programming improves the performance and reliability of your automation system.
What are the applications of Servo Drive?
The application of servo drives is distributed in a wide variety of industries:
- Robotics – accuracy of joint movement
- CNC Machines – precise positioning of the tools
- Conveyor Systems speed control
- Medical Equipment- regular and precise movements
- 3D Printers- accuracy layer by layer
Choosing Between AC and DC Servo Drives – Important Tips
The following is how one can determine the servo drive that suits them:
- High-Speed/Load Applications: Select an AC servo drive.
- Simple Tasks or Budget Projects: A DC servo drive will do.
- Maintenance Considerations: AC drives do not have brushes hence less wear.
- Space: AC drives are more compact.
The best way to enhance the efficiency of your system is by understanding the nature of servo drives and aligning them to the requirements of your application.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Servo Drive with Confidence
Whether to use an AC servo drive or a DC servo drive is a matter of your application, performance requirements and budget. Knowing the servo drive working principle, reviewing servo drive wiring diagram, and knowing how to program a servo drive will allow you to make the right decisions and increase the efficiency of the system.
Read more about the broad selection of servo drive applications and seek the advice of reputable suppliers such as THM Huade to provide high quality and high performance solutions. They have the knowledge of varieties of servo drives so that you have the right fit to your machine.
FAQs
Q: What is the principle of a servo drive?
A servo drive takes a command signal and compares it with the feedback of a motor and uses PID control to correct the output to achieve the desired output.
Q: Do servo motors use AC or DC?
Servo motors may be powered by AC and DC. High performance applications use AC servo motors whereas simple and low cost applications are well suited with DC servo motors.
Q: What are the main types of servo drives?
Servo drives are mainly classified as AC servo drives and DC servo drives, which vary in power supply, performance and cost.
Q: How do I wire a servo drive?
Wire in accordance with the manufacturer of the servo drive wiring diagram. The major inputs are input power, motor output and encoder feedback.
Q: What are some common servo drive applications?
They find application in CNC machines, robotic arms, textile machines, medical devices and industrial automation systems.
Q; How do you program a servo drive?
Programming is the process of setting motion profiles, tuning PID loops and limits. Take advantage of the software supplied by the servo drive manufacturer.
