Introduction
TowerPro SG-90 Servo Motor: Servo motors play a pivotal role in the world of robotics, automation, and various other engineering applications. Among the versatile range of servo motors available, the TowerPro SG-90 stands out for its exceptional features and widespread utility. In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of the TowerPro SG-90 servo motor, understand its pinout and specifications, and explore its applications.
Unveiling the TowerPro SG-90
At first glance, the TowerPro SG-90 might seem like any other servo motor, but it packs a punch when it comes to performance and versatility. Here’s an overview:
Pin-out and Wire Configuration
| 1 | Brown Wire (Wire 1): This is the ground wire, and it connects to the ground of the system, completing the electrical circuit. |
| 2 | Red Wire (Wire 2): The red wire is the power supply line. Typically, it is powered with +5V, which is the standard voltage for most hobby servo motors. |
| 3 | Orange Wire (Wire 3): The orange wire is where the magic happens. It’s the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal wire that controls the motor’s position. By sending PWM signals through this wire, you can precisely dictate the motor’s angle of rotation. |
Key Features
The TowerPro SG-90 servo motor boasts several noteworthy features:
Operating Voltage: Typically powered by +5V, although it can operate in the range of 4.8V to 6.5V. Higher voltage can yield higher torque, making it adaptable to various power sources.
Torque: This servo motor delivers a torque of 2.5kg/cm, which means it can lift a weight of 2.5kg when suspended at a distance of 1cm. The torque output can vary depending on the distance of the load from the motor’s axis.
Operating Speed: With an operating speed of 0.1s per 60 degrees of rotation, it can swiftly move to the desired position.
Gear Type: Equipped with plastic gears, this servo motor strikes a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. For applications requiring greater durability, metal gears may be preferred.
Rotation Range: The SG-90 offers a rotation range of 0° to 180°, making it suitable for a wide range of applications that demand precise control over a limited angular span.
Weight: Weighing in at just 9 grams, the SG-90 is a lightweight yet powerful motor.
Package Contents: When you purchase the TowerPro SG-90, it often comes with gear horns and screws, simplifying installation.
Selecting the Right Servo Motor
Choosing the right servo motor for your project or system is critical. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Operating Voltage: Determine the appropriate voltage range for your application, keeping in mind that higher voltage can provide more torque.
Rotation Range: Assess whether the 0° to 180° range suits your needs, or if you require a motor with a full 360° rotation.
Torque: Select a servo motor with the torque rating that matches the load you intend to control.
Gear Type: Consider the longevity of your application and whether metal or plastic gears are more suitable.
How to Use the TowerPro SG-90
In Arduino, servo motors are commonly connected to digital pins on the board. The most commonly used digital pins for connecting servo motors are D9, D10, D11, and D12. These pins support hardware PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), which is essential for precise control of servo motors.
- Connect the Power and Ground:
- Connect the red wire (power) from the servo motor to the 5V output on the Arduino.
- Connect the brown or black wire (ground) from the servo motor to any GND (Ground) pin on the Arduino.
- Connect the Control Signal:
- Connect the orange or yellow wire (control signal) from the servo motor to the digital pin on the Arduino that you intend to use for controlling the servo. Common choices include D9, D10, D11, or D12.
Code
Once the connections are made, you can use the Arduino Servo library (Download) to control the servo motor easily. This library simplifies the process of generating the required PWM signals for servo control. You can use the attach() function to associate a specific digital pin with the servo and then use the write() function to set the desired angle of the servo.
#include <Servo.h>
Servo myservo; // Create a Servo object
void setup() {
myservo.attach(9); // Attach the servo to digital pin 9
}
void loop() {
// Move the servo to 0 degrees (minimum position)
myservo.write(0);
delay(1000);
// Move the servo to 90 degrees (center position)
myservo.write(90);
delay(1000);
// Move the servo to 180 degrees (maximum position)
myservo.write(180);
delay(1000);
}
Applications
The TowerPro SG-90 servo motor finds applications in a wide array of scenarios, including:
Robotics: Used as actuators in robots like biped robots, hexapods, and robotic arms, where precise positioning is vital.
RC Toys: Commonly employed in steering systems for remote-controlled toys, such as cars and airplanes.
Position Control: Ideal for applications where position control is needed without the need for feedback mechanisms.
Multi DOF Robots: Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robots, including humanoid robots.
Conclusion
The TowerPro SG-90 Servo Motor is a versatile and reliable choice for applications that require precision, control, and adaptability. Whether you’re building a robotic arm, steering an RC vehicle, or crafting a multi-DOF robot, the SG-90’s features and capabilities make it a valuable addition to your project. Understanding its pinout, specifications, and applications will empower you to make the most of this compact yet powerful motor in your engineering endeavors.
