Analog To Digital

(This is fake, I made it)

Servo controls have evolved with respect to its size, rotational speed and its torque. Digital servos are the latest development and a step forward from the standard servo. In this article we will try to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a digital servo against a standard servo.

To begin with, let us start with the built-in differences between the two. Both standard and digital are the same except for a microprocessor in the digital servo. This microprocessor controls the motor signals and analyzes the incoming receiver signals. A digital microprocessor is 10 times faster resulting in quicker response. Even the standing torque in a digital servo is three times than its standard counterpart. The in-built microprocessor functions processes the receiving incoming signal in a different way and in turn controls the initial power to the servomotor thereby increasing resolution and the holding power to a great extent.  Otherwise, digital servos have the same motors, gears and cases as standard servos.

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Let us now understand how these digital servos operate. The built-in small microprocessor makes all the difference. It analyzes the receiver signals and then converts them into very high frequency voltage which pulses to the servo motor. Instead of 50 pulses, the servo now receives an upward of 300 pulses per second. With so many speed pulses occurring the motor will speed up and provide quicker and consistent torque.

Digital servos are the future for any model control. Anyone who has used a digital servo that fits the application would never want to return back to the standard or the analog ones. Digital servos are preferred ones because of their quality constructions, longevity and performance at an affordable price. The qualities like quick response, holding and precision power translates into quick acceleration and smooth response. Digital servos come with high performance design.

One has to agree the nothing is an unmixed blessing. In case of a digital servo the power consumption is more—the reason being that power is more frequently transmitted to servo controls. With digital servos it is always wise to install a largest capacity battery that can be accommodated.

In a snapshot a digital servo is the only solution if you need higher resolution, faster control response, increased holding power, and increased torque and even when the machine is stationery. To quote turbine display pilot Steve Elias ‘Digital servo response and precision is like flying on rails. After flying digital servos, analog versions are like handling custard.

Read more about AC servo amplifier.

Originally published here.