Difference Between AC Servo Motor and DC Servo Motor

Difference between AC Servo Motor and DC Servo Motor
Differences Digital Electronics Electronics & Electrical
A servo motor is a special type of electric motor which is used as a rotary or linear actuator for
precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, acceleration and many other closed-loop
position control applications.
Servo motors are designed with long rotor length and small diameter. Thus, due to low inertia, the
servo motors have a high speed response. A typical servo motor consists of a motor, feedback
system, controller, etc. Where, it uses the position feedback to control the speed and final position
of the motor. The servo motor is equipped with an encoder or a speed sensor to provide speed and
position feedback in the servo mechanism.
Depending on the power supply required for operation, servo motors are classified into two types -
AC Servo Motor
DC Servo Motor
In this article, we will highlight all the key differences between AC and DC servo motors, but let's
start with some basics first.
What is an AC Servo Motor?

As its name implies, the type of servo motor which operates on alternating current supply is called
an AC servo motor. Basically, it is a 2-phase squirrel cage induction motor. Although, these days,
three-phase squirrel, cage induction motor is also used to implement the servo mechanism for high
power applications.
AC servo motors are further classified into two types, based on their construction and operation,
namely induction type AC servo motor and synchronous type AC servo motor.
AC servo motors are used in several applications where position control is required like robotics,
machine tools, semiconductor devices, aircrafts, etc.
What is a DC Servo Motor?

A DC servo motor is a type of servo system which consists of a small DC motor, position sensing
device and feedback circuit, gear system and a control circuit.
Just like any other electric motor, a DC servo motor also consists of two main parts namely stator
and rotor. The stator of the servo motor consists of a cylindrical frame, inside which magnets are
attached. The rotor consists of rotor shaft, a commutator and brushes.
The major applications of DC servo motors are in computers, prime movers, controlled machineries,
etc.
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Difference between AC Servo Motor and DC Servo Motor

Both AC and DC servo motors are actuators used in position control applications. However, there
are many differences between them that are given in the following table −
Basis of
AC Servo Motor DC Servo Motor
Difference
A servo mechanism in which a twophase
A servo mechanism which
or three-phase squirrel cage induction
Definition consists of a DC motor is known
motor is used is known as AC servo
as DC servo motor.
motor.
AC servo motor delivers low power DC servo motor delivers relatively
Power output
output, usually about 0.5 W to 100 W high power output.
DC servo motors are adaptable to
AC servo motors are adaptable to high
Speed the limited speed working
speed operating conditions.
conditions.
DC servo motors develop a
Torque AC servo motors develop high torque.
limited torque.
AC servo motors have smooth, stable and DC servo motors have less stable
Operation
less noise operation. and noisy operation.
AC servo motors are less efficient. Their
DC servo motors have high
Efficiency efficiency is usually ranging from 5% to
efficiency.
20%.
The problem of stability associated with DC servo motors have more
Stability
the AC servo motors is less. problems of stability.
In the DC servo motors, the
In case of AC servo motors, there is no
Electronic presence of brushes cause
problem of electronic (radio frequency)
noise electronic (radio frequency)
noise.
noise.
AC servo motors require frequent
AC servo motors require less
Maintenance maintenance due to presence of
maintenance.
commutator and brushes.
AC servo motors are relatively light in
Weight DC servo motors are heavy.
weight.
Physical size AC servo motors are small in size. DC servo motors are large in size.
AC servo motors are suitable for low DC servo motors are suitable for
Suitability
power applications. high power applications.
The applications of DC servo
The AC servo motors are used in
Practical motors are in computers, prime
applications like robotics, machine tools,
applications movers, controlled machineries,
semiconductor devices, aircrafts, etc.
etc.
Conclusion
In this post, we discussed all the major differences between AC servomotors and DC servomotors.
Both AC and DC servomotors are used in several applications where precise position control is
required like in robotics, computers, aircrafts, etc.

Difference Between AC Servo Motor and DC Servo Motor

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Difference Between AC Servo Motor and DC Servo Motor

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Difference between AC Servo Motor and DC Servo Motor

Differences Digital Electronics Electronics & Electrical

What is an AC Servo Motor?

What is a DC Servo Motor?

Difference between AC Servo Motor and DC Servo Motor

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