Servo Position and Power Lab
Command servo position safely while separating high-current actuator power from logic.
Learning objective
Command servo position safely while separating high-current actuator power from logic.
Components and tools
- Development board
- Current-limited low-voltage supply
- Digital multimeter
- Oscilloscope or logic analyser
- Emergency power disconnect
Safety before motion
- Do not power multiple servos from the MCU regulator.nLimit travel to avoid hard mechanical stops.nUse a fuse/current limit appropriate to wiring.
Pin and power connections
| Controller pin | Driver / device pin | Purpose | Voltage / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PWM pin | Servo signal | Position pulse | Logic signalnServo supply |
Practical procedure
- Remove mechanical load.nVerify servo supply rating and current capacity.nConnect common ground and signal.nStart at centre pulse with limited travel.nIncrease range slowly while checking current and temperature.
Measurement checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Expected | Instrument | Safety limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centre pulse | Servo reaches centre without chatter | Oscilloscope | Pulse within servo rangenHold current |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Check | Corrective action |
|---|---|---|
| Servo jitters | Check supply droop and pulse stability | Improve power and timingnHits stop |
Engineering sizing tools
Calculate before powering
Mandatory pre-start gate
Machine safety checklist
The simulated enable button remains locked until every item is confirmed.