In many industrial applications that depend on highly precise motion, an important question arises: What is a servo motor drive, and how does it differ from traditional control systems such as a VFD inverter? This is especially relevant as modern production lines require faster response times and more accurate control of speed, torque, and position.
With the continuous development of industrial automation systems, servo drives have become essential components in machines that require repetitive motion and precise stopping at specific points. This has encouraged many industrial users to learn more about how servo drives work and how to select the most suitable system for each application.
In this article from SUMER, we explain what a servo motor drive is, how it works, its main industrial applications, and how to select the right servo system based on the machine or production line requirements.
What Is a Servo Motor Drive?
A servo motor drive is an electronic control unit used to operate and control a servo motor in industrial machinery. It regulates the voltage and current supplied to the motor according to control commands and feedback signals received from a feedback device such as an encoder.
This enables the drive to provide precise control over motor speed, torque, and position while maintaining stable and accurate motion throughout the industrial system.
The servo drive is an essential part of the complete servo system, working together with the servo motor as an integrated unit within industrial automation applications.
When you need to select the right servo motor drive for your industrial application, you can contact SUMER for technical support. Our team can help you identify the most suitable system based on the machine type, load characteristics, motion accuracy, and control requirements of your production line.
Servo Motor Drive Applications
A servo motor drive is used in industrial applications that require precise motor motion control in terms of speed, torque, and position. It is responsible for managing the performance of the servo motor by adjusting electrical signals according to control commands and feedback data.
This ensures smooth, stable, and accurate movement during operation.
Servo drives are therefore widely used in industrial automation applications that require high accuracy and fast response times. Their most common applications include:
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Industrial robots and automated motion systems.
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CNC machines and milling machines.
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Packaging and filling lines.
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Printing and processing equipment.
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Industrial machines requiring precise speed and position control.
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Automated production systems.
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Applications requiring accurate torque control during operation.
SUMER helps you select the appropriate Delta Servo Drive based on the requirements of your industrial application, including motion accuracy, load type, and production line specifications, to ensure stable performance in the operating environment.
How Does a Servo Drive Monitor and Correct Motor Motion?
A servo drive monitors motor movement using feedback data received from the encoder. This data indicates the motor’s actual speed or position during operation.
The drive then compares the required motion with the actual motor movement. When a difference is detected, it adjusts the voltage or current supplied to the motor until the required performance is achieved accurately and consistently.
The monitoring and correction process takes place through the following steps:
Receiving the Motion Command
The servo drive receives a control signal from a PLC or the main control system.
Reading the Actual Motion
The drive receives encoder data that shows what the motor is actually doing during operation.
Comparing the Required and Actual Motion
The servo drive compares the requested command with the motor’s actual movement.
Detecting the Difference
When there is a difference between the requested and actual movement, the drive calculates the size of the error.
Correcting the Motion
The drive adjusts the voltage or current supplied to the motor to reduce the difference.
Maintaining Accuracy
This process continues throughout operation to maintain accurate speed, torque, or position.
Responding to Load Changes
When the motor load increases or an external force affects the system, the drive automatically corrects the motion to maintain the required performance.
Types of Servo Motor Drives
Servo motor drives are available in several series and configurations depending on the industrial application and the type of control system being used.
Each type is selected based on the required level of accuracy, load capacity, machine type, and production line requirements.
Some of the most common Delta Servo Drive series include:
Delta ASDA-A2 Servo Drive
The Delta ASDA-A2 is one of the most widely used servo drive series in advanced industrial applications.
It provides high-precision control of position, speed, and torque. It is commonly used in CNC machines and production lines that require fast response times and highly accurate motion.
Delta ASDA-B2 Servo Drive
The Delta ASDA-B2 is used in general industrial applications that require a cost-effective solution with reliable and stable performance.
It is suitable for packaging machines, conveyor systems, and applications that do not require highly complex motion control.
Delta ASDA-M Series for Multi-Axis Systems
The Delta ASDA-M Series is used in systems that require control of multiple axes within the same machine.
It is suitable for industrial robots and multi-motion production machines, providing improved axis integration, synchronization, and coordinated movement.
These servo drive series vary in capabilities, accuracy levels, and response speed. The right drive is selected according to the industrial application, machine type, and the number of required motion axes.
SUMER helps you select the appropriate Delta Servo Drive and integrate it with PLC and HMI systems to achieve more accurate and stable operation across production lines.
Common Servo Motor Faults
Servo motor faults may occur when there is a problem in one of the motion system components, including the electrical supply, mechanical load, encoder signals, or the control settings within the drive.
These faults should be diagnosed by a qualified technician or engineer to prevent machine downtime or damage to the system.
The most common servo motor faults include:
Overcurrent
An overcurrent fault may occur when the motor is overloaded or when mechanical resistance prevents the axis from moving properly.
Overvoltage
An overvoltage fault commonly appears during rapid deceleration or when there is a problem with the braking resistor.
Encoder Fault
An encoder fault affects speed and position readings, which may result in inaccurate movement or sudden machine stoppage.
Slow Response
This occurs when the motor does not execute control commands within the required response time.
Motion Vibration
Vibration is often caused by incorrect servo tuning settings or an issue with the feedback signal.
Overheating
Overheating may result from poor ventilation, excessive load, or continuous motor operation for long periods.
Communication Faults
Communication faults occur when the connection between the servo drive and the control unit is interrupted.
Unintended Motion
Unintended movement may occur when there is a difference between the motion command issued by the controller and the actual motor movement.
When Do You Need a Servo Motor Drive?
You need a servo motor drive when an industrial application requires high motion accuracy and fast response times, especially when position, speed, or torque control directly affects machine performance.
A servo drive is the appropriate choice when the application requires:
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Precise stopping at a specific point.
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Repeated movement over the same distance with consistent accuracy.
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Accurate torque control during operation.
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Rapid changes in speed or direction.
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Synchronization between multiple axes.
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Reduced positioning and motion errors.
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Improved production quality and fewer manufacturing defects.
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Faster response compared with standard motor systems.
However, when the application only requires continuous operation or basic speed adjustment, a standard motor controlled by a VFD may be the more cost-effective solution.
How to Select the Right Servo Motor Drive
Selecting the right servo motor drive helps improve motion accuracy and maintain stable performance across production lines.
The complete system depends on proper compatibility between the drive, motor, load, and industrial application.
Before selecting a servo drive, several important technical factors should be evaluated, including:
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Required servo motor power.
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Load type within the application, whether light, medium, or heavy.
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Required operating torque.
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Required motion speed.
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Positioning and stopping accuracy.
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Number of motion axes.
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PLC control signal type.
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Encoder type.
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Factory operating conditions.
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Required level of integration with HMI systems or other control equipment.
Selecting a drive based only on motor power may result in poor performance or repeated faults. The entire application should therefore be studied before choosing the appropriate model.
How Does SUMER Help You Select a Servo Motor Drive?
SUMER helps you select a complete servo system that matches the machine requirements and the required level of motion accuracy.
SUMER provides integrated industrial automation solutions, including VFDs, PLCs, HMIs, and servo systems.
Our role is not limited to supplying the product. We also study the application and select the most suitable solution for reliable operation.
SUMER can support you through:
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Analysing the load type and required movement.
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Selecting the appropriate servo motor and drive capacity.
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Providing Delta Servo Systems for high-precision applications.
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Integrating servo drives with PLC and HMI systems.
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Supporting programming and initial commissioning.
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Upgrading and modernising older machinery.
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Troubleshooting faults and improving production line performance.
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Providing solutions that reduce downtime and increase system reliability.
When you are looking for a servo motor drive for a machine or production line, the SUMER team can help you select the most suitable system in terms of performance, accuracy, and cost.
In conclusion, a servo motor drive is an essential component in motion control systems because it operates the servo motor and accurately controls its speed, torque, and position.
Using encoder feedback, the servo drive can correct any difference between the required motion and the actual motor movement. This helps achieve stable and reliable performance in industrial machines and production lines.
Contact SUMER today for a technical consultation and assistance in selecting the right servo motor drive for your industrial application, whether you require a complete servo system or a VFD solution for controlling a standard motor.