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How Servo Drives Work: Position, Speed and Current Loops

Learn how servo drives process commands and encoder feedback to deliver high-response motion control.

How Servo Drives Work: Position, Speed and Current Loops
2026-09-15 · Technical guide

Blog details

What Is a Servo Drive?

A servo drive is the core controller for servo motor motion. It converts commands from a controller or PLC into motor current and voltage, then corrects errors using encoder feedback.

Three Closed Loops

The current loop determines torque response, the speed loop stabilizes velocity and the position loop maintains trajectory and accuracy. Together they keep motion controlled during load changes and acceleration.

Typical Applications

Servo drives are used in robots, CNC machines, packaging, printing, electronics and medical equipment. Check power, voltage, encoder type, control mode and fieldbus compatibility during selection.

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