Table of Contents
Introduction
A servo motor driver circuit is essential for controlling the position and movement of servo motors in various applications such as robotics, automation, and remote-controlled systems. This article explains the working of a servo motor driver circuit using the NE555 timer IC, a popular and reliable component for generating precise PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals required for servo motor control.
Circuit Components
The key components used in the servo motor driver circuit are:
Component | Value | Description |
---|---|---|
NE555 Timer IC | – | Generates PWM signals |
BC547 Transistor | – | Signal amplification |
Resistor | 36KΩ | Pull-up resistor |
Resistor | 10KΩ | Base resistor for BC547 |
Resistor | 68KΩ | Timing resistor for NE555 |
Resistor | 220Ω | Current limiting resistor |
Capacitor | 100nF | Timing capacitor for NE555 |
Capacitor | 10nF | Noise filtering capacitor |
Switches | SW1, SW2 | Forward and Reverse control |
9V Battery | – | Power source |
NE555 Pinout

Circuit Diagram

Working Principle
The NE555 timer IC is used to generate a PWM signal whose duty cycle determines the position of the servo motor.
- Power Supply: The circuit operates on a 9V DC battery.
- PWM Generation: The NE555 timer generates a square wave signal with variable duty cycle controlled by the resistors (36KΩ, 68KΩ, 10KΩ) and capacitors (100nF, 10nF).
- Control Switches: Two switches, SW1 (Forward) and SW2 (Reverse), allow manual control of the PWM signal, thereby adjusting the motor position.
- Signal Amplification: The BC547 transistor amplifies the generated PWM signal to drive the servo motor.
- Servo Motor Control: The servo motor responds to the PWM signal, adjusting its position accordingly.
Applications
The servo motor driver circuit is widely used in various applications, including:
- Robotics – Controlling robotic arms and movement.
- Automation Systems – Industrial and home automation.
- RC Vehicles – Steering control in remote-controlled cars and planes.
- DIY Projects – Hobby electronics and prototyping.
Conclusion
The NE555-based servo motor driver circuit is an efficient and cost-effective solution for controlling servo motors. By adjusting the PWM signal, users can easily manipulate servo motor positions in various applications, making it an essential circuit for robotics and automation enthusiasts.
This simple yet effective circuit provides a solid foundation for learning and experimenting with servo motor control using basic electronic components.