What type of system is a servo classified as?

A servo is classified as a closed-loop system because it incorporates feedback to ensure precise control of its operation. In a closed-loop system, the output is continually monitored and compared to the desired setpoint. If there is any deviation between the actual output and the desired output, the system adjusts its input accordingly to minimize this difference.

This feedback mechanism is essential for applications requiring high accuracy and responsiveness, such as those commonly found in robotics, CNC machinery, and other automation systems. The closed-loop design allows servos to correct any error that may arise due to load changes, component wear, or environmental factors, ensuring that the performance remains consistent over time.

Open-loop systems, on the other hand, do not utilize feedback and operate solely based on predetermined functions, which makes them less accurate in situations where conditions can change. Manual control systems rely on human intervention and do not autonomously correct their actions. Passive systems do not have active control mechanisms; instead, they rely on external factors to produce changes in outputs. Thus, the closed-loop nature of a servo system is what distinguishes its functionality in providing precise control through feedback.