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THE TERM servovalve defines valves which are specifically designed to operate as the
control element in a servo system. This does not preclude other valve types being used in
servo systems. There is a chapter devoted to Servo-systems but a working definition is
appropriate here. A servo-system is one in which a low powered command signal is
compared with an output and the error augmented by an auxiliary power source to give a
high power drive to control that output. The power density of hydraulics makes them
highly appropriate for this use. There are many examples of purely mechanical servo-
systems where the command is produced as a result of an error signal between a required
value and the actual output. However, there are considerable advantages for making an
electrical closed loop system as discussed in the chapter on Servo-systems.
A servo-valve thus has the appropriate characteristics to give a continuous variation of
flow with changing input signal. In a purely mechanical servo-system the valve is moved
directly by a mechanism or linkage. An electrohydraulic servo-valve can be defined as an
electrical input servo-control valve capable of continuous control for use in closed loop
servo systems. The control element is almost universally a spool. There are various
constructional features that are common to both mechanically operated andelectrohydraulic
spool valves, and these are discussed below, thereafter this chapter concentrates on aspects
of electrohydraulic servo-valves.

The servo-valve spool

Servo-valve spools are precision made, with fine clearances and limited spool travel,
perhaps only 0.3-3 mm. They may be either 3-way or more commonly 4-way valves. A
typical configuration for the main spool of a two stage valve is shown in Figure 2B.6.1.
Note that the four connections are not arranged as they would be in directional val ves, and
that S I and S2 indicate the output service ports.