Principle of LVDT Operation

The principal of operation is essentially two small transformers sharing the same magnetic core. As the
core moves the output of one increases while the other decreases. The 'out of balance' current is a
measure of the core position with the best linearity occurring at the mid way point when the transformers
are almost in balance.

The LVDT is sensitive, reliable and repeatable.

The accepted mode of operation is to measure a perfect sample (a setting master) and to then measure
the unknown sample. Thus the accuracy is derived from the setting master and the LVDT is used as a
comparative tool. The master is measured once a day, or whenever the temperature changes to
effectively calibrate out all other variables relating to support fixtures etc.

An LVDT returns to its original output following a power shutdown. LVDT's work on AC energisation and
support electronics available include modulators / demodulators, amplifiers and zero / gain controls.
When an AC excitation signal is applied to the Primary Coil (P), voltages are induced in the two
Secondary Coils (S). The MAGNETIC CORE inside the COIL WINDING ASSEMBLY provides the
magnetic flux path linking the Primary and secondary Coils.
Since the two voltages are of opposite polarity, the Secondary Coils are
connected series opposing in the center, or Null Position. The output
voltages are equal and opposite in polarity and, therefore, the output
voltage is zero. The Null Position of an LVDT is extremely stable and
repeatable.
When the MAGNETIC CORE is displaced rom the Null Position, an
electromagnetic imbalance occurs. This imbalance generates a
differential AC output voltage across the Secondary Coils which is
linearly proportional to the direction and magnitude of the displacement.

As shown in the figure, when the MAGNETIC CORE is moved from the Null Position, the induced voltage
in the Secondary Coil, toward which the Core is moved, increases while the induced voltage in the
opposite Secondary Coil decreases.
LVDTs possess the inherent ruggedness and durability of a transformer and truly provide infinite
resolution in all types of environments. As a result of the superior reliability and accuracy of LVDTs, they
are the ideal choice for linear motion control.

Multi-Layer Insulation
G.L. Collins manufactures all LVDTs with the stringent quality standards required for spacecraft, missiles,
supersonic aircraft and high grade commercial and industrial control systems. We adhere to superior
material standards and utilize manufacturing techniques not ordinarily considered in commercial LVDT
production.
Special winding techniques must be used to ensure superior stability, linearity and repeatability in the
most hostile environments. It is standard practice at G. L. Collins to layer-wind the LVDT coils, as
opposed to random winding often found on low-grade transducers. Precision layer winding incorporates
insulation between each layer of wire and constant control of the tension and spacing of the wire. This
technique provides added protection from dielectric breakdown, stability under the effects of vibration,
acceleration, mechanical and thermal shock, and insures unit-to-unit consistency.
Experience has proven that the cost of these techniques is easily offset by the resultant consistency,
reliability and long life so vital to modern control systems.

The LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) is an electrometic device that produces an
electrical voltage proportional to the displacement of a movable Magnetic Core. The LVDT is composed of
these basic components:

A COIL WINDING ASSEMBLY consisting of a Primary Coil and two Secondary Coils symmetrically
spaced on a tubular center.

A CYLINDRICAL CASE which encloses and protects the Coil Winding Assembly.

A rod shaped MAGNETIC CORE which is free to move axially within the Coil Winding Assembly.

A separate shield is used for ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING.

LVDT Operating Principles
The main advantage of LVDT transducers over other types of displacement measurement sensors is their
high degree of robustness. This is derived from their very principle in which there is no physical contact
across the sensing element and so there is zero wear in the sensing element. This also means that
LVDTs can be made waterproof and in a format suitable for the most arduous applications.
The measurement principle is based on magnetic transfer which also means that the resolution of LVDT
transducers is infinite. The smallest fraction of movement can be detected by suitable signal conditioning
electronics.
The combination of these two factors plus other factors such as accuracy and repeatability has ensured
that this technology is still at the forefront of displacement measurement after over 90 years.

An LVDT
comprises a coil
former or bobbin
onto which three
coils are wound.
The first coil, the
primary is excited
with an a.c.
current, normally
in the region of 1 to 10kHz at 0.5 to 10V rms. The other two coils, the secondaries are wound such that
when a ferritic core is in the central linear position, an equal voltage is induced into each coil. However,
the secondaries are connected in opposition so that in the central position the outputs of the two
secondaries cancel each other out.

With the armature in the central position the

in-phase and out-of-phase voltages sum to
zero (except for a small residual).

In the positive half of the coil, the in -phase

voltage is higher and when it is added to the
out-of-phase voltage (due to their electrical
connection) the result is an in-phase output.

The reverse is true when the armature is in

the negative half of the coil. The change in
output is completely stepless.

The output of an LVDT is an a.c. waveform and so it does not actually have a polarity
as such. The magnitude of the output of an LVDT rises regardless of the direction of
movement from the electrical zero position.
In order to know in which half of the coil the centre of the armature is located, one must
consider the phase of the output as well as the magnitude. The output phase is compared with the
excitation phase and it can be either in or out of phase with the excitation, depending upon which half of
the coil the centre of the armature is in.
The electronics therefore, must combine information on the phase of the output with information on the
magnitude of the output . This will then allow the user to know exactly where the armature is rather than
how far from the electrical zero position it is.