L-10

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 Variable Inductance Transducers
Text: T1-25.23

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Work on one of the following three principles:
1. Change of self inductance
2. Change of mutual inductance, and
3. Production of eddy currents

1. Change of self inductance:

mmf  ni  Flux  Reluctance     ampere - turns
ni



This is the flux linking a single turn. The total flux linkage by all
the turns are,
n 2i
 n 


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 d n 2 l
So, L  and, 
di  A

Where, µ is the permeability, l and A are the length and cross-

sectional area of the magnetic circuit

So, L can be varied by:

(i) changing number of turns, n,
(ii) changing permeability, µ and
(iii) changing geometric configuration of the magnetic circuit

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 (i) By changing number of turns, N

L  n2
Figure shown on the BOARD

(ii) By changing permeability, geometric configuration or reluctance

Analysis shwon on the BOARD
Core (ferro-magnetic)
Armature
(ferro-magnetic)

Displacement

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 Differential Output
• For single output, we need to measure L ± ΔL
• Tranducers can be designed to provide two outputs, one of which is an
increase in inductance (L+ ΔL) and the other is the decrease (L- ΔL)
• Final output measures the difference between these two output lines
(2ΔL). This arrangement is called differential output.

Advantages:
• Sensitivity and accuracy are increased
• Output is less affected by external magnetic field. Effects are
generally cancelled out.
• The effect of variations due to temperature are reduced.
• Effects of change in supply voltage and frequency are reduced or
cancelled out.

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 Variable Self-Inductance Transducers
Differential Arrangements:
1. Some simple example arrangements are shown on the BOARD
2. Linear variable-permeability transducer:

Consists of a movable iron core inside a former with two coils

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Variable Differential Reluctance Transducer:

Armature moves in the air-gap in response to a mechanical input (e.g.

pressure) and alters the reluctances of coils 1 and 2, thus altering the
inductances of two coils
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 Variable Mutual-Inductance Transducers
• They use multiple coils
• Mutual inductance between coils can be varied by the variation of
coefficient of coupling between coils

An arrangement and analysis are shown on the BOARD

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 Transducers Working on Production of Eddy Current

 If a conducting plate is placed near a coil producing alternating flux,

eddy current is produced in the conducting plate. The conducting plate
acts as a short-circuited secondary of a transformer.

 The eddy current in the plate produces a magnetic field which acts
against the magnetic field produced by the coil

 This results in reduction of flux and hence the coil inductance is

reduced.

 The nearer is the plate to the coil, the higher is the eddy current and thus
higher is the reduction in the inductance of the coil

 A number of arrangements are possible. Some are shown on the BOARD.

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 Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT)

 Consists of a single primary winding positioned between two identical

secondary windings wound on a tubular ferromagnetic former.
 The primary winding is energized by an ac (50 Hz - 20 kHz ) voltage.
 The two secondary windings are made identical. They are connected in
series opposition so that the induced output voltages oppose each other.

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 The two secondary windings are made identical. They are connected in
series opposition so that the induced output voltages oppose each other.

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 A typical graph of output voltage as a function of displacement is shown
below.
 It also indicates the direction of movement from the null position

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Advantages:
1. Linearity: Practically linear up to 5 mm
2. High Output: no need for amplifier
3. High sensitivity: as high as 40 V/mm
4. Ruggedness: can tolerate a high degree of shock and vibration
5. Less friction: no sliding contact
6. Low power consumption

Disadvantages and Applications:

Self-study from T1: 25.24.2 and 25.24.3

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 Rotary Variable Differential Transformer (RVDT)

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