LVDT

LVDT
What is an LVDT?

An LVDT is a Linear Position Sensor

with a Proportional Analog Output

An LVDT has 2 Elements, a Moving

Core and a Stationary Coil Assembly
 L V D Ts

What Do the Letters LVDT Stand

For?
 L V D Ts
Linear Variable Differential Transformer

• Linear: Measures Linear Position

• Variable: Movable Core, Fixed Coil
• Differential: Natural Null Point in Middle
• Transformer: AC Input / AC Output

Also called as Linear Variable Displacement

Transducer
 L V D Ts

LVDT linear position sensors are

readily available that can measure
movements as small as a fraction of
mm (few micrometers) up to ± 100
cm.
Prof. Govardhan
Cross Sectional View of LVDT
Prof. Govardhan
Working of LVDT
 How Does An LVDT Work?

This figure illustrates what happens when the LVDT's core is in

different axial positions. The LVDT's primary winding, P, is energized by
an AC source of constant amplitude. The magnetic flux thus developed
is coupled by the core to the adjacent secondary windings, S1 and S2. If
the core is located midway between S1 and S2, equal flux is coupled to
each secondary so the voltages, E1 and E2, induced in each winding are
equal. At this midway core position, referred to as the null point, the
differential voltage output, (E1 - E2), is zero.
WORKING OF DC LVDT
Working of LVDT
Prof. Govardhan
 How Does An LVDT Work?

This diagram also shows how the magnitude of the differential output
voltage, Eout, varies with core position.The value of Eout at maximum
core displacement from null depends upon the amplitude of the
primary excitation voltage and the sensitivity factor of the particular
LVDT, but is typically several Volts AC rms.
 How Does An LVDT Work?

This 180 degree phase shift can be used to determine the direction of
the core from the null point by means of appropriate circuitry. As this
diagram shows, the polarity of the output signal represents the core's
positional relationship to the null point.
 AC in / AC out
ADVANTAGES
 Flexible in Applications- Span and Zero
Adjustable, etc.
 Many Ranges and Sizes to Choose
 More Robust to Environments
LIMITATIONS
 Requires External Support Electronics
 Requires Extra Connections to LVDT
 Potential Electrical Noise
Susceptibility
 Potential Problems with Long Cables
 DC in / DC out
ADVANTAGES
 Simpler to Hook Up
 Precalibrated Operation
 Several Input/Output Choices
LIMITATIONS
 Temperature Environment
 No Span or Zero Adjustability
 Size Constrained by Internal
Electronics
 Characteristics of LVDT
 Friction-Free Operation
 Infinite Resolution
 Unlimited Mechanical Life
 Over travel Damage Resistant
 Single Axis Sensitivity
 Separable Coil And Core
 Environmentally Robust
 Null Point Repeatability
 Fast Dynamic Response
 Absolute Output
Prof. Govardhan
 LVDT Support Electronics

Although an LVDT is an electrical transformer, it requires AC power of

an amplitude and frequency quite different from ordinary power lines to
operate properly, typically 3 V AC rms at 3 kHz. Supplying this excitation
power for an LVDT is one of several functions of the LVDT support
electronics, which is also known as LVDT signal conditioning
equipment.
Prof. Govardhan
APPLICATIONS OF LVDT
Liquid Level Measurement using LVDT
Pressure Measurement using
LVDT
Acceleration Measurement using LVDT
High Resolution Plant Growth Measurement
based on LVDT
 Summary
 LVDT’s are robust equipment for measuring
deflection or displacement.
 AC LVDT’s require separate signal conditioning
equipment, while DC LVDT’s include signal
conditioning equipment on the device.
 There are three types of LVDT: unguided
armature, captive armature, and spring-
extended armature.
 AC LVDT’s cost less than DC, but require signal
conditioning unit.
 How Does An LVDT Work?

As shown here, if the core is moved closer to S1 than to S2 , more flux is

coupled to S1 and less to S2, so the induced voltage E1 is increased while E2 is
decreased, resulting in the differential voltage (E1 - E2). Conversely, if the core is
moved closer to S2, more flux is coupled to S2 and less to S1, so E2 is increased
as E1 is decreased, resulting in the differential voltage (E2 - E1).
 How Does An LVDT Work?

The diagram shows also that the output of an LVDT is very linear over its
specified range of core motion, but that the sensor can be used over an
extended range with some reduction in output linearity.
Cross Sectional View of LVDT
 What Is An LVDT?

The transformer's internal structure consists of a primary winding

centered between a pair of identically wound secondary windings,
symmetrically spaced about the primary. This coil assembly is usually the
stationary element of the position sensor.

The moving element of the an LVDT is a separate tubular armature of

magnetically permeable material called the core, which is free to move
axially within the coil's hollow bore, and mechanically coupled to the
object whose position is being measured.