Linear variable differential

transformer (LVDT)
introduction
• It is a type of inductive transducer .
• Displacement is measured with the help of output voltage.
• Linear variable means Convert the linear motion into electrical
signals.
• Differential means output voltage is difference of two voltages.
• Transformer means is work like transformer.
Construction
It consist of following parts:-
• Single primary winding P.
• Two secondary windings S1 and S2 having equal number of turns and wound
in opposite manner.
• A soft iron core generally made of nickel iron which is hydrogen annealed in
order to provide low null voltage and high sensitivity.
• Former is nothing but the cylindrical shape on which the windings are wound.
• Arm is attached to the soft iron core on which linear displacement is given.
• The LVDT is covered with stainless steel housing and end lids provide
electrostatic and electromagnetic shielding.
Working of LVDT:
• Primary winding (P) excited by A.C source
which produce electromagnetic field.
• Induces alternating current voltages in two secondary windings S1
and S2 i.e. Es1 and Es2 respectively by mutual induction.
• S1 and S2 connected in series opposition to obtain single output.
• The output voltage is the difference of the voltages in the two
windings i.e. Eout = Es1 – Es2
• The linear motion of soft iron core can be observe in three ways I.e.
null position ,right position and left position.
Positions of soft iron core:-
1. Null position:- At this position the core is exactly at middle and
therefore at this position the voltage induced in both secondary
coils are equal i.e. Es1 = Es2
therefore ,Eout = 0
1. Left position :- At this position the core is move towards left side
and therefore at this position the voltage induced in S1 winding is
more as compared to S2 winding i.e. Es1 > Es2
Therefore , Eout = Es1 – Es2
• Right position :- At this position the core is move towards right side
and therefore at this position the voltage induced in S2 winding is
more as compared to S1 winding i.e. Es2 > Es1
Therefore , Eout = Es2 – Es1
Results:-
1. The amount of voltage change in either of the secondary winding is
proportional to the amount of movement of core.
2. The direction of motion is observed by the phase change between
input signal and output signal.
3. If Es1 > Es2 then Eout = Es1 – Es2 is positive and i/p and o/p are in
phase.
4. If Es2 > Es1 then Eout = Es1 – Es2 is negative and i/p and o/p are out
of phase.
5. The o/p signal may also be applied to a recorder or ta a controller
that can restore the moving system to its normal position.
Relation of output voltage with displacement:
• o/p voltage of LVDT is a linear function of the core displacement
within a limited range of motion say 5 mm from the null position.
• After 5 mm the relation between o/p and displacement becomes non
linear.
Factors for residual voltage:
1. Due to the presence of harmonics in the supply voltage.
2. Due to the harmonics produced in output voltage on account of use
of iron core
3. Either an incomplete magnetic or electric unbalance.
4. Due to environmental conditions.

Note :- This residual voltage is 1% of output voltage and can be reduce

by taking care of above mentioned factors.
Advantages of LVDT
1. High range of measurement from 1.25 mm to 250 mm.
2. The smallest measurement can do is 0.003 mm.
3. Friction and electrical isolation:-
1. No physical contact between winding and core therefore no wear.
2. Gives infinite resolution throughout its operating life.
4. Immunity from external effects like pressure ,temperature etc.
5. High input and high sensitivity of about 40 v/mm
6. Ruggedness : can tolerate high shock and vibrations.
7. Low hysteresis : LVDT shows low hysteresis therefor good repeatability.
8. Low power consumption.
Disadvantages of LVDT
1. Relatively large displacements are difficult to measure.
2. Sensitive to stray magnetic and electric fields.
3. Dynamic response is slow.
Applications of LVDT
1. As primary transducer for direct measurement of displacements.
2. As secondary transducer to measure force, weight, pressure, weight
etc.
ex:-
We can use LVDT with Borden tube when pressure is applied
due to the pressure the displacement will be cause in the bor-
-den tube and then this displacement is measured with LVDT
after that the displacement is calibrate with the pressure.