Question
1. Explain the principles of operations and characteristics of linear variable differential
transformer.
2. State the field of linear variable differential transformer
Answer
1. Principles of Operation and Characteristics of a Linear Variable Differential Transformer
(LVDT)
Principles of Operation
An LVDT is a type of electromechanical sensor used to measure linear displacement. It can also
sometimes be called Linear Variable Differential Transducer instead of Linear Variable
Differential Transformer. It operates based on the principle of mutual induction.
Mutual induction is the phenomenon that occurs when a change in current in one coil induces an
electromotive force (EMF) in a nearby coil. The strength of the induced EMF is determined by
the mutual inductance between the two coils.
Mutual inductance is a property of isolated conductors, and it’s the principle behind
transformers, generators, and motors. It can only happen with alternating (AC) voltage, not direct
(DC) voltage.
The unit for measuring mutual inductance is the Henry, with the symbol H. One Henry is the
value of the mutual inductance of two coils when an EMF of one volt is induced in one coil if the
current in the other is changing at a rate of one ampere per second.
A Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is an electromechanical device that converts
small mechanical linear displacements of a movable core into an electrical signal that can be
processed and interpreted.
Here’s how it works:
Structure: An LVDT consists of a primary winding and two secondary windings, which are
wound on a cylindrical coil former. A ferromagnetic core moves inside the coil.
Excitation: The primary winding is excited with an AC voltage.
Induced Voltages: The movement of the core changes the mutual inductance between the primary
and secondary windings, inducing voltages in the secondary windings.
Output Signal:
When the core is at the center (null position), the induced voltages in the secondary windings are
equal but opposite in phase. This results in a zero output (null voltage).
When the core moves away from the null position, the induced voltage in one secondary winding
increases while it decreases in the other. The output is the difference between these voltages
(differential voltage), proportional to the core’s displacement.
Characteristics
Linearity: LVDTs have an excellent linear range for displacement measurement.
Resolution: They provide infinite resolution as the output is continuous and smooth.
Sensitivity: High sensitivity due to their electromagnetic operation.
Robustness: They are rugged, reliable, and operate in harsh environments.
Frictionless Operation: Non-contact operation ensures no wear and tear.
Temperature Stability: Stable over a wide range of temperatures.
2. Fields of Application of LVDTs
LVDTs are widely used in fields requiring precise linear displacement measurements, including:
Industrial Automation: For position feedback in manufacturing systems.
Aerospace: For measuring the position of aircraft components like control surfaces.
Robotics: To monitor and control movement in robotic systems.
Civil Engineering: For structural monitoring, such as detecting small shifts in bridges and
buildings.
Automotive: In suspension systems and throttle position sensing.
Healthcare: In medical devices like respiratory machines for detecting displacement.
Research and Development: For laboratory measurements and experimental setups.
Furthermore ;
Here’s a detailed and explicit explanation of everything about a Linear Variable Differential
Transformer (LVDT):
1. What is an LVDT?
A Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is an electromechanical device that converts
small mechanical linear displacements of a movable core into an electrical signal that can be
processed and interpreted.
2. Components of an LVDT
The LVDT has three main components:
Primary Winding:
Located at the center of the cylindrical body.
Wound around a non-magnetic core.
Excited by an alternating current (AC) voltage source.
Two Secondary Windings:
Placed symmetrically on either side of the primary winding.
Wound in such a way that their outputs are 180° out of phase with each other.
Movable Core:
Made of a high-permeability ferromagnetic material.
Moves linearly inside the hollow body, affecting the mutual inductance between the windings.
Housing:
Protects the windings and core from the environment.
Often made of non-magnetic material to avoid interference with the electromagnetic fields.
3. Working Principle
The LVDT operates based on the principle of mutual inductance:
Excitation:
An AC voltage is applied to the primary winding, creating a magnetic field that induces voltages
in the two secondary windings.
Core Movement:
The ferromagnetic core moves in response to a mechanical input (e.g., displacement).
The position of the core determines the magnetic flux linkage with each secondary winding.
Voltage Output:
When the core is at the center (null position), the induced voltages in the two secondary
windings are equal in magnitude but opposite in phase. The output is zero (null voltage).
When the core moves:
Towards one secondary winding: The induced voltage in that winding increases while the other
decreases. The resulting differential voltage is proportional to the displacement.
Away from one secondary winding: The differential voltage reverses polarity.
4. Signal Characteristics
Output Voltage:
A linear relationship between the core’s displacement and the output voltage within a specific
range (linear region).
Phase Shift:
Indicates the direction of displacement (positive or negative).
Sensitivity:
Defined as the voltage output per unit displacement, measured in volts per mm.
5. Advantages of LVDT
High Linearity: Provides an accurate measurement over its operating range.
Frictionless Operation: The core moves without physical contact, leading to no wear and tear.
Infinite Resolution: Can detect minute displacements due to the continuous nature of the output.
Durability: Can operate in harsh environments with high reliability.
Wide Operating Range: Can measure displacements over a large range.
Temperature Stability: Works effectively across a wide temperature spectrum.
No Electrical Contact: The non-contact nature ensures no electrical noise or short circuits.
6. Limitations
Limited by Range: The output is linear only within a certain range of core movement.
AC Excitation Requirement: Needs an external AC excitation source.
Cost: High precision LVDTs can be expensive.
Size: Some applications require compact sensors, and LVDTs may not always fit.
7. Applications of LVDT
Industrial Automation:
Position control in CNC machines and robotics.
Aerospace:
Monitoring control surface movements and landing gear positions.
Civil Engineering:
Monitoring structural displacements in bridges and buildings.
Automotive:
Measuring suspension travel or throttle position.
Medical Devices:
Used in devices like ventilators for detecting precise movements.
Research and Development:
Precision measurements in laboratories and test setups.
8. Technical Specifications of LVDT
Key parameters include:
Input Voltage: Typical excitation voltage (e.g., 3-15 V AC).
Frequency: Excitation frequency, often in the range of 50 Hz to 10 kHz.
Linear Range: Range over which output voltage is directly proportional to displacement.
Sensitivity: Output voltage per unit displacement.
Null Position: The central position of the core where the output voltage is zero.
Non-Linearity: Deviation from the linear relationship, typically expressed as a percentage of full-
scale output.
9. Calibration and Use
Setup:
Connect the LVDT to an excitation source and a signal conditioner.
Calibration:
Use a reference displacement to map the output voltage to the physical displacement.
Signal Processing:
Convert the AC differential output voltage into a DC voltage or digital signal for interpretation.
10. Variations of LVDTs
Digital LVDT: Provides digital output for easier integration with modern systems.
Miniature LVDT: Designed for compact applications.
High-Temperature LVDT: Built to withstand extreme temperatures for applications like jet
engines.
This comprehensive explanation covers the working, structure, advantages, limitations, and
applications of LVDTs in various fields. Let me know if you’d like further elaboration on any
specific point!
