L V D Ts

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
Linear Variable Differential Transformer
Transformer: AC Input / AC Output

Differential: Natural Null Point in Middle

Variable: Movable Core, Fixed Coil

Linear: Measures Linear Position

 L V D Ts
LVDT linear position sensors are readily
available that can measure movements as
small as a few millionths of an inch up to
several inches, but some are capable of
measuring positions up to 20 inches.
 WORKING OF LVDT

LVDT consist of a single primary winding and two secondary windings.

They are wound on a hollow cylindrical bobbin which is non-magnetic
and insulating material. The secondary windings have equal number of
turns and are identically placed on either side of the primary winding .
 WORKING OF LVDT
The primary winding is connected to an alternating
current source. A movable soft iron core is placed
inside the bobbin. The displacement to be measured
is applied to the arm attached to the soft iron core.
The rod is slotted longitudinally to reduce eddy
current losses.

Since the primary winding is excited by an

alternating current source, it produce an alternating
magnetic field which in in turn induces alternating
current voltages in the two secondary winding.
The differential output across the secondary winding
can be measured by voltmeter.
 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 .
 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).
 Why Use An LVDT?

LVDTs have certain significant

features and benefits, most of
which derive from fundamental
physical principles of operation
or from materials and techniques
used in their construction.
 WHY USE AN LVDT?
Friction-Free Operation
One of the most important features of an LVDT is its
friction-free operation. In normal use, there is not any
mechanical contact between the LVDT's core and its coil
assembly. There is no rubbing, dragging, or other source of
friction.

Infinite Resolution
Since an LVDT operates by using electromagnetic
coupling principles in a friction-free structure, it can
measure infinite simply small changes in core position.
These same factors also give an LVDT its outstanding
repeatability.
 WHY USE AN LVDT?
Unlimited Mechanical Life
Because there is normally no contact between an LVDT's
core and coil structure, no parts can rub together or
wear out. This means that an LVDT features unlimited
mechanical life.
Single Axis Sensitivity
An LVDT responds to motion of the core along the coil's
axis, but is generally insensitive to cross-axis motion of
the core or to its radial position. Thus, an LVDT can
usually function without adverse effect in applications
involving misaligned or floating moving members, and in
cases where the core doesn't always travel in a precisely
straight line.
 WHY USE AN LVDT?
Null Point Repeatability
The location of an LVDT's null point is extremely stable
and repeatable, even over its very wide operating
temperature range. Thus, LVDTs can perform well as null
position sensors in closed-loop control systems and
high-performance servo balance instruments.
Absolute Output
An LVDT is an absolute output device, as opposed to an
incremental output device. This means that in the event of
loss of power, the linear position information being sent
from the LVDT will not be lost. When the measuring system
is restarted, the LVDT's output value will be the same as it
was before the power failure occurred.
 Why Use An LVDT?

CONCLUSION
The LVDT represents an optimal solution
to many linear measurement problems. An
LVDT possesses a number of advantages
over other types of position sensors and
is cost competitive in most cases.
ADVANTAGES OF LVDT
High range
No frictional loss
High sensitivity
Low hysteresis
Power consumption is low
Electrical output
Good linearity
DISADVANTAGES OF LVDT
Sensitive to magnetic field
Affected by vibration and
temperature.
High displacment is required
for generating high voltage
APPLICATION OF
LVDT
LVDT is used to measure displacement ranging from fraction
millimeter to centimeter.

Acting as a secondary transducer, LVDT can be used as a

device to measure force, weight and pressure, etc..