Linear Variable Differential Transformer
(LVDT)
Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is an Electromechanical type
Inductive Transducer that converts rectilinear displacement into the Electrical
Signal. Since LVDT is a secondary transducer, hence physical quantities such
as Force, Weight, Tension, Pressure, etc are first converted into displacement
by a primary transducer and then LVDT is used to measure it in terms of
corresponding Electrical signal. As LVDT is an AC controlled device, so there
is no any electronics component inside it. It is the most widely used Inductive
Sensor due to its high accuracy level. Its electrical output is obtained because
of the difference of secondary voltages, hence it is called Differential
Transformer.
LVDT Construction:
LVDT consists of one primary winding P and two secondary windings S1 & S2
mounted on a cylindrical former. Both the secondary windings (S1 & S2) has
an equal number of turns and placed identically on either side of the primary
winding in such a way that the net output will be the difference of the voltage
of both secondary windings.
There is a movable soft iron core placed inside the former.
LVDT Construction
Hydrogen annealing is done on Iron core to reduce harmonics, residual
voltage of core and thus provides high sensitivity. The movable core also is
laminated in order to reduce the eddy current losses. The displacement to be
measured is attached to this movable soft iron core. LVDT is placed inside the
stainless steel housing because it will provide electrostatic and
electromagnetic shielding.
LVDT working principle:
The working principle of LVDT is based on the mutual induction principle.
When AC excitation is applied to the primary winding, then a magnetic field is
produced. This magnetic field induces a mutual current in secondary
windings. Due to this, the induced voltages in secondary windings (S1 & S2)
are E1 & E2 respectively.
Since both the secondary windings are connected in series opposition, So the
net output voltage will be the difference of both induced voltages (E1 & E2) in
secondary windings.
Hence Differential Output of LVDT will be E0 = E1 – E2
LVDT Working
Now according to the position of the core, there are three cases that arise.
Case 1: When the core moves towards S1 (Max Left).
When the core of LVDT moves toward Secondary winding S1. Then, in this
case, the flux linkage with S1 will be more as compared to S2. This means the
emf induced in S1 will be more than induced emf in S2. Hence E1>E2 and
Net differential output voltage E0 = E1 – E2 will be positive. This means the
output voltage E0 will be in phase with the primary voltage.
Case 2: When the core is at Null position.
When the core is at the null position then the flux linkage with both the
secondary windings will be the same. So the induced emf (E1 & E2) in both
the windings will be the same. Hence the Net differential output voltage E0 =
E1 – E2 will be zero (E0 = E1 – E2 = 0). It shows that no displacement of
the core.
Case 3: When the core moves towards S2 (Max Right).
When the core of LVDT moves toward Secondary winding S2. Then, in this
case, the flux linkage with S2 will be more as compared to S1. This means the
emf induced in S2 will be more than induced emf in S1. Hence E2>E1 and Net
differential output voltage E0 = E1 – E2 will be negative. This means the
output voltage E0 will be in phase opposition (180 degrees out of phase) with
the primary voltage.
Characteristic:
Advantages of LVDT:
1. Smooth and Wide Range of Operation :- LVDT has a very wide
range of measurement of displacement. It can measure displacement
ranging from 1.25mm to 250 mm.
2. High Sensitivity:- LVDT gives high output value so that there is no
need for any Amplifier circuit for the amplification process. Typically
the sensitivity of LVDT is recorded as 40V/mm.
3. Low Hysteresis Losses:- LVDT gives low hysteresis losses hence
repeatability is excellent under all the conditions.
4. Low Friction Losses:- As the core moves in a hollow Former, So
there is no concept of friction losses. Hence it gives accurate output
value.
5. Rugged Operation:- It can tolerate a high degree of shock and
variation, especially when the core is loaded with spring.
6. Low Power consumption:- LVDT consume very low power of
approx 1W during its operation.
7. Direct conversion to Electrical Signal:- They convert linear
displacement directly to the corresponding electrical voltage signal
which are easy to process further.
8. Fast dynamic Response:- Due to the absence of Friction, Its
dynamic response becomes very fast to change in a core position.
Disadvantages of LVDT:
1. Since LVDT is Inductive Transducer, so it is sensitive to Stray Magnetic
Field. Hence an extra setup is required to protect it from Stray Magnetic
Field.
2. Since it is an electromagnetic device, so it also gets affected by the
vibrations and temperature variation.
Application of LVDT:
1. LVDT is used to measure the physical quantities such as Force, Tension,
Pressure, Weight, etc. These quantities are first converted into
displacement by the use of primary transducers and then it is used to
convert the displacement to the corresponding Electrical voltage signal.
2. It is mostly used in industries as well as a servomechanism.
3. It is also used in Industrial Automation, Aircraft. Turbine, Satellite,
hydraulics, etc.
LVDT Specifications:
Range of Measurement: ± 0.25 mm to ± 750 mm
Operating Temperature: (-265 to 600) degree Celsius.
Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 20 kHz.
