LVDT:
LINER VARYING DIFFERENTIAL
TRANSDUCER
PRESENTED BY:-
ANANTHA SAI
1005 2073 1082
INTRODUCTION OF LVDT:
LVDT full form is Linear Variable Differential
Transformer. As the name suggests, many
people get confused that it is a Transformer. But
actually, it is a Transducer not a Transformer.
Because its working principle is same as
Transformer (i.e. Mutual Induction Principle) and
also the output across its secondary coil is in
the form of differential voltage, that’s why it is
named as Linear Variable Differential
Transformer (LVDT).
Introduction of LVDT:
It is categorized as an Inductive
Transducer used to measure the speed or
position of an object. Generally most
Inductive Sensors work on the principle of
Transformer. Now let’s discuss the
complete concepts of LVDT in detail.
What is LVDT?
Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is
an Electromechanical type Inductive Transducer
that converts rectilinear displacement into the
AC 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 the
corresponding Electrical signal.
What is LVDT?
Since LVDT is an AC-controlled device, so
there is no 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 is 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.
LVDT Construction
Hydrogen annealing is done on the Iron core
to reduce harmonics, residual voltage of the
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 of 5-
15 V at a frequency of 50-400Hz 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.
LVDT working principle
Hence Differential Output of LVDT will
be E0 = E1 – E2
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 the 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
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 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 the 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
From all these three cases, we can have
the following conclusions:
The direction of the movement of an object can
be identified with the help of the differential
output voltage of LVDT. If the output voltage E0 is
positive then this means an object is moving
towards the Left from the Null position.
Similarly, If the output voltage E0 is negative then
this means the object is moving towards the
Right of the Null position.
The amount or magnitude of displacement is
proportional to the differential output of LVDT.
The more the output voltage, the more will be the
displacement of the object.
From all these three cases, we can have
the following conclusions:
If we take the core out of the former then
the net differential of the output of LVDT
will be zero.
In fact corresponding to both the cases,
whether the core is moving either Left or
Right to the Null position. Then the output
voltage will be increased linearly up to
5mm from the Null position and after 5 mm
output E0 will be non-linear
The Graph of variation of output with respect
to its position is shown in the below figure
Advantages of LVDT:
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.
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.
Low Hysteresis Losses:- LVDT gives low
hysteresis losses hence repeatability is
excellent under all the conditions.
Advantages of LVDT:
Rugged Operation:- It can tolerate a high degree
of shock and variation, especially when the core is
loaded with spring.
Low Power consumption:- LVDT consumes very
low power of approx 1W during its operation.
Direct conversion to Electrical Signal:- They
convert linear displacement directly to the
corresponding electrical voltage signal which are
easy to process further.
Fast dynamic Response:- Due to the absence of
Friction, Its dynamic response becomes very fast to
change in a core position.
Disadvantages of LVDT
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.
Since it is an electromagnetic device, so it
also gets affected by the vibrations and
temperature variation.
Applications of LVDT
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.
It is mostly used in industries as well as a
servomechanism.
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.
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