LVDT Linear Variable Displacement Transducers/Transformers

Definition What is a LVDT?

Electromechanical transducer
Coupled to any type of object/structure Converts the rectilinear motion of an object into a corresponding electrical signal Measures Displacement!!!!!!!!

Precision of LVDT
Movements as small as a few millionths of an inch Usually measurements are taken on the order of 12 inches Some LVDTs have capabilities to measure up to 20 inches

Definition Why use a LVDT?

Friction Free Operation
NO mechanical contact between core and coil (usually)
Infinite Mechanical Life

Infinite Resolution
Electromagnetic coupling
Limited only by electrical noise

Low risk of damage

Most LVDTs have open bore holes

Null Point Repeatability

Zero displacement can be measured

Single Axis Sensitivity

Effects of other axes are not felt on the axis of interest

Environmentally Robust
Stable/Strong sensors good for structural engineering tests!!!

Uses
Automation Machinery Civil/Structural Engineering Power Generation Manufacturing Metal Stamping/Forming Pulp and Paper Industrial Valves R & D and Tests Automotive Racing

Type of LVDTs
DC vs. AC Operated
DC Operated
Ease of installation Simpler data conditioning Operate from dry cell batteries (remote locations) Lower System Cost

AC Operated
Smaller than DC More accurate than DC Operate well at high temperatures

Type of LVDTs (cont.)

Armature Types
Unguided Armature
Fits loosely in bore hole LVDT body and armature are separately mounted must ensure alignment Frictionless movement Suitability
Short-range high speed applications High number of cycles

Captive (Guided) Armature

Restrained and guided by a low-friction bearing assembly Suitability
Longer working range Alignment is a potential problem

Spring Extended Armature

Restrained and guided by a low-friction bearing assembly (again!) Internal spring pushes armature to max. extension
Maintains reliable contact with body to be measured

Suitability
Static slow moving application (joint-opening in pavement slabs)

Type of LVDTs (cont.)

Generic Schematic:

LVDT Components
Ferrous core Primary coil Secondary coil Bore shaft Magnetic shielding Stainless steel end caps Secondary coil High density glass filled coil forms Signal conditioning circuitry Cross section of a DC-LVDT Epoxy encapsulation

Underlying Principle
Electromagnetic Induction:

L i
Where: L= inductance = magnetic flux i = electric current

Underlying Principle
Electromagnetic Induction:
Primary Coil (RED) is connected to power source Secondary Coils (BLUE) are connected in parallel but with opposing polarity Primary coils magnetic field (BLACK) induces a current in the secondary coils Ferro-Metallic core (BROWN) manipulates primarys magnetic field

Underlying Principle
In the null position, the magnetic field generates currents of equal magnitude in both secondary coils. When the core is moved, there will be more magnetic flux in one coil than the other resulting in different currents and therefore different voltages This variation in voltages is linearly proportional to displacement
Null position

Displaced