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Understanding LVDTs: Principles & Uses

Linearly Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) are devices that convert positional information into an electrical signal. They are made of a primary coil, two secondary coils, and a magnetic core. As the core moves, it changes the voltages induced in the secondary coils. This allows the LVDT to sense displacement, pressure, or force. LVDTs operate on the principle of mutual inductance between coils and have advantages of being sensitive, reliable, robust, and able to operate at high temperatures, though they require complex signal processing.

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116 views13 pages

Understanding LVDTs: Principles & Uses

Linearly Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) are devices that convert positional information into an electrical signal. They are made of a primary coil, two secondary coils, and a magnetic core. As the core moves, it changes the voltages induced in the secondary coils. This allows the LVDT to sense displacement, pressure, or force. LVDTs operate on the principle of mutual inductance between coils and have advantages of being sensitive, reliable, robust, and able to operate at high temperatures, though they require complex signal processing.

Uploaded by

rajesh adhikari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Linearly Variable Differential

Transformers (LVDTs)

Beth Dassler
Typical LVDTs1
USES?

To convert positional information into an electrical


signal.
-pressure
-displacement
-force
(a) Section view
(b) circuit diagram 2
•
• Made of a primary coil, two secondary coils,
and a magnetic core
• Primary coil excited by an AC signal (generally
a sine wave)
• Secondary coils are set up in series opposition
so when the core is centered the output voltages
cancel out
• Operates on the principle of mutual inductance
• As the core moves toward one secondary coil,
the induced voltage increases while is decreases
in the other secondary coil
M = mutual inductance in
k = coefficient of coupling between two inductances
L1 and L2 = values of the two inductances

L=n2Gµ
n is the number of turns
G is the geometric form factor µ is the effective
permeability of the medium3
Mutual Inductance
The induction of a voltage in one coil in response
to a change in current in the other coil.3
Advantages
• Sensitive
• Reliable
• Robust
• Low friction
• High resolution
• Ability to operate at high temperatures.
Disadvantages
• Requires complex signal processing
instrumentaion3
• Requires frequent calibration5
Example: catheter tip pressure transducer
Diaphragm Slug Catheter

LVDT

Example: measuring muscle contraction

Isotonic contraction
Force (same force)
Balance
Isometric contraction
Weight
Muscle (same length)
LVDT Muscle sounds
References
1. Schaevitz Sensors. LVDT Functional Advantages and Operating Principles.
[Link]
[Link]
2. Longoria, Prof. R.G. Notes on LVDTs. Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Texas at Austin, Dynamic Systems and Controls Lab. 30 March
2000. [Link]
3. Webster, J.G. (ed.) Medical Instrumentatino, Application and Design 3rd Edition.
John Wiley & Sons Inc. New York, NY, 1998.
4. Heiserman, D.L. Basic Electronics Part 2, Elements of AC Electricity. The
SweetHaven Online Interactive Tour. Unit 2: inductance; Module 3: mutual
inductance. 1997. [Link]
5. Anter Corporation. The Advantages of Digital Displacement Transducers over
LVDTs. [Link]

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