Ananya 08M104

Ashwathi 08M106
Harshvardhan Gupta 08M119
Sharath Yale 08M141

ELECTROMAGNETIC
DISPLACEMENT SENSORS

Linear Variable Differential Transformer

Linear Variable Differential Transformers

The linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)

is a type of electrical transformer used for
measuring linear displacement.
The transformer has three solenoidal coils placed
end-to-end around a tube.
The center coil is the primary, and the two outer
coils are the secondaries.
A cylindrical ferromagnetic core, attached to the
object whose position is to be measured, slides
along the axis of the tube.

Schematic of an LVDT

Construction of an LVDT

Working of an LVDT

When the core is displaced in one direction, the

voltage in one coil increases as the other decreases,
causing the output voltage to increase from zero to
a maximum. This voltage is in phase with the
primary voltage.
When the core moves in the other direction, the
output voltage also increases from zero to a
maximum, but its phase is opposite to that of the
primary.

Output of an LVDT

The magnitude of the output voltage is proportional

to the distance moved by the core (up to its limit of
travel), which is why the device is described as
"linear". The phase of the voltage indicates the
direction of the displacement.

Characteristic of LVDT

Characteristic of LVDT

Rotary Variable Differential Transformer

A rotary variable differential

transformer (RVDT) is a type of
electrical transformer used for
measuring angular
displacement.

More precisely, a Rotary Variable Differential

Transformer (RVDT) is an electromechanical transducer
that provides a variable alternating current (AC) output
voltage that is linearly proportional to the angular
displacement of its input shaft. When energized with a
fixed AC source, the output signal is linear within a
specified range over the angular displacement.
RVDTs utilize brushless, non-contacting technology to
ensure long-life and reliable, repeatable position sensing
with infinite resolution. Such reliable and repeatable
performance assures accurate position sensing under the
most extreme operating conditions.

Most RVDT are composed

of a wound, laminated
stator and a salient twopole rotor. The stator,
containing four slots,
contains both the primary
winding and the two
secondary windings. Some
secondary windings may
also be connected
together.

ADVANTAGES OF RVDT

Low sensitivity to temperature, primary voltage & frequency

variations
Sturdiness
Low cost
Simple control electronics
Small size

Disadvantages

RVDT
Contact between plunger and measuring surface is always
not possible.
RVDT provide linear output for about +-40 degree which
limits its usability.
LVDT
Internally non contact but externally has to be connected
where the measurement has to be made
Not feasible for very long range measurements

Applications of VDTs

Brain Probe

Device addresses the

clinicians need for precise placement

of electrodes for functional

neurosurgery

unique push/pull cable drive

mechanism

The LVDT accurately monitors

the position of the probe
Data is collected to map
surface features of the brain.

Weighing System

LVDTs are used to measure

spring deformation in
weighing systems
Once the system is
constructed, the output of the
transducer is mechanically or
electrically zeroed value
then read.
LVDTs offer several
advantages over these
technologies, including
ruggedness, life expectancy,
and temperature stability

Aerospace : Position Measurement

Line Guide

Integral gearing
Environmental protection
Redundant channels
Higher level assemblies

A positioning device is
critical for an aircraft
surface
Controlled in a
closed-loop fashion by
separate electronic
hardware

LVDT & RVDT Comparison

LVDT

Measurement ranges are

100m to 25cm
Sensitivity is 2.4mv per
volt per degree of rotation
Input voltages are from 1V
to 24V RMS, with
frequencies 50Hz

RVDT

Typical RVDTs are linear

over a range of about
40
Sensitivity is 2 to 3mV per
volt per degree of rotation
Input voltages in the range
of 3V RMS at frequencies
between
400Hz and 20kHz.