Principle of LVDT Operation

The principal of operation is essentially two small transformers sharing the same
magnetic core. As the core moves the output of one increases while the other
decreases. The 'out of balance' current is a measure of the core position with the
best linearity occurring at the mid way point when the transformers are almost in
balance.
The LVDT is sensitive, reliable and repeatable.
The accepted mode of operation is to measure a perfect sample (a setting master)
and to then measure the unknown sample. Thus the accuracy is derived from the
setting master and the LVDT is used as a comparative tool. The master is
measured once a day, or whenever the temperature changes to effectively
calibrate out all other variables relating to support fixtures etc.
An LVDT returns to its original output following a power shutdown. LVDT's work on
AC energisation and support electronics available include modulators /
demodulators, amplifiers and zero / gain controls.

When an AC excitation signal is applied to the Primary Coil (P), voltages are
induced in the two Secondary Coils (S). The MAGNETIC CORE inside the COIL
WINDING ASSEMBLY provides the magnetic flux path linking the Primary and
secondary Coils.
Since the two voltages are of opposite polarity, the Secondary
Coils are connected series opposing in the center, or Null
Position. The output voltages are equal and opposite in
polarity and, therefore, the output voltage is zero. The Null
Position of an LVDT is extremely stable and repeatable.
When the MAGNETIC CORE is displaced rom the Null
Position, an
electromagnetic imbalance occurs. This imbalance generates
a differential AC output voltage across the Secondary Coils
which is linearly proportional to the direction and magnitude of
the displacement.
As shown in the figure, when the MAGNETIC CORE is moved from the Null
Position, the induced voltage in the Secondary Coil, toward which the Core is
moved, increases while the induced voltage in the opposite Secondary Coil
decreases.
LVDTs possess the inherent ruggedness and durability of a transformer and truly

provide infinite resolution in all types of environments. As a result of the superior

reliability and accuracy of LVDTs, they are the ideal choice for linear motion control.
Multi-Layer Insulation
G.L. Collins manufactures all LVDTs with the stringent quality standards required
for spacecraft, missiles, supersonic aircraft and high grade commercial and
industrial control systems. We adhere to superior material standards and utilize
manufacturing techniques not ordinarily considered in commercial LVDT
production.
Special winding techniques must be used to ensure superior stability, linearity and
repeatability in the most hostile environments. It is standard practice at G. L.
Collins to layer-wind the LVDT coils, as opposed to random winding often found on
low-grade transducers. Precision layer winding incorporates insulation between
each layer of wire and constant control of the tension and spacing of the wire. This
technique provides added protection from dielectric breakdown, stability under the
effects of vibration, acceleration, mechanical and thermal shock, and insures unitto-unit consistency.
Experience has proven that the cost of these techniques is easily offset by the
resultant consistency, reliability and long life so vital to modern control systems.
The LVDT (Linear Variable Differential
Transformer) is an electrometic device that
produces an electrical voltage proportional to the
displacement of a movable Magnetic Core. The
LVDT is composed of these basic components:
A COIL WINDING ASSEMBLY consisting of a
Primary Coil and two Secondary Coils
symmetrically spaced on a tubular center.
A CYLINDRICAL CASE which encloses and
protects the Coil Winding Assembly.
A rod shaped MAGNETIC CORE which is
free to move axially within the Coil Winding
Assembly.
A separate shield is used for
ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING.

LVDT Operating Principle

The main advantage of LVDT transducers over other types of displacement

measurement sensors is their high degree of robustness. This is derived from their
very principle in which there is no physical contact across the sensing element and
so there is zero wear in the sensing element. This also means that LVDTs can be
made waterproof and in a format suitable for the most arduous applications.
The measurement principle is based on magnetic transfer which also means that
the resolution of LVDT transducers is infinite. The smallest fraction of movement
can be detected by suitable signal conditioning electronics.
The combination of these two factors plus other factors such as accuracy and
repeatability has ensured that this technology is still at the forefront of
displacement measurement after over 90 years.
An LVDT comprises a coil former or bobbin onto which three coils are wound. The
first coil, the primary is excited with an a.c. current, normally in the region of 1 to
10kHz at 0.5 to 10V rms. The other two coils, the secondaries are wound such that
when a ferritic core is in the central linear position, an equal voltage is induced into
each coil. However, the secondaries are connected in opposition so that in the
central position the outputs of the two secondaries cancel each other out.

With the armature in the central

position the in-phase and out-of-phase
voltages sum to zero (except for a
small residual).
In the positive half of the coil, the in
-phase voltage is higher and when it is
added to the out-of-phase voltage (due
to their electrical connection) the result
is an in-phase output.
The reverse is true when the armature
is in the negative half of the coil. The
change in output is completely
stepless.

The output of an LVDT is an a.c. waveform and so it does not actually have a
polarity as such. The magnitude of the output of an LVDT rises regardless of the
direction of movement from the electrical zero position.
In order to know in which half of the coil the centre of the armature is located, one
must consider the phase of the output as well as the magnitude. The output phase
is compared with the excitation phase and it can be either in or out of phase with
the excitation, depending upon which half of the coil the centre of the armature is
in.
The electronics therefore, must combine information on the phase of the
output with information on the magnitude of the output . This will then
allow the user to know exactly where the armature is rather than how far
from the electrical zero position it