Instrumentation & Control 1

EXPERIMENT:
To study the Characteristics of LVDT (linear variable differential transformer).

APPARATUS:
 Palm scope
 Instrumentation trainer
 Connectors (Wires)

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

THEORY:

Linear Variable Differential Transformer:

The linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) also called just a differential
transformer, linear variable displacement transformer, or linear variable displacement
transducer is a type of electrical transformer used for measuring linear displacement
(position).

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 Instrumentation & Control 2

Working principle:
LVDT works under the principle of mutual induction, and the displacement which is a non-
electrical energy is converted into an electrical energy. And the way how the energy is
getting converted is described in working of LVDT in a detailed manner.

Construction:
The LVDT consists of a primary coil (of magnet wire) wound over the whole length of a
non-ferromagnetic bore liner (or spool tube) or a cylindrical coil form. Two secondary coils
are wound on top of the primary coil for “long stroke” LVDTs (i.e. for actuator main
RAM) or each side of the primary coil for “Short stroke” LVDTs (i.e. for electro-hydraulic
servo-valve or EHSV). The two secondary windings are typically connected in “opposite
series” (or wound in opposite rotational directions). A ferromagnetic core, which length is a
fraction of the bore liner length, magnetically couples the primary to the secondary winding
turns that are located above the length of the core.

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Working of LVDT:
Let's study the working of LVDT by splitting the cases into 3 based on the iron core
position inside the insulated former.

Case 1:
On applying an external force which is the displacement, if the core reminds in the null
position itself without providing any movement then the voltage induced in both the
secondary windings are equal which results in net output is equal to zero
i.e., Esec1-Esec2=0

Case 2:
When an external force is applied and if the steel iron core tends to move in the left hand
side direction then the emf voltage induced in the secondary coil is greater when compared
to the emf induced in the secondary coil 2. Therefore the net output will be Esec1-Esec2

Case 3:
When an external force is applied and if the steel iron core moves in the right hand side
direction then the emf induced in the secondary coil 2 is greater when compared to the emf
voltage induced in the secondary coil 1. Therefore the net output voltage will be Esec2-Esec1
Vs = Excitation voltage = VpSinwt
Va = EMF induced in secondary coil A = KaSinwt
Vb = EMF induced in secondary coil B = KbSinwt
Vo = Output voltage = Va-Vb
When armature is all centers;

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 Instrumentation & Control 4

Ka = Kb
So, Vo = 0
When armature is displaced;
Vo ≠0, as Ka ≠ Kb

Advantages of LVDT:
 Insensitive to mechanical shocks and vibrations
 Infinite resolution is present in LVDT
 High output
 LVDT gives High sensitivity
 Very good linearity
 LVDT Provides Less friction
 Low hysteresis
 LVDT gives Low power consumption

Disadvantages of LVDT:
 Very high displacement is required for generating high voltages.
 Shielding is required since it is sensitive to magnetic field.
 The performance of the transducer gets affected by vibrations
 It is greatly affected by temperature changes.

Applications:
 LVDTs are used for position feedback control of down hole drilling equipment such as
bore scopes that measure the inner diameter of the drilled hole.
 Because of their extraordinary reliability and their ability to withstand high ambient
temperatures, LVDT linear position sensors are being used in the rehab of power
generation plants to better monitor the position of steam control valves for increased
efficiency and reduced operating costs.
 The LVDT coil assembly and separable core can withstand extremely high pressures
because the mechanical configuration of the coil assembly is vented (pressure balanced)
to the pressure of the nonconductive media.

PROCEDURE:
 Connect the required accessories to complete circuit
 Set O/P of DMM to zero or Minimum.
 Take readings first at neutral position and then turn coil four time CW and four times
CCW.Note reading after every rotation.

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OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

No of obs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Core -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
position
Voltages 7 6 4.5 2 0 2 4 5.5 6.5

GRAPH:

Voltage
8

0
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

Comments:
 The graph should be straight line but it deviated due to hysteresis loss.
 Wires muse be connected properly.

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 Instrumentation & Control 6

REFRENCES:
[1]
https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8
&ved=0ahUKEwidlq7xoObMAhVBoRQKHTSBD84QFggoMAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.w
ikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLinear_variable_differential_transformer&usg=AFQjCNFb7-
rdaL4Q6c7rVwYd2U9g067tRA&sig2=YPY0t8NyWMJXOviHtLc5A&bvm=bv.122448493
[2]
http://www.macrosensors.com/lvdt_tutorial.html

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