Inductive Sensors
• Inductive transducers are sensors that convert changes in physical
quantities such as displacement, pressure, or force into corresponding
changes in inductance.
• These changes in inductance are then measured electrically, enabling the
conversion of physical phenomena into electrical signals.
• The inductance, a property of a coil that resists changes in current flow,
forms the basis of operation for various types of inductive transducers.
• Known for their robustness, reliability, and high accuracy, they are widely
utilized across different industries.
LVDT
• An LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) operates on the principle
of mutual inductance.
• It consists of a primary coil and two secondary coils wound on a cylindrical
form, with a movable ferromagnetic core placed inside.
• As the core moves, it alters the mutual inductance between the primary
and secondary coils differentially.
• This change in mutual inductance causes the output voltage of the
secondary coils to vary linearly with the displacement of the core, providing
a precise measurement of linear position.
The block diagram of an LVDT includes three main components: the primary
coil, the secondary coils (1 and 2), and a movable magnetic core.
Primary Coil:
• The primary coil is located at the center of the cylindrical form and is
excited by an alternating current (AC) source.
• This AC source generates an alternating magnetic field around the primary
coil.
• The strength and frequency of the AC current determine the magnitude of
the magnetic field.
• The purpose of the primary coil is to induce an electromagnetic field that
interacts with the secondary coils
Secondary Coils:
• Two secondary coils, 1 and 2, are symmetrically wound on either side of the
primary coil.
• They are connected in series opposition, producing output voltages that
vary based on the magnetic core's position.
• When the core is at the center, the voltages in the secondary coils are equal
and opposite, resulting in a net output of zero.
• As the core moves towards one coil, the inductance increases, causing a
higher induced voltage.
• This difference produces a differential output proportional to the core's
displacement.
Magnetic Core:
• A ferromagnetic rod in cylindrical form, aligned with primary and secondary
coils.
• Directly connected to object or system requiring displacement
measurement.
• Core movement changes mutual inductance between primary and
secondary coils.
• Core position determines output voltage magnitude and direction.
• Core displacement correlates with differential output voltage.
LVDT Advantages:
• High accuracy and sensitivity: Provides precise measurements even with minor
displacement changes.
• Excellent linearity: Output voltage changes linearly with core displacement, ensuring
accurate readings.
• Infinite resolution: Detects small position changes, allowing virtually infinite
measurement resolution.
• Wide measurement range: Versatile for various applications.
• High output: Produces strong, easy-to-amplify signal, improving accuracy and reliability.
• Robust and reliable: Ensures consistent performance under various environmental
conditions.
• Rugged construction: withstands harsh industrial environments, providing reliable
performance.
Disadvantages:
• Sensitive to external magnetic fields: The LVDT can be affected by nearby
magnetic fields, which may cause interference with its measurements.
• Requires an AC supply for operation: It needs a continuous AC power
source to function, which can limit its flexibility in some applications.
• High cost: LVDTs can be expensive to purchase and install, which may not
be suitable for all budgets.
• Susceptible to electromagnetic interference: Electromagnetic interference
can impact the performance of the LVDT, potentially affecting
measurement accuracy.
LVDT Applications:
• Precision measurement in machine tools: LVDTs ensure precise control and
operation.
• Control surface position feedback in the aerospace industry: LVDTs provide critical
feedback for aircraft control surfaces.
• Automation in manufacturing processes: LVDTs monitor and control parameters,
enhancing production efficiency.
• Linear displacement measurement: LVDTs offer high precision and resolution.
• Pressure measurement: LVDTs can be adapted for pressure measurement systems.
• Vibration measurement: LVDTs detect and measure vibrations, aiding machinery and
structure maintenance.
• Level measurement: LVDTs monitor displacement changes in level-sensing systems.
RVDT
• An RVDT (Rotary Variable Differential Transformer) is similar to an LVDT but
is designed to measure angular displacement rather than linear
displacement.
• It operates on the principle of mutual inductance, utilizing a rotary core that
alters the inductance between the primary and secondary coils.
• This variation in inductance is converted into an electrical output that
corresponds to the angular displacement of the core.
• Construction: It consists of a primary coil and two secondary coils wound
on a cylindrical former. A ferromagnetic core, typically a shaft with a cam, is
placed inside the former.
Based on the movement of the shaft in the transformer, the three conditions
will be produced such as
• When the Core is at Null Position.
• When the Core Rotates in Clockwise Direction.
• When the Core Rotates in Anticlockwise Direction.
When the Core is at Null Position
• In the first condition, when the shaft is placed at the null position then the
induced e.m.f in the secondary windings are similar although reverse in
phase. Thus, the differential o/p potential will be zero, and the condition will
be E1 = E2, where E0 = E1-E2 =0.
When the Core Rotates in Clockwise Direction:
• In the second condition, when the shaft rotates in the direction of clockwise;
more section of the core will enter across the primary winding.
• Therefore, the induced e.m.f across the primary winding is higher than
secondary winding. Hence, the differential o/p potential is positive, and the
condition will be E1 > E2, where E0 = E1-E2 = positive.
When the Core Rotates in Anticlockwise Direction
• In the third condition, when the shaft rotates in the direction of anticlockwise,
more section of the core will be entered across the secondary winding.
• Thus, the induced e.m.f across the secondary coil is higher than the primary
coil. Hence, the differential o/p potential is negative that means 1800 phase
shift, and the condition will be E1 < E2, where E0 = E1-E2 = negative.
• Advantages:
• Provides excellent linearity and repeatability for precise angular
displacement measurements.
• No physical contact required, enhancing durability and long operational
life.
• Built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring reliability in
demanding applications.
• Operates effectively across various temperature conditions, enhancing
versatility.
• Produces a strong, easy-to-amplify output signal for reliable data
transmission and measurement.
Disadvantages:
• Requires precise alignment for accurate functioning and measurement
accuracy.
• Sensitive to temperature variations, affecting performance.
• Limited angular range, typically ±40 degrees.
• Sensitivity to external magnetic fields, potentially affecting measurement
accuracy.
• Requires AC excitation, limiting flexibility in some applications.
• Higher cost compared to other transducers, potentially affecting budget-
sensitive projects.
Applications:
• Provides precise feedback for servo mechanisms in control systems.
• Enhances control and movement precision in robotics.
• Measures angular displacement in turbines for efficient operation and
monitoring.
• Used in aerospace industry for accurate control surface positions, engine
parameters, and navigation systems.
• Monitors throttle position, steering angle, and suspension components in the
automotive industry.
• Improves automation efficiency and accuracy by controlling robotic arms,
machine tools, and process control systems.
• Measures angular displacement in various test and measurement applications.
• Used in medical equipment for precise position sensing in surgical robots and
imaging systems.
