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Overview of Linear Variable Differential Transformers

The linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is a type of transformer that uses three solenoidal coils and a ferromagnetic core to measure linear displacement. An alternating current through the primary coil induces voltages in the two secondary coils, and the difference between these voltages corresponds to the position of the core along the axis. When the core is centered between the coils the output is zero, and displacement in either direction produces an output voltage proportional to the distance moved. LVDTs provide frictionless and highly reliable measurement of linear position that can be sealed against the environment.

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Amit Sinha
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121 views1 page

Overview of Linear Variable Differential Transformers

The linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is a type of transformer that uses three solenoidal coils and a ferromagnetic core to measure linear displacement. An alternating current through the primary coil induces voltages in the two secondary coils, and the difference between these voltages corresponds to the position of the core along the axis. When the core is centered between the coils the output is zero, and displacement in either direction produces an output voltage proportional to the distance moved. LVDTs provide frictionless and highly reliable measurement of linear position that can be sealed against the environment.

Uploaded by

Amit Sinha
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Linear variable differential transformer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cutaway view of an LVDT. Current is driven through the primary coil at A, causing an induction current to be generated
through the secondary coils at B.

The linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is a type of electrical transformer used for measuring


linear displacement. The transformer has threesolenoidal 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.

An alternating current is driven through the primary, causing a voltage to be induced in each secondary
proportional to its mutual inductance with the primary. Thefrequency is usually in the range 1 to 10 kHz.

As the core moves, these mutual inductances change, causing the voltages induced in the secondaries to
change. The coils are connected in reverse series, so that the output voltage is the difference (hence
"differential") between the two secondary voltages. When the core is in its central position, equidistant
between the two secondaries, equal but opposite voltages are induced in these two coils, so the output
voltage is zero.

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. 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.

Because the sliding core does not touch the inside of the tube, it can move without friction, making the
LVDT a highly reliable device. The absence of any sliding or rotating contacts allows the LVDT to be
completely sealed against the environment.

LVDTs are commonly used for position feedback in servomechanisms, and for automated measurement in
machine tools and many other industrial and scientific applications.

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