Experiment 1: LVDT

Objective:
The goal of this project is to study a Linear variable differential trasformer (LVDT)
, typical characteristic of measuring devices and possible applications.

Apparatus:
LVDT, micrometer, analog transducer amplifier

Operating principle: Electromagnetic Induction

Whenever the flux linkage through an electric conductor changes, a voltage is
induced in the conductor. In case of LVDT, an object of ferromagnetic material
is moved within the flux path which in effect changes the reluctance of the flux
path and brings about the change in flux linkage. Thus mechanical energy (used
in moving the ferromagnetic material) is directly converted into electrical energy.
The induced voltage is used as a measure of the motion.

Construction:
LVDT consists of a cylindrical, insulating, non-magnetic form that has primary
coil in the mid segment and a secondary coil symmetrically wound in the two end
segments. The two secondary coils are connected in series opposition, so that the

potentials induced in the two coils segments oppose each other. A core of ferromagnetic
material is inserted coaxially in the cylindrical form without actually
touching it.
Working:
The primary coil is energized by AC supply voltage. As a result AC voltage of
same frequency is induced in the secondary windings. When the core moves the
reluctance of the flux path changes and hence the flux linkage with two secondary
windings changes. Since the two secondary coils are connected in series opposition,
it is seen that the net induced voltage is zero(Vo = Vs1 - Vs2; Vs1 = Vs2;
Vo = 0) when the core is at the centre in between the two secondary windings.
This position is known as ’Null position’. Also, since the secondary windings
are connected in series opposition, the LVDT provides direction as well as magnitude
displacement. At steady state, the amplitude Vo of the induced voltage is
proportional, in the linear region, to the core displacement.
Note:An error known as ’zero error’ is present in some differential transformer
i.e. a non-zero reading at the null position. The main reasons for the zero error
are non-uniformities in the windings, harmonic components in the primary signal,
nonlinearities in the device.
The LVDT is a transducer which converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy i.e we get output in trems of voltage. Transduced energy levels are generally
weak and often need conditioning. The signal conditioning is achieved by
analog transducer amplifier which we connect to the LVDT. The signal conditioning
associated with the differential transformers includes filtering and amplifica3
tion. Filtering is necessary to reject the noise i.e. to achieve high signal to nise
ratio of the o/p signal.Amplification is necessary to achieve signal strengh for data
aquisiton and processing.
Applications:
Applications of LVDT are:
_ Automotive appliances
_ Automotive Test Laboratories
_ Die casting machinery
_ Fossil fuel and Nuclear Power
_ Ground attack vehicles
_ Industrial gauging
_ Industrial Robots
_ Injection Molding Machinery
_ Material handleing and testing equipments
_ Missiles
_ Punch presses and Press brakes
_ Simulators
_ Space shuttles
_ Weighing systems
_ Military and Commercial Aircraft
Prelab:
This experiment does not need any prelab report.

Procedure:
1. Connect the o/p of LVDT to the i/p of Analog Transducer Amplifier.
2. Connect the voltmeter to the o/p of Analog Transducer Amplifier.
3. Adjust the micrometer such that voltmeter shows approximately 0 V dc.
4. Take readings for increasing value of displacements till the o/p becomes
constant for any number of further increments.
5. Similarly take the readings for decreasing value of displacement till the o/p
voltage becomes constant for any number of further decrements.
6. Plot the graph of displacement vs Voltage and observe the linearity.
7. Draw Conclusion.
Postlab Report:
Following Points are expected in the postlab
_ Summary of the experiment
_ Graph of the readings
_ Any one Application other than the listed ones
_ Conclusion