Faculty of Engineering

Industrial Engineering Department

Engineering metrology and standards (10631334)

Lab report (4)

Position Transducer with Linear Variable

Differential Transformer (LVDT) and Signal
Conditioner Trainer

Team members:

Maya Abu Arayes -11923810

Ghusoon Salah -11924235
Bodor Aqraa-
Yasser Isteitieh-
Khalil Juma’

Supervisor:

Eng. Waleed abu zaina

Abstract:

This experiment focuses on the analysis of a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and
the determination of the displacement-versus-voltage curve. The objective is to establish the
relationship between the slider displacement and the voltage output.

The necessary instruments for the experiment include a LVDT transducer, digital multimeter, a
terminal board (MFI-U), wires, and a power supply. The procedure begins by connecting the
instruments in order to create a comprehensive measurement circuit.

Upon activating the module, the slider distance is systematically adjusted in increments of
around 2mm. The corresponding displacement and voltage measurements are carefully
documented and organized in a tabular format. To investigate the hysteresis behavior of the
sensor, the readings are acquired in both ascending (forward) and descending (backward) order.

Subsequently, the collected data points are plotted on a graph, where the x-axis represents the
distance in millimeters (mm) and the y-axis represents the output voltage. This graphical
representation provides a visual depiction of the relationship between the slider distance and the
corresponding voltage output.

Hysteresis values are calculated for each data point, and the maximum hysteresis is determined
as a percentage of the full-scale deflection. Additionally, an ideal straight line representing the
desired relationship between the input slider distance and the output voltage is established.

Error bands of the LVDT transducer are determined by tracing two parallel lines equidistant from
the best-fit straight line, encompassing all the test points on the graph. The corresponding voltage
values at the intersections with these lines are recorded. Furthermore, the linearity of the system
is evaluated as a percentage of the full-scale deflection of the output.

In conclusion, this experiment provides insights into the characteristics of the LVDT system. The
displacement-versus-voltage curve is determined, allowing for an understanding of the system's
linearity, hysteresis behavior, and error characteristics. These findings contribute to the
assessment of the LVDT's performance and its suitability for various applications.
Results and calculations:

Table1. shows the calculations of the hysteresis in the pressure sensor used and other related
calculations.

Sample of calculations in row 1:

H=ABS(Vo forward-Vo outward)=Abs(-0.19--0.16)=0.03

O ideal =KI+a = (0.291923*0)+ -0.19=-0.19

Non-linearity=Abs(V o forward -O ideal)= Abs(-0.19- -0.19)=0

Table2. Showing the error, slope, deflection, intercept and linearity percentage.

Fig.1 the relationship between the distance and voltage

Equations

𝐻 = |𝑂 ↑ − 𝑂 ↓|

𝐻𝑚𝑎𝑥 (%) = (𝐻𝑚𝑎𝑥/(𝑂 ↑ 𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑂 ↑ 𝑚𝑖𝑛)) * 100%

𝑂 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 = 𝑘 * 𝐼 + 𝑎
𝑘 =(𝑂 ↑ 𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑂 ↑ 𝑚𝑖𝑛)/(𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝐼𝑚𝑖𝑛)

𝑎 = 𝑂 ↑ 𝑚𝑖𝑛 − (𝑘 * 𝐼𝑚𝑖𝑛)

𝑁𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 = |𝑂 ↑ − 𝑂𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙|

𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑑 (ℎ) = 𝑚𝑎𝑥. 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦

𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 = (ℎ/(𝑂 ↑ 𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑂 ↑ 𝑚𝑖𝑛)) * 100%

Discussions and conclusions:

Discussion:

The experiment involved the use of a Position Transducer with a Linear Variable Differential
Transformer (LVDT) and Signal Conditioner Trainer to measure the relationship between
distance and voltage. The transducer's performance was assessed by calculating various
parameters and conducting analyses.

The hysteresis of the pressure sensor was determined by calculating the absolute difference
between the forward voltage (Vo forward) and the outward voltage (Vo outward). The hysteresis
value quantifies the extent of inconsistency between the measurements in the forward and
outward directions.

The O ideal value was obtained using the equation O ideal = KI + a, where K represents the
slope, I represents the input current, and a represents the intercept. The non-linearity was
calculated by finding the absolute difference between the forward voltage (Vo forward) and the
ideal voltage (O ideal).
Table 1 presented the calculations for hysteresis, O ideal, and non-linearity for each row of the
experiment. These calculations provided detailed insights into the transducer's performance and
its ability to accurately measure distance.

Table 2 included additional parameters such as error, slope, deflection, intercept, and linearity
percentage. These parameters further contributed to the evaluation of the transducer's accuracy
and linearity.

Figure 1 depicted the relationship between distance and voltage, visually representing the data
and trends observed during the experiment.

Equations, including H = O - O, Hmax (%) = (Hmax / (Omax - Omin)) * 100%, O ideal = k * I +

a, k = (Omax - Omin) / (Imax - Imin), a = Omin - (k * Imin), Nonlinearity = O - O ideal, Error
band (h) = max. value of the non-linearity, and Linearity = (h / (Omax - Omin)) * 100%, were
employed for the calculations and analysis.

Conclusion:

Based on the experimental results and calculations conducted, several conclusions can be drawn
regarding the performance of the Position Transducer with Linear Variable Differential
Transformer (LVDT) and Signal Conditioner Trainer.

1. Hysteresis: The calculated hysteresis values quantified the discrepancy between the forward
and outward measurements of the pressure sensor. This information is vital in evaluating the
transducer's ability to provide consistent readings in both directions.

2. O ideal: The ideal voltage values (O ideal) were determined using the slope (k), intercept (a),
and input current (I). These values served as a reference for the expected voltage output based on
the input current and facilitated the assessment of the transducer's performance.

3. Non-linearity: The non-linearity of the transducer was determined by calculating the absolute
difference between the forward voltage (Vo forward) and the ideal voltage (O ideal). A lower
non-linearity value indicates better linearity and accuracy in the transducer's measurements.

4. Error and Linearity: The error, slope, deflection, intercept, and linearity percentage values
provided important insights into the accuracy and linearity of the transducer's measurements.
Lower error values and higher linearity percentages indicate improved performance and
reliability.
The experimental results, calculations, and graphical representation aided in the evaluation of the
Position Transducer with LVDT and Signal Conditioner Trainer. The obtained conclusions and
findings can contribute to the optimization and enhancement of distance-to-voltage
measurements using this type of transducer.

Applications:

● LVDT is used to measure the physical quantities such as Force, Tension,

Pressure, Weight, etc. These quantities are first converted into displacement by

the use of primary transducers and then it is used to convert the displacement to

the corresponding Electrical voltage signal.

● It is mostly used in industries as well as a servomechanism.

● It is also used in Industrial Automation, Aircraft. Turbine, Satellite, hydraulics,

etc.