The Linearly Variable

Differential Transformer
(LVDT)
 History
• 1831: Michael Faraday discovered current
could be induced in a conductor by a
magnetic field
• U.S. Patent of G.B. Hoadley (1940)
– First noted that the LVDT output amplitude
varies linear with core displacement
 Construction
• Hollow Cylinder
• Primary Coil - Centered in assembly
• Two Secondary Coils
– placed symmetrically about
the primary coil
– Electrically in Series
– Voltages opposite in polarity
• Movable (linearly) iron core
• Magnetic fields can be assumed constant through
each coil along the coil axis.
Construction
 How it Works – AC
• Excitation voltage applied to primary coil
– Voltage depends on coil (1V – 10V) <AC>
• (6V – 23V) <DC>
– Freq. Range: 60Hz – 25 kHz
– Constant current desired to min. temp effects

AC Operation
 How it Works - AC
• An AC (sinusoid) output is produced
– Proportional to the displacement of core
– Mostly linear over operating range beyond
which non-linearities become prevalent
– 180º out of phase on either side of zero
– Harmonic distortion in supply causes an offset
• Two secondary coils are not totally identical
• When core is centered, the voltage is only a
minimum not zero
 How it Works - AC
• Conditioning hardware is external to the
LVDT.
 How it Works - DC
• DC input also possible
– Many operating principles are the same
– Conditioning hardware converts DC input into
AC input for the actual LVDT device.
– Support hardware is contained in instrument
case
 Application
• LVDTs are installed an “LVDT gauge
head” (higher level assembly)
• Used in machine tools and other control
systems
• Instrument errors can be as low as ±0.05%
• Repeatability as low as .0001 mm.
• Data frequently sampled using a data
acquisition system
 Advantages
• Friction-Free Operation (w/o spring)
• Infinite Resolution
– Depends on resolution of overall system
• Unlimited Mechanical Life
• Single Axis Sensitivity
• Environmentally Robust (AC)
• Null Point Repeatability
• Fast Dynamic Response
• Absolute Output (not incremental)
 Connection to Microcontroller
• Signal must be conditioned (AC)
• Conditioned signal to A/D converter
• Digital data to an input Port on
microcontroller
 Rotary Variable Differential
Transformer (RVDT)

• RVDTs work in the same way as LVDTs

only angles are measured.
• Linear output range: ±40º
 References
Figliola, Richard S., Beasley, Donald E., Theory
and Design of Mechanical Measurements 2nd
ed., John Wiley & Sons, 1995.
Bollinger, John G., Duffie, Neil A., Computer
Control of Machines and Processes, Addison-
Wesley Publishing Co., 1989.
www.macrosensors.com
www.schaevitz.com