LVDT Linear Variable Displacement Transducers/Transformers

John Ramirez Darwin Valenzuela March 14th, 2007

Outline

Definition and Uses (4) Variety and Type (3) Underlying Principle (4) Manufacturers/Cost (1)

Definition What is a LVDT?

Electromechanical transducer

Precision of LVDT

Coupled to any type of object/structure Converts the rectilinear motion of an object into a corresponding electrical signal Measures Displacement!!!!!!!!
Movements as small as a few millionths of an inch Usually measurements are taken on the order of 12 inches Some LVDTs have capabilities to measure up to 20 inches

Definition Why use a LVDT?

Friction Free Operation

NO mechanical contact between core and coil (usually)

Infinite Mechanical Life

Infinite Resolution

Electromagnetic coupling

Low risk of damage

Limited only by electrical noise

Null Point Repeatability

Most LVDTs have open bore holes Zero displacement can be measured Effects of other axes are not felt on the axis of interest Stable/Strong sensors good for structural engineering tests!!!

Single Axis Sensitivity

Environmentally Robust

Uses

Automation Machinery Civil/Structural Engineering Power Generation Manufacturing Metal Stamping/Forming OEM Pulp and Paper Industrial Valves R & D and Tests Automotive Racing

LVDT accessories tips

Source:http://www.rdpe.com/ex/tips.htm

Uses (cont.)

Civil/Structural Engineering Examples

Displacement measurement of imbedded concrete anchors tested for tensile, compression, bending strength and crack growth in concrete Deformation and creep of concrete wall used for retaining wall in large gas pipe installation Dynamic measurement of fatigue in large structural components used in suspension bridges Down-hole application: measuring displacement (creep) of bedrock

Type of LVDTs

DC vs. AC Operated

DC Operated

Ease of installation Simpler data conditioning Operate from dry cell batteries (remote locations) Lower System Cost Smaller than DC More accurate than DC Operate well at high temperatures

AC Operated

Type of LVDTs (cont.)

Armature Types

Unguided Armature

Fits loosely in bore hole LVDT body and armature are separately mounted must ensure alignment Frictionless movement Suitability

Short-range high speed applications High number of cycles

Captive (Guided) Armature

Restrained and guided by a low-friction bearing assembly Suitability

Longer working range Alignment is a potential problem

Spring Extended Armature

Restrained and guided by a low-friction bearing assembly (again!) Internal spring pushes armature to max. extension Suitability

Maintains reliable contact with body to be measured

Static slow moving application (joint-opening in pavement slabs)

Type of LVDTs (cont.)

Generic Schematic:

Examples:

Source: http://www.daytronic.com/Products/trans/lvdt/default.htm#UNG

LVDT Components
Ferrous core Primary coil Secondary coil Bore shaft Magnetic shielding Stainless steel end caps Secondary coil High density glass filled coil forms Signal conditioning circuitry Epoxy encapsulation

Cross section of a DC-LVDT

Source: http://www.macrosensors.com/lvdt_macro_sensors/lvdt_tutorial/lvdt_primer.pdf

Underlying Principle

Electromagnetic Induction:

L i
Where: L= inductance = magnetic flux i = electric current

Underlying Principle

Electromagnetic Induction:

Primary Coil (RED) is connected to power source Secondary Coils (BLUE) are connected in parallel but with opposing polarity Primary coils magnetic field (BLACK) induces a current in the secondary coils Ferro-Metallic core (BROWN) manipulates primarys magnetic field

Underlying Principle

In the null position, the magnetic field generates currents of equal magnitude in both secondary coils. When the core is moved, there will be more magnetic flux in one coil than the other resulting in different currents and therefore different voltages This variation in voltages is linearly proportional to displacement
Null position

Displaced

Source: http://www.macrosensors.com/lvdt_macro_sensors/lvdt_tutorial/lvdt_primer.pdf

Manufacturers/Cost

Manufacturers:

RDP group:

Macro Sensors:

http://www.rdpelectrosense.com/displacement/lvdt/menulvdt.htm
http://www.macrosensors.com/ms-lvdt_products.html
http://www.sensotec.com/lvdt.asp

Honeywell Sensing & Control:

Costs:
Model LAT 100-0.5 LD200-10 LAT 100-1 Type AC Unguided Armature AC Unguided Armature AC Unguided Armature Stroke 0.5 inch 0.5 inch 1.0 inch Price $270.00 $225.00 $305.00

LAT 101-0.5 LAT 101-1 LAT 102-0.5 LAT 102-1

Spring Return Armature Spring Return Armature Captive Guided Armature Captive Guided Armature

0.5 inch 1.0 inch 0.5 inch 1.0 inch

$410.00 $470.00 $410.00 $440.00

Cited Sources

Macro Sensors

http://www.macrosensors.com/mslvdt_faq-tutorial.html http://www.daytronic.com/Products/trans/l vdt/default.htm

Daytronic Corporation

RDPE Group

Source:http://www.rdpe.com/ex/tips.htm