Today’s class

• By the end of this class, you’re expected

to learn
– Linear Variable Differential Transformer
(LVDT)
• Architecture
• Diagram
• Application
– Discussion on student’s activity

BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 1
LVDT-Inductive T
A reliable and accurate sensing
device that converts linear position
or motion to a proportional
electrical output.

BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 2
 LVDT

The cross sectional view of

the DC LVDT at left shows the
built-in signal conditioning
electronics module. The
module is secured with a
potting compound that is not
shown in this drawing

BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 3
Applications of LVDTs

BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 4
 LVDT
Among the advantages of LVDT are as follows:

• It produces a higher output voltages for small

changes in core position.
• Low cost
• Solid and robust -capable of working in a wide
variety of environments.
• No permanent damage to the LVDT if
measurements exceed the designed range.

BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 5
 LVDT
Primary Secondary
A
A

B B

An inductor is basically a coil of wire

A transformer is made of at
over a “core” (usually ferrous)
least two coils wound over the
It responds to electric or magnetic core: one is primary and
fields another is secondary
Inductors and tranformers work only for ac signals
Vout  VA  VB BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 6
EXAMPLES OF LVDT APPLICATION

BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 7
LVDT Operation

Windings are connected “series

opposing” polarities of V1 and V2
oppose each other if we trace through
the circuit from terminal A to B.
If the core at the center, V1=V2, Vo=0
When the core is away from center
toward S1, V1 is greater than V2 and
the output voltage Vo will have the
polarity V1.
When the core is away from center
toward S2, V2 is greater than V1 and
the output voltage Vo will have the
polarity V2.
BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 8
LVDT Operation
That is, the output ac voltage inverts
as the core passes the center position
The farther the core moves from
center, the greater the difference in
value between V1 and V2,
consequently the greater the value of
Vo.
Thus, the amplitude of Vo is a function
of the distance the core has moved,
and the polarity or phase indicates
which direction is has moved.
If the core is attached to a moving
object, the LVDT output voltage can
be a measure of the position of the
object.
BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 9
 LVDT Operation

Please read the supplementary lecture note on LVDT:

http://notes.ump.edu.my/fkee/BEE1313/SYAKIRIN/slide/lvdt_primer.pdf
BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 10
 Example
An ac LVDT has the following data; input 6.3V,
output 5.2V, range ±0.50 cm. Determine:

a) Plot of output voltage versus core position for a

core movement going from +0.45cm to -0.03cm?
b) The output voltage when the core is -0.35cm from
the center?
c) The core movement from center when the output
voltage is -3V?
d) The plot of core position versus output voltages
varying from +4V to -2.5V.

BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 11
 Student’s activity for next class
• Based on each measurement, I expect you to
gather all the information in the following order
– Type sensors
– Architecture
– Operation
– Application
– Diagram
• You will need to prepare study materials/notes
based on the information above
• I will collect them by the end of next class (soft
copy)

BEE1313 – CHAPTER 4 12