OBJECTIVE

 To investigate the behavior of mutual inductance type transducer with two secondary
windings connected in various configuration when reluctance of the magnetic path is varied

THEORY

The Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is a widely used inductive transducer designed
to convert linear displacement into an electrical signal with high precision and reliability. The LVDT
operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, providing a continuous analogue output that
reflects the position of a movable core within its structure.

Construction of the LVDT

An LVDT consists of a primary winding and two secondary windings wound on a hollow cylindrical
former, allowing a movable soft iron core to slide along the length of the former. Key components
include:

 Primary Winding (P): Connected to an AC source, the primary winding creates an alternating
magnetic flux that links with the secondary windings.

 Secondary Windings (S1 and S2): These are wound symmetrically on either side of the
primary winding, with equal numbers of turns. The secondary windings are connected in
opposition to generate a differential output.

 Movable Iron Core: The core, usually made of high-permeability material to increase
sensitivity and reduce harmonic distortion, moves longitudinally within the former, altering
the magnetic flux in the secondary windings.

 Stainless Steel Housing: The device is enclosed in a stainless-steel housing, providing

electrostatic and electromagnetic shielding.

Principle of Operation

The LVDT works by measuring the differential voltage generated in the secondary windings based on
the position of the core. When an AC voltage is applied to the primary winding, it generates an
alternating magnetic field that induces voltages in each secondary winding, labelled E S1 and ES2.

The output voltage of the LVDT, Eout, is the difference between the induced voltages in the two
secondary windings:

Eout=ES1−ES2

Working of the LVDT

The operation of the LVDT can be divided into three cases based on the core position:

1. Null Position (No Displacement):

When the core is cantered, the magnetic flux linkage with both secondary windings is equal,
producing equal and opposite voltages, resulting in a net output of zero. This is known as the
null or reference position.

2. Core Displaced Upwards from Null Position:

If the core is displaced upwards, more flux links with secondary winding S1 than with S2,
 making ES1 greater than ES2. This results in a positive differential output voltage, indicating
upward displacement.

3. Core Displaced Downwards from Null Position:

When the core moves downward, more flux links with S2 than S1, making ES2 greater than ES1
. The differential output voltage Eout becomes negative, indicating downward displacement.

Output Characteristics

The output voltage of an LVDT is linearly proportional to the displacement of the core over a limited
range, typically within ±5mm from the null position. Key points about the LVDT output include:

 Linearity: Within the specified range, the output voltage exhibits a linear relationship with
core displacement, providing an accurate indication of position.

 Phase Relation: When the core moves in one direction from the null position, the differential
voltage increases while remaining in phase with the primary source voltage. In the opposite
direction, the differential voltage also increases but shifts 180° out of phase with the primary
source, allowing the direction of displacement to be determined.

This combination of high sensitivity, linearity, and phase-dependent directionality makes the LVDT an
ideal sensor for precise linear position measurements.

EQUIPMENT USED

 Teknikit consolette TK286

 Teknikit manifold TK287
 Amplifier module TK 294B
 Oscillator module TK 294C
 Discriminator module TK 294D
 Mechanical assembly, linear motion
 LVDT Transducer
 Digital Meter
 Oscilloscope Dual Trace

PROCEDURE

1. The power supply unit was connected to the mains supply line, but it was not switched on
yet
2. The variable DC control knob was turned to the minimum, and the 0 to +4 V variable DC
range was selected.
3. The manifold TK289 was connected to the power supply unit using the provided connecting
cable: the blue lead was connected to the 0V output, the red lead to the +15V output, and
the black lead to the negative of the 15V output of the PSU. A lead was also connected to the
variable DC output, while other leads in the connecting cable were left unconnected.
4. The modules type 294 were plugged into the sockets of the manifold.
5. The circuit shown in Figure 3 was connected according to the module setup shown in Figure
2. The transducer terminals were checked to ensure they were correctly connected. The
switch on the oscillator module was set to position C, and the frequency control was set to
maximum. The output amplitude control was set to mid-scale, and the power was switched
on.
 6. On the oscilloscope, a time base of 1 μs/cm and a 2V/div scale were set, and then the setup
was connected as shown in Figure 3.
7. The mutual inductance transducer was attached to the linear motion rig.
8. By pressing the control rod against the return spring, the ferrite core was moved through the
body of the transducer, and the output waveform was observed. The waveform went
through a maximum, reduced to zero, changed phase, and reached another maximum, as
the insertion depth of the core varied the induced EMF.
9. The micrometer was set to 10 mm, and the index was slid to 3.2 cm (or another convenient
starting position). A set of readings of output (pk-pk divisions) was taken while moving the
core in 1 mm intervals through the transducer.
10. Readings were recorded in a table
11. The oscillator output amplitude was adjusted until the output voltage was exactly 10 V. The
position where the output passed through zero (i.e., where it changed phase) was recorded.
12. The circuit shown in Figure 5 was connected, ensuring correct wiring of terminals.
13. The switch on the oscillator was set to position C, with the frequency control at maximum,
and the power supply was switched on.
14. The oscilloscope was set up as before, with the gain adjusted to 2V/div and the time base set
to 1 μs/cm. The circuit was observed to display the waveform.
15. The 100 µF smoothing capacitor was removed, and the waveform's characteristics were
noted. A larger capacitor (1 µF) was then used, and the output voltage was adjusted
accordingly.
16. Measurements of output voltage and position were recorded as the core was moved through
the transducer in 1 mm intervals. The position where the output voltage returned to zero
was identified and documented.

DATA TABLES

Position Output Amplified output

(mm) (div pk-pk) (dc volts)
25 0
26 0
27 0
29 0
30 1
31 2
32 3
33 6
34 8
35 6
36 6
37 5
38 5
39 5
40 5
41 6
42 7
43 8
44 9
45 10
48 11
49 10
50 6 phase shift
51 2
52 10
53 15
54 16
55 14
56 12
57 10
58 10
59 9
60 8
61 7
62 7
63 6
64 6
65 6
66 6
67 6
68 10
69 14
70 10
71 6
72 2
73 1
74 0
75 0