(ThyBlackMan.com) Throughout the years LVDTs have gained fame in industrial applications. The medical field is one industry that benefits most from LVDTs and other types of transducers and sensors. Their first use was to take dimensional readings in medical laboratories. A linear transducer, or more commonly known as an LVDT, is just one type of position sensor that measures movement in a single axis. Because of its vital design, it is suitable for quantifying both high frequency and high-speed movements of mechanical devices. Let us learn more about this device.
Assembly
An LVDT is a transformer consisting of a core that can move freely between the central and ancillary windings. The auxiliary winding consists of two halves wound in opposing directions. Manufacturers
designed it like so because when the primary winding begins to get energised with a continuous amplitude AC supply, one of the ancillary windings produce a voltage that is 180 degrees out of phase with the other secondary winding.
The output of the linear transducer is the sum of the induced voltages. Positioning the core in a way that the conduction in both splits of the ancillary winding is equal but in opposite directions, there will be a 0-Volt output.
Producing either a unipolar or bipolar current will depend on how the transducer will interact with other mechanical systems.
Advantages
No physical electrical interaction on the position sensor
Provides clean data
Long lasting
Endless resolution
Presented in varying configurations, namely: guided, unguided or spring return.
Do not confuse the sample rate with the frequency response. The linear variable transducer measures the analogue frequency response. If a mechanical application requires a faster movement, you can make modifications to the signal conditioning devices.
Unguided LVDT
The unguided LVDT is one of three LVDT configurations. It is the most recommended configuration type among the three types for use in high-frequency mechanical applications. The engineer can assemble this type such that there is a physical interaction between the transducer’s body and armature. It can then endlessly run at very high frequencies.
Spring Return LVDT
Compared to the unguided transfiguration, the spring return type limits the ratio of the armature’s mass. Related to the spring’s strength. 10Hz is commonly the limit imposed on a short transducer.
Guided LVDT
The guided LVDT consists of guidance bearings, which will show visible wear marks if you decide to render it to multimillion cycles.
If you need assistance with Linear Variable Displacement Transducers, you can consult your supplier, and they will gladly school you on LVDTs and other types of transducers so you can decide which one will be most suitable for your intended purpose. It can be hard to understand the mechanisms and functions of transducers, and if you do not know the terminologies, it is easy to get lost. Another great source of information is the Internet, where you can find anything and everything about linear transducers and a range of suppliers that you can contact to provide you with your required types of transducers for your mechanical application.
Staff Writer; Ronald Green