LVDT is Electromechanical type Inductive Transducer that converts rectilinear displacement into the Electrical Signal. LVDT is a secondary transducer.
Introduction of LVDT:
LVDT full form is Linear Variable Differential Transformer. As the name suggests, many people get confused that it is a Transformer. But actually, it is a Transducer not a Transformer. Because its working principle is same as Transformer (i.e. Mutual Induction Principle) and also the output across its secondary coil is in the form of differential voltage, that’s why it is named as Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT).
It is categorized as an Inductive Transducer used to measure the speed or position of an object. Generally most Inductive Sensors work on the principle of Transformer. Now let’s discuss the complete concepts of LVDT in detail.
What is LVDT?
Since LVDT is an AC-controlled device, so there is no electronics component inside it. It is the most widely used Inductive Sensor due to its high accuracy level. Its electrical output is obtained because of the difference of secondary voltages, hence it is called Differential Transformer.
LVDT Construction
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Construction of LVDT |
Hydrogen annealing is done on the Iron core to reduce harmonics, residual voltage of the core and thus provides high sensitivity. The movable core also is laminated in order to reduce the eddy current losses. The displacement to be measured is attached to this movable soft iron core. LVDT is placed inside the stainless steel housing because it will provide electrostatic and electromagnetic shielding.
LVDT working principle
Since both the secondary windings are connected in series opposition, So the net output voltage will be the difference of both induced voltages (E1 & E2) in secondary windings.
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Working of LVDT |
Now according to the position of the core, there are three cases that arise. So Let’s discuss these three cases one by one in detail.
Case 1: When the core moves towards S1 (Max Left).

Case 2: When the core is at Null position.
Case 3: When the core moves towards S2 (Max Right).

From all these three cases, we can have the following conclusions:
- The direction of the movement of an object can be identified with the help of the differential output voltage of LVDT. If the output voltage E0 is positive then this means an object is moving towards the Left from the Null position.
- Similarly, If the output voltage E0 is negative then this means the object is moving towards the Right of the Null position.
- The amount or magnitude of displacement is proportional to the differential output of LVDT. The more the output voltage, the more will be the displacement of the object.
- If we take the core out of the former then the net differential of the output of LVDT will be zero.
- In fact corresponding to both the cases, whether the core is moving either Left or Right to the Null position. Then the output voltage will be increased linearly up to 5mm from the Null position and after 5 mm output E0 will be non-linear.
Advantages and Disadvantages of LVDT:
Advantages of LVDT:
- Smooth and Wide Range of Operation
:- LVDT has a very wide range of
measurement of displacement. It can measure displacement ranging from 1.25mm to
250 mm.
- High Sensitivity:- LVDT gives high output value so that there is no need for any Amplifier circuit for the amplification process. Typically the sensitivity of LVDT is recorded as 40V/mm.
- Low Hysteresis Losses:- LVDT gives low hysteresis losses
hence repeatability is excellent under all the conditions.
- Low Friction Losses:- As the core moves in a hollow Former, So there is no concept of friction
losses. Hence it gives an accurate output value.
- Rugged Operation:- It can tolerate a high degree of
shock and variation, especially when the core is loaded with spring.
- Low Power consumption:- LVDT consumes very low power of
approx 1W during its operation.
- Direct conversion to Electrical
Signal:- They convert
linear displacement directly to the corresponding electrical voltage signal
which are easy to process further.
- Fast dynamic Response:- Due to the absence of Friction, Its dynamic response becomes very fast to change in a core position.
Disadvantages of LVDT
- Since LVDT is Inductive Transducer, so it is sensitive to Stray Magnetic Field. Hence an extra setup is required to protect it from Stray Magnetic Field.
- Since it is an electromagnetic device, so it also gets affected by the vibrations and temperature variation.
Applications of LVDT
- LVDT is used to measure
the physical quantities such as Force, Tension, Pressure, Weight, etc. These
quantities are first converted into displacement by the use of primary transducers
and then it is used to convert the displacement to the corresponding Electrical
voltage signal.
- It is mostly used in industries as well as a servomechanism.
- It is also used in Industrial Automation, Aircraft. Turbine, Satellite, hydraulics, etc.
LVDT Specifications:
- Range of Measurement: ± 0.25 mm to ± 750 mm
- Operating Temperature: (-265 to 600) degree Celsius.
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 20 kHz.
Easy to understand
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