PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

(Autonomous institution)

COIMBATORE-641-004

MEASUREMENT OF LINEAR DISPLACEMENT

USING LVDT

(A Report Submitted In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirements Of For The Course)

TRANSDUCER LABORATORY
(19U410)

C.ABHISHEK (22U211)
II-YEAR(IV-SEMESTER)

PROGRAM: B.E.INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEERING

BRANCH: DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING

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PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Government Aided Autonomous College Affiliated To Anna University Chennai)

COIMBATORE-641-004

MEASUREMENT OF LINEAR DISPLACEMENT

USING LVDT

A REPORT SUBMITTED BY
C.ABHISHEK 22U211
II-YEAR-B-E.ICE
In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirements For TRANSDUCER LABORATORY(19U410)

DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEERING

FACULTY IN CHARGE

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 TABLE CONTENTS

S.NO HEADING PAGE NO

I Abstract 4.
II List Of Figures 5.
III List Of Tables 6.
1. Introduction 7.
2. Theory On LVDT 8-12.
3. Experimental Procedure 13-18.
4. Observation And Tabulations 19-20.

5. Inferences 21.
6. Conclusion 22.
7. References 23.

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 I.ABSTRACT
The LVDT is a precise sensor used widely for measuring linear
displacements. This abstract offers a brief overview of LVDT
principles, construction, calibration, and industry applications.

LVDTs work on electromagnetic induction with a primary coil,

two secondary coils, and a movable core, providing accurate
displacement measurements via AC voltage variations.

Key LVDT benefits include accuracy, wide measurement range,

and repeatability, with calibration techniques ensuring precision
and interference reduction.

LVDT applications span automotive, aerospace, robotics, and

manufacturing, with recent advances enabling real-time
monitoring and control.

In conclusion, LVDTs are crucial for precise linear displacement

measurements, benefiting various industries' engineering and
quality assurance processes.

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 II.LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO TITLE PAGE NO
1. Linear Displacement 8.
2. Model Circuit Diagram Of 9.
LVDT
3. Cross-Sectional View of LVDT 10.
Core and Windings

4. Coupling to First Secondary 11.

Caused by Associated Core
Displacement
5. Coupling to First Secondary 11.
Caused by Associated Core
Displacement
6. Coupling to Second Secondary 12.
Caused by Associated Core
Displacement
7. Proportionally Linear LVDT 15.
Response to Core
Displacement

8. construction of LVDT 15.

9. Design Of Differential Amplifier 16.

10. Design Of Summing Amplifier 17.

11. Software Simulation Of Signal 18.

Conditioning Circuit Design
12. Graphical Representation Of 20.
LVDT Output

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 II.LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO TITLE PAGE NO

1. Apparatus Required For Measurement 12.

Of Linear Displacement Using LVDT

2. Forward Displacement Of LVDT 15.

3. Backward Displacement Of LVDT 16.

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 1.INTRODUCTION
The Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is a highly
accurate and reliable sensor used extensively in industrial and
scientific applications for measuring linear displacements. Its
principle of operation based on electromagnetic induction allows
for precise measurements over a wide range of displacements.
This paper provides a concise overview of LVDT principles,
construction, calibration techniques, and diverse applications
across industries such as automotive, aerospace, robotics, and
manufacturing. LVDTs play a crucial role in ensuring precision
engineering and quality assurance processes by providing
accurate and repeatable measurements in various
environmental conditions and operating environments.

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 2.THEORY ON LVDT
Linear displacement is movement in one direction along a single
axis. A position or linear displacement sensor is a device whose
output signal represents the distance an object has travelled
from a reference point. A displacement measurement also
indicates the direction of motion.

A linear displacement typically has units of millimetre’s (mm) or

inches (in.) and a negative or positive direction associated with
it.

Fig.1.Linear Displacement
Linear variable differential transformers (LVDT) are used to
measure displacement. LVDTs operate on the principle of a
transformer. As shown in Figure 2, an LVDT consists of a coil
assembly and a core. The coil assembly is typically mounted to
a stationary form, while the core is secured to the object whose
position is being measured. The coil assembly consists of three
coils of wire wound on the hollow form. A core of permeable
material can slide freely through the centre of the form. The inner
coil is the primary, which is excited by an AC source as shown.
Magnetic flux produced by the primary is coupled to the two
secondary coils, inducing an AC voltage in each coil.

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Fig.2.Model Circuit Diagram Of LVDT

The main advantage of the LVDT transducer over other types

of displacement transducer is the high degree of robustness.
Because there is no physical contact across the sensing
element, there is no wear in the sensing element.

Because the device relies on the coupling of magnetic flux, an

LVDT can have infinite resolution. Therefore the smallest
fraction of movement can be detected by suitable signal
conditioning hardware, and the resolution of the transducer is
solely determined by the resolution of the data acquisition
system

An LVDT measures displacement by associating a specific

signal value for any given position of the core. This association
of a signal value to a position occurs through electromagnetic
coupling of an AC excitation signal on the primary winding to the
core and back to the secondary windings. The position of the
core determines how tightly the signal of the primary coil is
coupled to each of the secondary coils. The two secondary coils
are series-opposed, which means wound in series but in
opposite directions. This results in the two signals on each
secondary being 180 degree out of phase. Therefore phase of

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the output signal determines direction and its amplitude,
distance.

Figure 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an LVDT. The core

causes the magnetic field generated by the primary winding to
be coupled to the secondaries. When the core is centred
perfectly between both secondaries and the primary, as shown,
the voltage induced in each secondary is equal in amplitude and
180 degree out of phase. Thus the LVDT output (for the series-
opposed connection shown in this case) is zero because the
voltages cancel each other.

Fig.3. Cross-Sectional View of LVDT Core and Windings

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Displacing the core to the left (Figure 4) causes the first
secondary to be more strongly coupled to the primary than the
second secondary. The resulting higher voltage of the first
secondary in relation to the second secondary causes an output
voltage that is in phase with the primary voltage.

Fig.4. Coupling to First Secondary Caused by Associated Core

Displacement

Likewise, displacing the core to the right causes the second

secondary to be more strongly coupled to the primary than the
first secondary. The greater voltage of the second secondary
causes an output voltage to be out of phase with the primary
voltage.

Figure 5. Coupling to Second Secondary Caused by

Associated Core Displacement

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Figure 6 shows the linearity of the device within a range of core
displacement. Note that the output is not linear as the core
travels near the boundaries of its range. This is because less
magnetic flux is coupled to the core from the primary. However,
because LVDTs have excellent repeatability, nonlinearity near
the boundaries of the range of the device can be predicted by a
table or polynomial curve-fitting function, thus extending the
range of the device.

Figure 6.Proportionally Linear LVDT Response to Core

Displacement

To summarize, “The LVDT closely models an ideal zeroth-order

displacement sensor structure at low frequency, where the
output is a direct and linear function of the input. It is a variable-
reluctance device, where a primary centre coil establishes a
magnetic flux that is coupled through a centre core (mobile
armature) to a symmetrically wound secondary coil on either side
of the primary. Thus, by measurement of the voltage amplitude
and phase, one can determine the extent of the core motion and
the direction, that is, the displacement.”[1] Figure 6 shows the
linearity of the device within a range of core displacement. Note
that the output is not linear as the core travels near the
boundaries of its range. This is because less magnetic flux is
coupled to the core from the primary. However, because LVDTs
have excellent repeatability, nonlinearity near the boundaries of
the range of the device can be predicted by a table or polynomial
curve-fitting function, thus extending the range of the device.

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 3.EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
1.Aim:

To measure the applied displacement using LVDT.

2.Apparatus Required:

Table.1.apparatus required for measurement of linear

displacement using LVDT

S.NO APPARATUS REQUIRED QUANTITY
1. LVDT Setup 1
2. Signal Generator 1
3. Dc Power Supply 0-30volts 1
4. Cathode Ray Oscilloscope 1
5. Op-Amp 741 1
6. Potentiometer 1
7. Resistors As Required

3.Specifications:
• Range: +/- 50mm
• Excitation Voltage: Sinusoidal AC 1Volt at 4 KHz.
• Input impedance : 100 ohms ( nominal )
• Linearity : Better than 0.5%
• Output: 5 mV / Volt / mm.
• Operating temperature : 10 to 50 Degree Celsius.
• Termination : 2mts 6core cable
• Type : Free core

4.LVDT cable details:

• Red & Black: primary

• Yellow and blue: secondary
• Green and White: short point

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5.procedure:

• Set the signal generator to generate 2 VPP, 4 kHz Sine

wave.
• Apply this signal to the primary of the LVDT.
• Connect a 10k potentiometer across the secondary of
LVDT.
• Connect the short point (green & white wire) to centre point
of the potentiometer.
• Connect the secondary of the LVDT to the CRO.
• Move the plunger inside or outside to achieve minimum
voltage across secondary. This point is called null point.
Also adjust the potentiometer, so that the output is
minimized.
• Now connect the secondary of the LVDT to the signal
conditioning circuit designed.
• Apply displacement insteps of 2 mm, and note down the
output at the secondary and the output of the signal
conditioning circuit.
• Repeat the same by applying displacement in reverse
direction.
• Plot displacement versus output.

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6.LVDT construction

Fig.7.construction of LVDT

7.Model Graph

Fig.8.Model graph for measurement of linear displacement

using LVDT

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8.Design For Signal Conditioning Stage:

Stage 1:differential amplifier

Stage 2:summing amplifier

From readings of LVDT

Vmax=0.4932P-P
Vmin=0.0062P-P

1v=vmin*g + vc
5v=vmax*g + vc

where “g” is the gain of differential amplifier and “vc” is the

voltage to be added to the output of differential amplifier via
summing amplifier

solving these equations

g=8.213
vc=0.948 volts

Fig.9.Design Of Differential Amplifier

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From Basics Of Op-Amp

Vo=G(V1-V2)

i.e.
Vo=V1*(R4/(R2+R4))*(1+(R3/R1))-V2*(R3/R1)

Let Us Assume R3/R1=8.213

Solving Using Simple Mathematical Concepts

We Have R3=R4=270kW & R1=R2=33kW

Fig.10.Design Of Summing Amplifier

For Unity Gain Let Us Assume R1=R2=RA=RB

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9.Software Simulation Of Signal Conditioning Circuit
Design Using Multisim

Fig.11.Software Simulation Of Signal Conditioning Circuit

Design

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 4.OBSERVATION & TABULATIONS
1.The Following Readings Were Observed During The Forward
Displacement Of LVDT

Table.2.Forward Displacement Of LVDT

S.NO APPLIED LVDT AMPLIFIER

DISPLACEMENT IN OUTPUT VP-P OUTPUT VP-P
mm
1. 0 0.0062 1.07
2. 1 0.0876 1.63
3. 2 0.1708 2.28
4. 3 0.2525 2.93
5. 4 0.3523 3.57
6. 5 0.4126 4.23
7. 6 0.4932 5.01

2.The Following Readings Were Observed During The

Backward Displacement Of LVDT

Table.3.Backward Displacement of LVDT

S.NO APPLIED LVDT AMPLIFIER

DISPLACEMENT IN OUTPUT VP-P OUTPUT VP-P
mm
1. 0 0.0062 1.06
2. 1 0.0786 1.57
3. 2 0.1612 2.24
4. 3 0.2404 2.90
5. 4 0.3258 3.57
6. 5 0.4072 4.10
7. 6 0.4879 4.87

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Fig.12.Graphical Representation Of LVDT Output

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 6.INFERENCES
1. Understanding of LVDT Operation
• The experiment demonstrated the relationship between core
position and LVDT output signal, reinforcing electromagnetic
induction principles.
• Participants gained practical experience in observing changes in
LVDT output corresponding to core movements.
2. Measurement Accuracy
• Results confirmed high accuracy in measuring linear
displacement with LVDTs across different displacement ranges.
• Calibration procedures ensured precise alignment between
known displacements and LVDT output readings.
3. Calibration Procedures
• Detailed calibration procedures established a linear relationship
between LVDT output voltage and actual displacements.
• Importance of proper calibration techniques in minimizing
measurement errors was emphasized.
4. Signal Conditioning
• Signal conditioning techniques like amplification and filtering
were applied to enhance LVDT output signal clarity and
resolution.
• Participants learned about optimizing data accuracy and reducing
noise interference in practical applications.
5. Advantages Over Other Sensors
• Direct comparison with other displacement sensors highlighted
LVDT advantages such as high accuracy, robustness, and
minimal sensitivity to environmental factors.
• LVDTs were deemed suitable for critical applications requiring
accurate displacement data.
6. Applications and Case Studies
• Exploration of LVDT applications in industrial automation,
quality control systems, and structural health monitoring
showcased its versatility.
• Real-world case studies illustrated LVDT contributions to
efficiency, reliability, and safety in various engineering contexts

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 7.CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the experiment demonstrated the high accuracy
and reliability of LVDTs in measuring linear displacement.
Through precise calibration and signal conditioning techniques,
the LVDT consistently provided accurate readings across
various displacement ranges. The study reaffirmed LVDTs as a
valuable tool in industrial and engineering applications, offering
superior performance and versatility in capturing precise
displacement data. Overall, the experiment highlighted the
importance of LVDTs in ensuring accurate and reliable
measurements critical for various technological and industrial
processes.

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 8.REFERENCES
BOOKS:

1. "INTRODUCTION TO TRANSDUCERS" BY S.K. SINHA

(SECOND EDITION)
2. "TRANSDUCERS AND INSTRUMENTATION" BY D.V.S.
MURTY (SECOND EDITION)
3. "TRANSDUCERS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS" BY A.D.
SRINIVASAN (SECOND EDITION)
4. "SENSOR TECHNOLOGY HANDBOOK" BY J. WILSON
(THIRD EDITION)
5. "MODERN SENSORS HANDBOOK" BY J. WEBSTER
(SECOND EDITION)
6. "PRINCIPLES OF MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS" BY
JOHN P. BENTLEY (FOURTH EDITION)
7. "TRANSDUCER INTERFACING HANDBOOK" BY DAVID
G. ALCIATORE
8. THE ART OF ELECTRONICS BY PAUL HOROWITZ AND
WINFIELD HALL

WEBSITES:

1.WWW.NATIONALINSTRUMENTS.IN

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