ELECTRONIC SENSORS
Ten Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right LVDT Position Sensor
Many applications measure displacement to ensure greater accuracy in tool position during manufacturing or to identify deformations or shifts in the integrity of structures. Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) are widely used across different industries for these and other purposes.
S
ince every application has unique environmental conditions, physical meets all displacement measurement factors such as measurement range, output and operating temperature. Below are some key questions to consider when determining
1. Are you measuring linear or rotary motion?
Position sensors can measure both linear or rotary motion. While rotary sensors measure the angular displacement of rotating measure displacement along a straight line
2. What is the environment? be adequate for operation in less demanding environments. For extreme conditions such as high ambient pressures and elevated temperatures, the operating conditions.
can withstand higher temperatures and prevent dust and dirt from entering the sensor windings. Certain stainless-steel to pressure, corrosion and chemicals, enabling the sensor to function in subsea applications at depths of up to 7500 ft. and external pressures of approximately 5000 psi.
3. AC vs DC LVDT?
If the operating environment features shock, vibration, temperatures below -40°C or above 85°C, or the installation is in hard-to-reach areas for servicing, an contain internal electronics. However, they require a signal conditioner for excitation
Figure 1: Smaller, lighter LVDTs are particularly important for spacecraft, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicle vehicles, where space is limited.
6. What is the measurement range?
Understanding the measurement range is crucial for selecting the right sensor.
22 FEBRUARY 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
are best suited to make measurements from roughly ±0.010 inches to ±10 inches.
7. What is the output?
If temperatures are closer to ambient play” solution that works well with most data
4. Contacting vs. Noncontacting? are well-suited for gaging measurements, highly dynamic measurements are required.
5. What is the installation area? body diameter. Smaller sensors also are more lightweight and have a low-mass core to meet weight restrictions.
Computer-controlled winding machines now allow for new coil designs that enable sizes.
conditioners can offer options for analog voltage, current and digital outputs. As the industry transitions towards smart factories and intelligent automation, more complex process control systems require communication through digital output. signal conditioner designed to provide an RS-485 digital signal.
8. What is the temperature range? advanced materials and ceramics can operate at temperatures exceeding 1000°F. for use in cryogenic applications.
9. Does your LVDT require environments?
Sensors operating in hazardous environments compliance with industry safety standards. In the US, laboratories such as Underwriters certify that sensors have been tested to be intrinsically safe for use in a hazardous environment. In Europe and elsewhere, testing
10. What is the value of a domestic provider?
Unpredictable regulations, shutdowns and restrictions imposed by foreign governments and facilities are valid reasons to choose sensors that are manufactured domestically. By using domestic suppliers, companies like avoid tariffs imposed on imports.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
