Measuring displacement is an essential element in the function of a machine. Sensors measure the movement and displacement of devices. A position sensor measures the change in position of an object or mechanism in relation to its original location. There are several kinds of positions sensors. One specific type of position sensor is a linear displacement transducer.
What is a displacement transducer?
Displacement transducers are devices intended to convert the motion of an object or machine into electromagnetic, magnetoelectric, or electrostatic signals. These signals are read and interpreted into data. An LVDT sensor is a type of displacement transducer used explicitly in measuring linear displacement. LVDT or linear variable displacement transducer produces output in voltage which is directly related to the parameter which is measured.
A linear displacement transducer is a reliable device with displacement measurement of up to several inches long. An lvdt can function as an absolute sensor with repeatable and reproducible results. The device itself contains three sliding cores which do not come in contact with the tube, hence, increasing its reliability and robustness.
What are displacement transducers used for?
- A linear sensor lends itself to various applications in the industry and even the public sector. Here are some application examples:
- Machine automation. A hermetically sealed linear sensor performs well in extreme working conditions present in manufacturing factories, research and development laboratories, and industrial fabrication plants.
- Aerospace and aircraft. Most aircraft related applications require using miniature lvdt displacement transducer. You can find sensors in satellites, drones, commercial aircraft, missiles, space vehicles, and flight simulators.
- Power turbines. Power plants around the world use lvdt transducer as position sensing device provided there are signal conditioners needed for operating power.
- Hydraulics. Hydraulic accumulators need linear transducers for sensing charge and as an external sensor for extreme environments exposed to shock and vibration.
- Positek manufactures linear sensors using a patented contactless technology guaranteeing robustness and durability regardless of exposure to harsh working conditions.
Types of displacement transducers
- In addition to linear voltage differential transducer, there are other types of displacement transducers used in a variety of applications:
- Linear Potentiometer. A potentiometer measures linear movement and functions in a range of processing and manufacturing equipment.
- Capacitive sensor. Capacitive transducer is a passive transducer requiring external power to operate. It is used to measure movement, pressure, and other parameters.
- Resistive sensor. In this type of transducer, external or environmental factors result in variable resistance. A resistive transducer acts as a measuring device for displacement, temperature, and other physical quantities.
- Hall-effect sensor. The working principle of a hall-effect sensor is converting the magnetic field into an electric measurable amount.