Isolation Tubes for Harsh LVDT Environments
LVDTs are durable, accurate and very flexible. However, in certain situations, a standard installation won’t survive long due to harsh environmental conditions. Threats such as water, high pressure, extreme heat will cause the system to fail. But we have some good news, failure can be prevented with a relatively simple accommodation: isolation tubes. Let’s look […]
LVDTs for High Temperature Applications
Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) are well known for being versatile, and able to reliably function in many challenging environments. They withstand threats of vibration, pressure, corrosion, and more. Perhaps the most demanding challenge they face is extreme heat. Standard LVDTs simply can’t survive the heat, but their designs can be modified so they can […]
Using LVDTs for Vibration Measurement
Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) are precision sensors well known for their reliability in position measurement applications. While they are not the first choice for typical vibration measurement uses, LVDTs do offer advantages for specific applications when certain conditions exist. Typically, these are ones where measurement of both movement and vibration is required. Today, we’ll […]
LVDTs vs Alternative Methods For Thickness Measurement
For thickness measurement, manufacturers have a number of options: optical, capacitive, inductive, and contact-based methods. Each has its own strengths and drawbacks. The ideal choice depends on the demands of each use. Let’s see how LVDTs measure up when compared to some alternatives for a few interesting applications. Precision and Environmental Tolerance Generally speaking, LVDTs […]
Comparing LVDT Technology with Alternatives for Hydraulic Actuation
Position sensing plays a crucial role in ensuring precise control and reliable operation for hydraulic actuation. While Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) are the go-to sensing solution, several competing technologies offer various advantages and trade-offs. Today we’ll explore the four main position sensing technologies used in hydraulic actuators: LVDTs, magnetostrictive sensors, Hall effect sensors, and […]
LVDT Design Considerations for Pressure Vessel Applications
Many applications call for LVDTs to be mounted in a pressure vessel. Certain design considerations must be made so the LVDT can still perform well under higher pressures, or when there are subject to significant changes in PSI. While the highest amount of possible pressure is of key concern, other environmental and operating factors, such […]
Linear Position Sensors Reference Guide
Linear position sensors play a critical role in various consumer and industrial applications, quietly supporting functionalities from robotics and automation to electronics and automotive systems. Simply put, these devices convert physical movement into electrical signals, providing valuable position data for control, monitoring, and safety purposes. There’s a diverse range of linear position sensor technologies on […]
What Are the Different Types of LVDTs?
LVDTs are versatile, yet relatively simple devices that are used in a wide variety of applications and industries to measure displacement. They are precision inductive sensors that are built around a simple yet very efficient design. LVDTs are made up of three components: a primary coil, two secondary coils wound coaxially around it, and a […]
Choosing the Right Signal Conditioner for Your LVDT
Often, an LVDT installation will require a signal conditioner to convert, process or enhance the generated signals by the sensor. There are lots to choose from on the market, and they are offered with lots of features and options. As a result, we are often asked by customers how to determine which signal conditioner is […]
What’s Best for Your LVDT Needs: Standard, Modified, or Custom?
More and more, LVDT buyers find themselves faced with a choice: should they use a stock unit that doesn’t exactly meet their needs, then make accommodations on their end. Or the reverse, have the LVDT modified to meet their specs, thus simplifying production by making installation less complicated. Or in more extreme cases: go full […]
The Use of LVDTs to Control Hydraulic Actuators
Hydraulic actuators are used in a wide range of high-force applications including cranes, excavators, feeder/agitator drives, planes, military vehicles and more. In order to facilitate proper performance for many of these uses, it’s critical to constantly measure position and transmit accurate real-time data. LVDTs have proven to be a suitable, durable and relatively cost-effective way […]
Applications for Gaging Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs)
Gaging Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs) are used to provide accurate linear displacement measurements for any application that requires a spring-loaded transducer. This alternative design and construction approach is required since a conventional free-unguided LVDT doesn’t always fit the bill. Specifically, they can’t be used where the moving object can’t support a direct connection to […]
Exploring the Wide Range of LVDT Applications
LVDTs are the unsung heroes of countless applications across an extensive range of industries. These include commercial, military, industrial, and consumer uses. Today, we’ll look at several specific applications to provide a visual representation how an LVDT is integrated into each. It’s certainly one of those cases where the pictures are worth a thousand words. […]
Five Questions For Procuring the Right LVDT for Your Application
LVDTs are used in a variety of applications and operating environments. There are several variables to consider when specifying one for your exact needs. Getting this right could mean make or break for the unit long term. To help guide you in your selection, we’ve boiled the process down to answering five key questions as […]
Guide to Selecting the Right LVDT for High Pressure Applications
For a majority of LVDT applications, standard units will fit the bill. However, certain operating environments have higher demands, requiring additional considerations and/or customization. Today, we’re focusing on various high pressure applications, and the how LVDTs can be configured to handle them. Examples of High Pressure LVDT Uses Servo valves, drilling equipment and high pressure […]
Should Your LVDT be AC or DC?
All LVDTs, regardless if they are AC or DC, have an AC operated core. Historically, AC was a sufficient output for earlier controls and instruments. However, as technology evolves, the demand for DC units continues to increase. Ironically, there is a shift back to using AC due to the several benefits it offers. Today we’ll […]
How Do LVDT’s ‘Measure Up’ Against Competing Methods?
LVDT’s (linear variable differential transformers) were invented in 1936 by George B. Hoadley. They were developed as “…a system for the electrical transmission of intelligence at a distance”. These popular position sensors have evolved a bit since then. Today, they are used in a variety of industries from transportation and defense to commercial printing and power […]
How to Calibrate Your LVDTs
Calibration of your LVDT’s is critical to ensure that they are operating within the tolerances of precision and accuracy for which they are well known. That is why every sensor that leaves our factory is calibrated prior to shipping. Today we will detail the approach that we use, along with the information that is included […]
Choosing the Correct LVDT Frequency for Your Application
Linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) are known to be extremely accurate devices for measuring linear distances. They are used in a variety of applications and industries to measure vibration, stress testing, actuator movement, and much more. However, it is important to note that maximum performance and accuracy are best achieved when an LVDT is excited […]
Understanding Key Terminology for Sourcing LVDTs
Ever notice that every manufacturing field seems to have its very own language? It often includes words and phrases that are unique to their industry. Or, worse yet, common phrases that have entirely different definitions within their world. It’s a reality we can not change. In fact, the sensor industry is guilty of it! Though, […]