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Subminiature DVRT®

Subminiature DVRT®

Differential Variable Reluctance Transducer (or "half bridge LVDT")

Overview

Ideal for linear control and precision measurement applications, the subminiature DVRT® features a fast response and rugged packaging. The sensing head is also capable of short-term submersion in aqueous environments. Units available for long-term submersion can be custom built to meet the specific application requirements.

Features of our subminiature DVRT®s include micron resolution, linear analog output, flat dynamic response to kHz levels, and very low temperature coefficients. Free sliding transducer cores are lightweight, strong, and corrosion resistant. Cores are precision ground to insure a close sliding fit within the open bore of the stainless-steel lined DVRT® body. This precision fit allows the DVRT® to achieve extremely high repeatability. Custom strokes are also available.

Miniature "plug and play" signal conditioners provide linear DC output when supplied with unregulated DC power. Multichannel, OEM and digital display systems are also available.

How it works

Core position is detected by measuring the coils' differential reluctance, using a sinewave excitation and synchronous demodulator. This differential detection method provides a very sensitive measure of core position while cancelling out temperature effects.

The transducers' coils and flex circuit leads are sealed in vacuum-pumped epoxy, within the stainless-steel case. This provides outstanding environmental resistance. The DVRT® has been successfully employed in harsh applications, including immersion in saline and pressurized oil.

Sub-Miniature Displacement Sensor
Applications
  • Miniature control elements for automotive and robotic systems
  • Process control for production-line monitoring
  • Dimensional gauging for quality control applications
  • Measuring strain and deflection in materials science and civil structures
  • Linear/angular positioning of optical components
  • Miniature force, torque, acceleration sensors
  • Available with sub-micron resolution and long stroke range
  • Operating temperature to 175°C
  • Frequency response up to 20 kHz
  • Lightweight core will not influence frequency response
  • Stainless steel and high-performance polymer design suitable for extremely harsh environments
  • Waterproof, suitable for short-term submersion in corrosive media such as brake fluid and hot saline
  • Frictionless design suitable for high duty-cycle applications
  • Easily customized to suit specific application

Electrical Specifications (obtained using MicroStrain's DEMOD-DVRT)

Linear Stroke Lengths  4, 8, 24, 38 mm (standard resolution)
 6 mm (high resolution)
 500 µm or less (nano resolution)
Accuracy*  ±1.0 % using straight line
 ±0.1 % using polynomial
Sensitivity  1 volt/mm typ. (for 8 mm stroke)
Signal to noise
(using DEMOD-DVRT)
 4200 to 1 (with filter 3 dB down at 800 Hz, standard resolution), 466 to 1 (unfiltered)
Resolution
(0.025% of full scale for standard version)
 1.0 µm for 4 mm stroke
 2.0 µm for 8 mm stroke
 6.0 µm for 24 mm stroke
 9.5 µm for 38 mm stroke
 0.6 µm for high resolution version
 10 nm for nano resolution version
Frequency response  800 Hz standard, 20 KHz optional
Temp. coeff. offset  .002% / °C (typical)
Temp. coeff. span  .030% / °C (typical)
Hysteresis*  ± 1 micron
Repeatability*  ± 1 micron

* at constant temperature

Mechanical Specifications

Overall body length  approx. 3.5 times stroke
 18.5 mm for 4 mm stroke
 34.5 mm for 8 mm stroke
 81 mm for 24 mm stroke
 124 mm for 38 mm stroke
Outside Diameter  4.76 mm (3/16 inch)
Housing  300 stainless steel, smooth 5/16 - 24 threaded 400 stainless steel(optional)
Leadouts  45 cm multistrand, shielded, stainless steel reinforced teflon insulated cable
Connector  Keyed Lemo 4-pin
Operating temperature -55 to 175˚C
Core weight 350 mg (for 8 mm stroke)

U.S. Patents 5497147, 5777467, 5914593 and Patents Pending

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Subminiature DVRT Starter Kit with Four Channels
Subminiature DVRT Starter Kit with Four Channels

S-DVRT-8-SK4
Includes (4) S-DVRT-8, (4) CBL1, (4) DEMOD-DVRT-TC, (1) MB-STD-4

Subminiature DVRT Starter Kit with Three Channels
Subminiature DVRT Starter Kit with Three Channels

S-DVRT-8-SK3
Includes (3) S-DVRT-8, (3) CBL1, (3) DEMOD-DVRT-TC, (1) MB-STD-4

Subminiature DVRT Starter Kit with Two Channels
Subminiature DVRT Starter Kit with Two Channels

S-DVRT-8-SK2
Includes (2) S-DVRT-8, (2) CBL1, (2) DEMOD-DVRT-TC, (1) MB-STD-4

8mm stroke Subminiature DVRT Starter Kit with One Channel
8mm stroke Subminiature DVRT Starter Kit with One Channel

S-DVRT-8-SK1
Includes (1) S-DVRT-8, (1) CBL1, (1) DEMOD-DVRT-TC, (1) MB-STD-4