Linear variable differential transformer sensor using Fe-rich amorphous wires as an active core

Results concerning linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) displacement measurements using Fe77.5Si7.5B15 amorphous wires as movable core are presented. Taking advantage of the large Barkhausen (LBE) effect in amorphous wire, a small exciting field and a small number of windings in the secondary coils are necessary to get an large output signal of the LVDT. The thermal noise of the output becomes low, due to the small number of coil turns, increasing thus the sensitivity of the LVDT. The results obtained show a linear dependence of the LVDT response on the displacement of the moving core for displacements up to about 14 mm, with accuracy of 1 mu m. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)32808-0].