Quick Answer

An LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) is a precision displacement sensor that converts linear position into a proportional voltage. A freely moving ferromagnetic core slides inside three coils — one primary and two differential secondaries. The output voltage is linearly proportional to core position, with infinite resolution, no mechanical contact, and no wear. Standard stroke range: ±0.5 mm to ±500 mm; accuracy: ±0.1–0.25% FS; temperature range: −55°C to +150°C.

What Does LVDT Stand For?

LVDT stands for Linear Variable Differential Transformer. Breaking down the name: "Linear" means it measures displacement along a straight line (as opposed to rotary sensors). "Variable" means the output changes with position. "Differential" means it uses two secondary coils wired in opposition to produce the output signal. "Transformer" describes the underlying electromagnetic induction principle — like a transformer, it uses coils and magnetic coupling, with no electrical contact between the primary and secondary circuits.

LVDT, letter by letter — what each word tells a buyer
LetterWordWhat it meansWhat it means for selection
LLinearMeasures displacement along a straight lineChoose stroke from ±0.5 mm to ±500 mm; use an RVDT for rotation
VVariableOutput changes continuously with core positionAnalog signal with no steps; resolution is limited by the electronics
DDifferentialTwo secondary coils wound in opposition; output is their differenceZero output at null; mount so working travel is centred on null
TTransformerPrimary and secondary coils coupled magnetically by the core, no contactNo wear; AC LVDTs need 1–10 kHz excitation, DC LVDTs have it built in

LVDT technology was developed in the 1940s and has since become one of the most widely used precision displacement measurement technologies in industrial and aerospace applications, valued for its combination of high accuracy, infinite mechanical life, and wide temperature range.

How an LVDT Sensor Works

Operating Principle — Step by Step

  1. Coil assembly: Three coils are wound on a hollow cylindrical former — one primary coil (P) at the center, flanked by two identical secondary coils (S1 and S2) wound in opposition to each other.
  2. AC excitation: An AC voltage (typically 1–10 kHz) is applied to the primary coil. This creates an alternating magnetic field in the core region.
  3. Free-floating core: A cylindrical ferromagnetic core slides freely inside the coil assembly without touching it, mechanically coupled to the object whose position is being measured.
  4. Differential coupling: At the electrical null (center) position, the core couples equally to S1 and S2. Since S1 and S2 are wound in opposition, their equal voltages cancel — output is zero.
  5. Linear output: As the core moves away from null, coupling to one secondary increases and to the other decreases. The differential output voltage is proportional to the core's displacement from null. Polarity indicates direction; amplitude indicates distance.

The most important engineering consequence of this principle: the core never makes contact with the coil body. There is a free air gap between core and coil throughout the full stroke. This means zero friction, zero mechanical wear, and theoretically unlimited cycle life — making LVDT the preferred choice for high-cycle fatigue testing, aerospace actuators, and any application where the sensor must outlast the machine it monitors.

SEGMENsensor LVDT displacement sensors — spring-loaded gauging probes, separate-core transducers and pen-type LVDTs in stainless steel housings
Fig. 1 — SEGMENsensor LVDT family: spring-loaded gauging probes (SDVH), separate-core transducers (SDVG) and long-stroke pen-type sensors (SLT). The core moves inside the coil bore without touching it.

Key Specifications

±0.5–±500 mm
Stroke range
±0.1–0.25% FS
Linearity
Infinite
Resolution (analog)
−55 to +150°C
Operating temp (std)
IP67 / IP68
Protection rating
1–10 kHz
Excitation frequency

Download the one-page LVDT datasheet (PDF)

The datasheet lists every stroke option from ±0.5 mm to ±500 mm, both linearity classes (±0.25% FS standard, ±0.1% FS optional), AC and DC output versions, supply voltage, operating temperature, IP rating, housing materials, dimensions and the ordering code. No registration required.

LVDT Output Types

The native output of an LVDT is an AC differential voltage — this requires a signal conditioner (demodulator/rectifier) to produce a usable DC output. SEGMENsensor LVDT sensors are available in three configurations:

ConfigurationOutputWiringBest For
AC LVDT (bare coil)AC differential voltage (mV/V/mm)5-wire (P+, P−, S1+, S1−/S2+, S2−)High-bandwidth test & measurement DAQ
DC-LVDT (conditioned)4–20 mA (2-wire loop-powered)2-wirePLC/SCADA industrial measurement
DC-LVDT (conditioned)0–10 V or ±10 V3-wireGeneral industrial and test bench

For new industrial installations, 4–20 mA loop-powered DC-LVDT is the most practical choice — it integrates directly with any PLC analog input, is immune to cable resistance variations over long cable runs, and requires no separate conditioner box in the field.

AC LVDT vs DC LVDT vs Spring-Loaded Gauging Probe

"LVDT" covers three physically different products. An AC LVDT is the bare coil-and-core transducer — it needs an external signal conditioner but gives the highest bandwidth. A DC LVDT has the oscillator, demodulator and output amplifier built into the housing, so it runs from 10–30 V DC and outputs 4–20 mA or 0–10 V directly. A spring-loaded gauging probe is an LVDT whose core is pushed against the workpiece by an internal spring, for dimensional inspection where the sensor tip must follow the surface. The figures below are taken from the SEGMENsensor LVDT product specification.

ParameterAC LVDT (bare coil)DC LVDT (built-in conditioner)Spring-loaded gauging probe
SEGMENsensor seriesSDVG separate-core / SDVH, AC output versionSLT pen-type; SDVG / SDVH DC output versionSDVH (and SDVB) gauging probes
Stroke (full range)±0.5 mm to ±100 mm±2 mm to ±500 mm±0.5 / ±1 / ±2 / ±5 mm
Linearity±0.25% FS standard, ±0.1% FS on short-stroke probes±0.25% FS standard / ±0.1% FS optional±0.1% FS (ultra-high accuracy)
Repeatability±0.01% FS±0.01% FS±0.01% FS
Output signalAC differential voltage (mV/V/mm), 5-wire4–20 mA (2-wire) / 0–10 V / ±10 V / RS485 ModbusAC differential, or DC 0–10 V / 4–20 mA
Excitation / supply1–10 kHz, 1–5 Vrms from external conditioner10–30 V DC (built-in DC-DC converter)1–10 kHz (AC) or 10–30 V DC (DC version)
CoreFree-floating separate core, no contact with coilCaptive core in guided pen housingSpring-returned core with ruby or carbide tip
Operating temperature−40°C to +125°C−40°C to +85°C (SLT) / +125°C (SDVG DC)−40°C to +125°C
Protection / housingIP67, 303 / 316L stainless steelIP67, 303 stainless steel or aluminium alloyIP67, 303 / 316L stainless steel
Typical useHigh-bandwidth test rigs, DAQ, valve spool feedbackPLC / SCADA position measurement, press and actuator strokeGauging, dimensional inspection, surface profiling, CMM
Samples1–5 pcs, 5–7 working days1–5 pcs, 5–7 working days1–5 pcs, 5–7 working days
SEGMENsensor SDVH8 ultra-high precision spring-loaded LVDT gauging probe with stainless steel body and contact tip
Fig. 2 — Spring-loaded gauging probe (SDVH8): the internal spring keeps the tip in contact with the workpiece, ±0.1% FS linearity over ±0.5 to ±5 mm.

Industrial Applications of LVDT Sensors

IndustryApplicationWhy LVDT
AutomotiveEngine test bench valve/piston stroke measurementHigh vibration tolerance; high temperature; analog output for DAQ
AerospaceActuator position feedback, flight control surfaceNon-contact; radiation tolerant; wide operating temperature range
Industrial automationHydraulic valve spool position, press ram positionHigh cycle life; short stroke; fast dynamic response
Materials testingTensile testing, fatigue testing, creep measurementSub-micron resolution; analog output synchronised to load cell
Civil/structuralBridge deflection, building settlement monitoringLong-term stability; weatherproof; no zero drift over years
Power generationTurbine blade clearance, generator shaft displacementHigh temperature; non-contact; no spark risk in generator housings
Medical devicesPatient positioning tables, surgical robotsNo hysteresis; repeatable; MRI-compatible non-magnetic versions

LVDT vs Other Displacement Sensors

Understanding when LVDT is the right choice requires comparing it to the alternatives:

TechnologyContact?StrokeMax TempAbsolute?Relative cost
LVDTNo±0.5–±500 mm+200°C (HT)RelativeMedium
MagnetostrictiveNo25–8000 mm+85°CYesMedium
Linear potentiometerYes (wiper)10–2,000 mm+85°CRelativeLow
Incremental encoderNoUnlimited+70°CNoLow–Medium
Optical (laser)No0.01–100 mm+50°CRelativeHigh

The most common head-to-head choice is LVDT versus magnetostrictive: LVDT wins on short strokes, high temperature and bandwidth, while magnetostrictive gives an absolute position over strokes up to 8000 mm. Our detailed comparison — LVDT vs Magnetostrictive Sensor: Which to Choose — walks through stroke, accuracy, output and cost for both technologies. Full LVDT model data is on the LVDT displacement sensor product page.

What Is an LVDT Sensor Used For?

An LVDT is used wherever a machine needs to know a short linear position very precisely and very often: valve spool and actuator feedback, dimensional gauging on production lines, specimen elongation on materials test machines, and positioning stages in semiconductor and electronics equipment. The three uses below account for most of the LVDT enquiries our application engineers handle.

Semiconductor manufacturing equipment in a cleanroom, an industry where LVDT displacement sensors provide stage and actuator position feedback
Fig. 3 — Semiconductor and electronics equipment: short-stroke LVDTs report stage, lift-pin and actuator positions where contact wear is not acceptable.
  • Semiconductor and electronics equipment — short-stroke DC LVDTs and gauging probes check stage height, lift-pin travel and dispensing-head position. The non-contact core means no particles from a sliding wiper, and ±0.01% FS repeatability keeps repeated moves consistent.
  • Materials test machines — tensile, compression and fatigue frames use an LVDT to measure crosshead or specimen displacement. The AC version with an external conditioner gives the bandwidth needed for cyclic fatigue tests; the analog output is sampled alongside the load cell.
  • Process and hydraulic valves — a separate-core LVDT fitted inside a servo or proportional valve reports spool position to the valve electronics. Because the core runs inside a pressure tube without touching the coil, the sensor survives millions of spool strokes.
SEGMENsensor SDVG36-40C separate-core LVDT spool position sensor for hydraulic and process valves
Fig. 4 — SDVG36-40C separate-core spool position sensor: the coil sits outside the pressure tube and the core moves with the valve spool.

For dimensional inspection, see the LVDT gauging probe range; for fixtures where the tip must follow a moving surface, see the spring-loaded LVDT sensor page.

How Does an LVDT Measure Displacement? A Worked Example

A DC LVDT converts the differential secondary voltage into a standard signal that is linear with core position. Take a DC LVDT with a ±10 mm stroke and a 4–20 mA output, set up so that 4 mA = −10 mm, 12 mA = null (0 mm) and 20 mA = +10 mm. The span is 16 mA over 20 mm, so the scale factor is 0.8 mA per mm. A PLC reading 14.4 mA therefore calculates (14.4 − 12) ÷ 0.8 = +3.0 mm from null.

Loop currentCore position (±10 mm LVDT)Meaning
4.0 mA−10.0 mmFull retract
8.0 mA−5.0 mmHalf retract
12.0 mA0.0 mmElectrical null
16.0 mA+5.0 mmHalf extend
20.0 mA+10.0 mmFull extend

With an AC LVDT the same logic applies after demodulation: the conditioner outputs a DC voltage whose sign gives direction and whose magnitude gives distance. Units in this example follow the SI conventions in NIST Special Publication 811 (Guide for the Use of the SI).

How Accurate Is an LVDT? Accuracy vs Stroke

LVDT linearity is quoted as a percentage of full scale, so the absolute worst-case error grows with stroke. SEGMENsensor LVDTs are offered with ±0.25% FS standard linearity and ±0.1% FS optional linearity, with ±0.01% FS repeatability. The table converts those classes into micrometres and millimetres, taking the rated ± stroke as full scale (the same convention as the FAQ below).

Rated strokeWorst-case error at ±0.25% FSWorst-case error at ±0.1% FSRepeatability (±0.01% FS)
±1 mm±2.5 µm±1 µm±0.1 µm
±5 mm±12.5 µm±5 µm±0.5 µm
±10 mm±25 µm±10 µm±1 µm
±50 mm±0.125 mm±0.05 mm±5 µm
±100 mm±0.25 mm±0.1 mm±10 µm
±500 mm±1.25 mm±0.5 mm±50 µm

Practical rule: choose the shortest stroke that covers your real travel with about 20% margin. Accuracy in the installation also depends on core alignment, cable routing away from drives, and the resolution of the PLC or DAQ input. Confirm the exact linearity for your model on the LVDT product page or the datasheet above; if your specification defines full scale as the total span rather than the ± stroke, tell us and we will state accuracy on that basis in the quotation.

What Determines the Price of an LVDT Sensor?

LVDT pricing depends on the specification, not on a catalogue list. The factors that move a quotation are:

  • Stroke length — longer coils need more winding and a longer housing and core.
  • Output type — AC bare coil, DC 4–20 mA / 0–10 V / ±10 V with built-in electronics, or RS485 Modbus.
  • Linearity class — ±0.25% FS standard or ±0.1% FS optional.
  • Housing, core and tip — 303 or 316L stainless steel, separate or captive core, spring-loaded tip material.
  • Environment and approvals — operating temperature, IP rating (defined in IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)) and any required certification.
  • Cable, connector and quantity — cable length and termination, private labelling, and order volume.

Send these points and we return a written quotation within 24 hours on working days. Quotations are FOB China (international freight, import duties and taxes not included), payment is 100% T/T in advance, and every sensor carries a 12-month warranty.

Get an LVDT quotation or sample

OEM volume supply for every LVDT model; samples of 1–5 pieces ship in 5–7 days; production lead time and MOQ are confirmed with the quotation. Tell us the stroke, output and mounting, and an application engineer replies within 24 hours.

How to Select an LVDT in Three Steps

  1. Define the travel and accuracy. Measure the real travel, add about 20% margin, and pick the shortest stroke that covers it. Use the accuracy table above to decide between ±0.25% FS and ±0.1% FS.
  2. Choose the product type and output. A spring-loaded gauging probe for surface contact and inspection; a separate-core AC or DC LVDT for valve spools and actuators; a pen-type DC LVDT for machine stroke. Pick 4–20 mA for PLC inputs over long cables, 0–10 V for short runs, or AC output for high-bandwidth DAQ.
  3. Confirm the environment and mounting. Operating temperature, IP rating, housing material, thread or clamp mounting, cable length and connector. Then check the full data in the datasheet and send the list to our engineers.

Which SEGMENsensor LVDT Model Fits Your Application?

Match the LVDT type explained above to a SEGMENsensor series: the SDVH gauging probe for tip-contact measurement up to ±5 mm, the SDVG separate-core LVDT for valve spools and actuators up to ±100 mm, and the SLT pen-type DC LVDT for machine stroke up to ±500 mm. Figures below are taken from the specification table on the LVDT displacement sensor product page.

LVDT type in this articleSEGMENsensor model (example)Stroke optionsLinearityOutputOperating temperature
Spring-loaded gauging probe (tip touches the part)SDVH series, e.g. SDVH8±0.5 / ±1 / ±2 / ±5 mm±0.1% FSAC differential, DC 0–10 V or 4–20 mA−40 to +125 °C
AC or DC separate-core LVDT (core fixed to a valve spool or actuator)SDVG series, e.g. SDVG20 DC, SDVG36-40C spool position sensor±2 / ±5 / ±10 / ±25 / ±50 / ±100 mm±0.25% FSAC differential, DC 0–10 V or 4–20 mA−40 to +125 °C
DC LVDT with built-in conditioner (press, test rig, machine axis)SLT pen-type series, e.g. SLT020 with ball-joint ends±10 to ±500 mm (nine options)±0.25% FS standard, ±0.1% FS optional4–20 mA, 0–10 V, ±10 V, RS485 Modbus−40 to +85 °C

All three series are rated IP67, repeat to ±0.01% FS and run from 10–30 V DC in the DC versions. To get a quotation, send the working travel, output signal, supply voltage, operating temperature, mounting and cable or connector, and the estimated annual volume; samples of 1–5 pieces ship in 5–7 working days, and production lead time and MOQ are confirmed with the quotation. Full ranges and the ordering code are in the LVDT datasheet (PDF).

SEGMENsensor OEM production and assembly collage showing sensor manufacturing, testing and packing at the Shenzhen factory
Fig. 5 — SEGMENsensor OEM production in Shenzhen: every LVDT is calibrated and tested before shipment, with private-label options.

Ready to specify your LVDT?

SEGMENsensor has built sensors in Shenzhen since 2019 with an engineering team of 20+ years' experience, supplying 200+ OEM customers in 30+ countries. OEM volume supply, samples in 5–7 days, reply within 24 hours.

What Is an LVDT Position Sensor?

An LVDT position sensor is a linear variable differential transformer used to report the absolute position of a moving part — a valve spool, an actuator rod or a gauging tip — over a short stroke. Its output depends only on where the core sits inside the coils, so the reading is valid at power-up without homing or a reference run.

"LVDT position sensor" and "LVDT displacement sensor" describe the same device. Position is the core's location relative to the electrical null; displacement is the change between two positions. The table below matches working travel and output to a SEGMENsensor series, using the figures published on the LVDT product page.

Working travelRecommended typeSEGMENsensor seriesOutput optionsLinearityOperating temperature
±0.5 to ±5 mm, tip touches the partSpring-loaded gauging probeSDVH / SDVBAC differential, 0–10 V, 4–20 mA±0.1% FS−40 to +125 °C
±2 to ±100 mm, valve spool or actuatorSeparate-core LVDTSDVGAC differential, 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, ±10 V±0.25% FS standard, ±0.1% FS optional−40 to +125 °C
±10 to ±500 mm, press or machine strokePen-type DC LVDTSLT4–20 mA, 0–10 V, RS485 Modbus RTU±0.25% FS standard, ±0.1% FS optional−40 to +85 °C
Above ±500 mm (25–8000 mm)Magnetostrictive position sensorSGM-PR10 and related4–20 mA, 0–10 V, RS485, SSISee product pageSee product page

All three LVDT series are rated IP67, repeat to ±0.01% FS and can be supplied. For a side-by-side view of short-stroke and long-stroke technologies, see LVDT vs magnetostrictive sensor.

SEGMENsensor SDVG20 DC separate-core LVDT displacement sensor with stainless steel body and separate core rod
Fig. 6 — SDVG20 DC separate-core LVDT: the core rod is fixed to the moving part and travels inside the coil body without contact, giving absolute position over ±2 to ±100 mm.

Is an LVDT analog or digital?

Analog at the transducer level: the coils produce an AC differential voltage proportional to core position. DC LVDTs convert it to 4–20 mA or 0–10 V, and SLT pen-type LVDTs can also output RS485 Modbus RTU with 0.001 mm resolution.

Does an LVDT need a signal conditioner?

An AC LVDT does — the conditioner supplies 1–10 kHz excitation and demodulates the output. A DC LVDT has both functions built into the housing, runs from a DC supply and wires straight to a PLC analog input.

What is the null position of an LVDT?

Null is the core position where the two secondary voltages cancel and the output is zero. On a ±10 mm DC LVDT with 4–20 mA output, null reads 12 mA; centre the working travel on null when mounting.

What is the difference between an LVDT and an RVDT?

An LVDT measures straight-line displacement; an RVDT (rotary variable differential transformer) applies the same principle to angular rotation. SEGMENsensor LVDTs are linear sensors from ±0.5 mm to ±500 mm.

Talk to an LVDT engineer

Send your working travel, output signal, supply and operating temperature. A SEGMENsensor engineer replies within 24 hours with a recommended series and ordering code. OEM volume supply, samples in 5–7 days.

Standards and references

Frequently Asked Questions

Standards & Further Reading

LVDT stands for Linear Variable Differential Transformer. It is an electromechanical transducer that converts linear displacement into a proportional electrical voltage. The name describes the operating principle: a transformer with two secondary coils wound in opposition (differential), where output voltage varies linearly with the position of a movable iron core.

An LVDT has three coils: one primary (center) and two secondary coils wound in opposition on either side. AC excitation applied to the primary induces voltage in both secondaries. A free-floating ferromagnetic core slides inside without contact. At the null position, secondary voltages cancel. As the core moves, the differential output voltage increases linearly with displacement — polarity indicates direction, magnitude indicates distance.

SEGMENsensor LVDT sensors are available from ±0.5 mm to ±500 mm stroke. Choose a stroke length where expected displacement is within 80% of full scale for best linearity. For strokes above ±500 mm, magnetostrictive sensors are typically the better choice.

AC LVDT: raw AC differential voltage (mV/V/mm), requires external signal conditioner. DC-LVDT with built-in conditioning: 4–20 mA (loop-powered, 2-wire), 0–10 V (3-wire), or ±10 V (bipolar). For industrial PLC/SCADA use, 4–20 mA is the most practical. For test-and-measurement DAQ, AC output with a phase-sensitive demodulator gives highest bandwidth.

LVDT linearity is the maximum deviation from a straight line between full-scale points, expressed as % FS. Typical values: ±0.1–0.25% FS. On a ±100 mm LVDT with ±0.1% FS linearity, worst-case positional error is ±0.1 mm anywhere in the range. Better linearity means more accurate position readings across the full stroke.

Yes. Standard LVDTs operate −55°C to +150°C; high-temperature versions to +250°C or beyond using ceramic insulation. The coil-and-core construction has no electronics in the measurement element — making it inherently suited to high temperature, vibration, and radiation. ATEX/IECEx versions are available for hazardous areas.

LVDT is non-contact — the core never touches the coil housing — giving theoretically infinite mechanical life with no friction or wear. A potentiometer uses a sliding wiper contact that wears over time. For precision measurement in long-life or harsh environments, LVDT is strongly preferred despite higher cost.

Automotive (engine testing, suspension measurement), aerospace (actuator feedback, flight control), industrial automation (hydraulic valve position, press control), materials testing (tensile/fatigue machines), civil engineering (structural health monitoring), and power generation (turbine clearance, generator shaft position).

An LVDT is used to measure short linear displacements precisely and without contact: valve spool and actuator position feedback, dimensional gauging on production lines, specimen displacement on tensile and fatigue test machines, and stage or lift-pin position in semiconductor and electronics equipment.

The core moves inside the coils and changes the coupling to the two secondary windings. A DC LVDT converts the resulting differential voltage into a linear signal. Example: a ±10 mm LVDT with 4–20 mA output gives 12 mA at null and 0.8 mA per mm, so 14.4 mA equals +3.0 mm.

SEGMENsensor LVDTs are offered with ±0.25% FS standard linearity and ±0.1% FS optional linearity, with ±0.01% FS repeatability. On a ±10 mm LVDT that is a worst-case error of ±25 µm or ±10 µm; the shorter the stroke, the smaller the absolute error.

Price depends on stroke length, output type (AC, 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, RS485), linearity class, housing and core materials, temperature and IP requirements, cable and connector, and order quantity. SEGMENsensor quotes FOB China within 24 hours on working days; qualification samples are 1–5 pcs.

An LVDT is an analog sensor at the transducer level: the coils produce an AC differential voltage proportional to core position. DC LVDTs convert this to 4–20 mA or 0–10 V, and SEGMENsensor SLT pen-type LVDTs can also output RS485 Modbus RTU with 0.001 mm resolution.

An AC LVDT needs an external signal conditioner that supplies 1–10 kHz excitation and demodulates the output. A DC LVDT has the oscillator and demodulator built into the housing, runs from a DC supply and connects directly to a PLC analog input.

The null position is the core position at which the two secondary voltages cancel and the differential output is zero. On a ±10 mm DC LVDT with 4–20 mA output, null corresponds to 12 mA; mount the sensor so the working travel is centred on null.

An LVDT measures linear displacement along a straight line, while an RVDT (rotary variable differential transformer) uses the same differential-transformer principle to measure angular rotation. SEGMENsensor LVDTs are linear sensors covering strokes from ±0.5 mm to ±500 mm.

Because it works like a transformer with one primary and two secondary coils, and its output is the difference between the two secondary voltages. The secondaries are wound in opposition, so at null they cancel to zero; moving the core makes one voltage larger and the other smaller, and the difference grows linearly with displacement.

Both are non-contact linear position sensors. An LVDT uses a moving core inside coils and suits short strokes from ±0.5 mm to ±500 mm with ±0.01% FS repeatability; a magnetostrictive sensor uses a position magnet on a waveguide and covers 25–8000 mm, which makes it the usual choice for long strokes and hydraulic cylinders.

The LVDT coil assembly is passive: there are no electronics in the measurement element, and an AC LVDT needs external 1–10 kHz excitation from a signal conditioner. A DC LVDT adds a built-in oscillator and demodulator, so it runs from a DC supply and outputs 4–20 mA, 0–10 V or ±10 V directly.

Last updated: September 22, 2026 — added AC / DC / spring-loaded comparison table, product photos and datasheet download.

Updated: September 30, 2026 — added uses, a 4–20 mA worked example, accuracy-vs-stroke table, price factors, three-step selection guide, two quotation CTAs and four FAQs.

Updated: October 24, 2026 — added a "Which SEGMENsensor LVDT model fits?" table that maps each LVDT type to the SDVH, SDVG and SLT series. October 5, 2026 — added an LVDT position sensor section with a travel-and-output selection table, four question answers, an engineer CTA, standards references and four FAQs.

Updated: October 30, 2026 — added a one-sentence LVDT definition with three facts and three steps, an "LVDT letter by letter" table, an NIST length reference and three FAQs. SEGMENsensor Engineering Team.