LVDT Signal
Conditioner
a
AD598
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM
FEATURES
Single Chip Solution, Contains Internal Oscillator and
Voltage Reference
EXCITATION (CARRIER)
No Adjustments Required
3
2
Insensitive to Transducer Null Voltage
Insensitive to Primary to Secondary Phase Shifts
DC Output Proportional to Position
20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Range
Single or Dual Supply Operation
Unipolar or Bipolar Output
Will Operate a Remote LVDT at Up to 300 Feet
Position Output Can Drive Up to 1000 Feet of Cable
Will Also Interface to an RVDT
Outstanding Performance
V
A
11
17
10
AMP
OSC
AD598
A–B
A+B
VOUT
16
FILTER
AMP
LVDT
VB
Linearity: 0.05% of FS max
Output Voltage: ؎11 V min
Gain Drift: 50 ppm/؇C of FS max
Offset Drift: 50 ppm/؇C of FS max
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
1. The AD598 offers a monolithic solution to LVDT and
RVDT signal conditioning problems; few extra passive com-
ponents are required to complete the conversion from me-
chanical position to dc voltage and no adjustments are
required.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The AD598 is a complete, monolithic Linear Variable Differen-
tial Transformer (LVDT) signal conditioning subsystem. It is
used in conjunction with LVDTs to convert transducer mechan-
ical position to a unipolar or bipolar dc voltage with a high
degree of accuracy and repeatability. All circuit functions are
included on the chip. With the addition of a few external passive
components to set frequency and gain, the AD598 converts the
raw LVDT secondary output to a scaled dc signal. The device
can also be used with RVDT transducers.
2. The AD598 can be used with many different types of
LVDTs because the circuit accommodates a wide range of
input and output voltages and frequencies; the AD598 can
drive an LVDT primary with up to 24 V rms and accept sec-
ondary input levels as low as 100 mV rms.
The AD598 contains a low distortion sine wave oscillator to
drive the LVDT primary. The LVDT secondary output consists
of two sine waves that drive the AD598 directly. The AD598
operates upon the two signals, dividing their difference by their
sum, producing a scaled unipolar or bipolar dc output.
3. The 20 Hz to 20 kHz LVDT excitation frequency is deter-
mined by a single external capacitor. The AD598 input sig-
nal need not be synchronous with the LVDT primary drive.
This means that an external primary excitation, such as the
400 Hz power mains in aircraft, can be used.
The AD598 uses a unique ratiometric architecture (patent pend-
ing) to eliminate several of the disadvantages associated with
traditional approaches to LVDT interfacing. The benefits of this
new circuit are: no adjustments are necessary, transformer null
voltage and primary to secondary phase shift does not affect sys-
tem accuracy, temperature stability is improved, and transducer
interchangeability is improved.
4. The AD598 uses a ratiometric decoding scheme such that
primary to secondary phase shifts and transducer null voltage
have absolutely no effect on overall circuit performance.
5. Multiple LVDTs can be driven by a single AD598, either in
series or parallel as long as power dissipation limits are not
exceeded. The excitation output is thermally protected.
6. The AD598 may be used in telemetry applications or in hos-
tile environments where the interface electronics may be re-
mote from the LVDT. The AD598 can drive an LVDT at
the end of 300 feet of cable, since the circuit is not affected
by phase shifts or absolute signal magnitudes. The position
output can drive as much as 1000 feet of cable.
The AD598 is available in two performance grades:
Grade
Temperature Range Package
AD598JR 0°C to +70°C
AD598AD –40°C to +85°C
20-Pin Small Outline (SOIC)
20-Pin Ceramic DIP
7. The AD598 may be used as a loop integrator in the design of
simple electromechanical servo loops.
It is also available processed to MIL-STD-883B, for the military
range of –55°C to +125°C.
REV. A
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its
use, nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties
which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or
otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
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Tel: 617/329-4700
Fax: 617/326-8703