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Sensor FAQs for Position Sensors, LVDTs, Signal Conditioners and Thermocouples.

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LVDT Position Sensors Tutorial: Harold G. Schaevitz LLC Spring-Loaded AC-LVDTs and Signal Conditioners

LVDT Position Sensors Tutorial

LVDT Controller Comm Information Ethernet FAQ

Steam Turbine Position Sensor Cross Reference GE and Westinghouse Part Numbers to Macro Sensors LVRTs and LVDTs Model Numbers

Cross reference for OEM part numbers to Macro Sensors part numbers pertaining to GE and Siemens Westinghouse Steam Turbine Control Valve Position Sensors. This includes sensors for conditioning, stop, feed water boiler pump valves and other control valve position sensors in Steam Turbine Control systems.

What Is an LVDT?

The letters LVDT are an acronym for Linear Variable Differential Transformer, a common type of electromechanical transducer that can convert the rectilinear motion of an object to which it is coupled mechanically into a corresponding electrical signal. LVDT linear position sensors are readily available that can measure movements as small as a few millionths of an inch up to several inches, but are also capable of measuring positions up to ±20 inches (±0.5 m).

Why Use An LVDT?

LVDTs have certain significant features and benefits, most of which derive from its fundamental physical principles of operation or from the materials and techniques used in its construction.

Signal Conditioning FAQ - Thermocouple Inputs

1. Will an API 4000 G work with an input temperature range of 1000 to 2000°F?
Yes, however to utilize the charts for selecting the switch positions in the field, we need to convert °F to °C. This would give 550°C to 1100°C which can be selected from the charts.

Signal Conditioning FAQ - DC Inputs

1. Do you have a signal conditioner that will source up to an 800 mA output?
No. The highest outputs available are 100 mADC non-isolated (API 4010 G) and 50 mADC isolated (API 4300 G). The API 4300 G EXTSUP will sink up to 200 mADC with an external power supply.

2. We have a 4-20 mA input and require 4 set points at the output. Do you have a product for this?
Yes, you can connect 2 of our API 1020 G units in series in the 4-20 mA input loop since the input impedance for current is 50 ohms and the drop is very low.

Typical Steam Turbine LVRT and LVDT Installation Locations

Typical GE and Westinghouse Steam Turbine Control Valve System Position Sensors (LVRT and LVDT) Installation Locations in US Fossil Fuel Fired Power Generation Plants. Macro Sensors Part Numbers.

Signal Conditioning FAQ - RTD Inputs

1. Do you have a temperature differential unit that will measure a difference of 10° C between the two inputs?
Yes, the API 4001 G SA-B, but the two RTDs will require very precise matching (±0.1%) and it would be helpful to know the operating temperature point so the factory can calibrate the unit precisely.

Signal Conditioning FAQ - Frequency Inputs

1. Do you have a product that can provide an output signal of 5 KHz, 50% duty cycle, 20 mA max and 24 V p-p max with no input?
Yes, the API 7500G M03.

2. We have an application which requires a signal conversion of ½ Hz to 6 Hz input to a DC output. Do you have a signal conditioner to do this?
No. The minimum input frequency range that we offer is 0 to 15 Hz.

Signal Conditioning FAQ - Current Loop Inputs

1. Are the API LPI-1 and the API LPI-2 UL recognized or listed?
No. These should not be required for UL listing since the operating current and voltage are below the covered standards.

2. We have an API DPI-2. Can we have an input of 0-20 mA and an output of 0-20 mA?
No. The loop powered device requires a minimum of 4 mA to supply power to the module.

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