- Oscillator Transducer Definition: An oscillator transducer is a device that converts force, pressure, or displacement into a measurable voltage.
- Working Principle: It operates by using pressure to change the capacitance in a capacitor, which alters the frequency of an oscillator.
- Components: The key parts include a mechanical linkage, oscillator, frequency modulator, and force summing member.
- Advantages: Useful for measuring both dynamic and static phenomena, and for telemetry applications.
- Disadvantages: Limited temperature range, poor thermal stability, and low accuracy.
What is an Oscillator Transducer
An oscillator transducer is a type of transducer that can be used to measure force, pressure, or displacement by converting it a voltage, which can then be measured by a voltmeter. Oscillator transducer are mostly used as secondary transducers, with their output calibrated in terms of their input quantity. Oscillatory transducer consists of following parts
- Mechanical linkage
- Oscillator
- Frequency modulator
- Force summing member
Mechanical linkage: This links the input quantity to the oscillator transducer by actuating it. It may include gears or other linkage systems.
Oscillator: As we know oscillator are used to generate desired frequency. The oscillator used here consists of LC tank/circuit. The output frequency is generated according to the input source.
Frequency Modulator: This component modifies the oscillator’s output frequency for telemetry purposes, ensuring it is suitable for transmission.
Force Summing Member: This is used to change the capacitance or inductance of an LC oscillator circuit. It transfers the pressure to mechanical linkage.
Working of Oscillator Transducer
Working of oscillator transducer can be explained from the figure as:
- The quantity to be measured like pressure is applied to the force summing device which transfers this pressure to mechanical linkage.
- Mechanical linkage responds according to the magnitude of the pressure.
- Mechanical linkage drives the dielectric medium inside the capacitor.
- The movement of the dielectric medium inside the capacitor tends to change the capacitance.
- Frequency of oscillator depends on capacitance and inductance. In case of change of any of these quantities the frequency changes.
- The output of oscillator is a modulated output and can be modulated and calibrated in terms of pressure or force applied.
Advantages of Oscillator Transducer
- This transducer can measure both dynamic and static phenomena, making it versatile for different applications.
- This transducer is very useful for telemetry applications.
Disadvantages of Oscillator Transducer
- This transducer has very hunted temperature range.
- It has a poor thermal stability.
- It has a low accuracy and therefore is used only in low accuracy applications.
