Hello, and thank you for choosing Harold G. Schaevitz Industries - Alliance Sensors Group. Today we will be discussing the use of LVIT position sensor technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
LVITs (Linear Variable Inductance Transducers) are contactless linear position sensors that offer high reliability, durability, and performance at reasonable cost. These features make them ideal sensors for various internal systems functions in many forms of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones.
Typical UAV system functions include on-ground steering; engine speed; flap, aileron, and speed brake controls; rudder or directional positioning controls; stability augmentation; auto piloting systems; and any munitions launchers. LVITs are also used with the interactive controls in a drone remote control console.
In most UAV applications, an LVIT position sensor is a feedback element in a closed-loop servo system. In a typical example, the LVIT sensor is mechanically connected to the throttle linkage to provide engine feedback to the ECU that also is operating the control surfaces' servos. When used in autopilot systems, LVITs can give position feedback from the vehicle's rudder and control surfaces that comports with the algorithm being used by the drone's position control system in conjunction with GPS data. Of course, these same types of applications can often be found in many conventional aircraft.
The contactless inductive nature of LVITs is a standout feature of these low cost, high reliability position sensors. Contactless means there is no internal electrical contact that can wear out, particularly from vibration. Also, the fact that LVITs are DC in, DC out devices minimizes the need for any auxiliary electronics. LVITs can also offer various bus-ready digital outputs to connect to many military grade micro-controllers. And their low power requirement makes them well suited to battery operation.
LVIT position sensors have a very favorable stroke-to-length ratio, lightweight aluminum construction, and swivel rod ends, which make it easy to fit LVITs into a drone's mechanical systems, even with limited space.
ASG recommends these series of LVITs for use in drone systems:
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