A method for high-precision measuring differential transformer asymmetry

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Differential transformers are critical in high-precision capacitive position sensing for space inertial sensors and electrostatic accelerometers.
• Transformer asymmetry is a primary contributor to position sensing offset, a significant error source in space inertial sensors.
• Accurate evaluation of differential transformer asymmetry is essential for improving sensor performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel method for assessing differential transformer asymmetry.
• To develop a prototype circuit for testing transformer samples.
• To achieve high-precision measurement of differential transformer asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• Development of a specialized method for differential transformer asymmetry assessment.
• Implementation of a prototype circuit for experimental validation.
• Measurement of asymmetry in a transformer sample using the developed method.

Main Results:

• The proposed method successfully assessed differential transformer asymmetry.
• The prototype circuit enabled precise measurement of the transformer sample.
• The asymmetry measurement precision reached 0.6 ppm for a transformer with -278.2 ppm asymmetry.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a high-precision approach to evaluate differential transformer asymmetry.
• This technique is vital for mitigating position sensing offset errors in space inertial sensors.
• The findings contribute to the advancement of high-performance aerospace sensing technologies.