Variable differential transformer for position monitoring

An electronic position sensor comprising:

• a signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal;
• a variable differential transformer configured to receive the excitation signal from the signal generator, the variable differential transformer including:
• a primary coil connected to the signal generator;
• a plurality of secondary coils connected to a core, the
• core proximate the primary coil;
• and
• a phase modulator connected to the variable differential transformer;
• wherein the primary coil, the plurality of secondary coils, and the core are disposed at least partially in a magnetic field generated via the primary coil and the excitation signal;
• movement of the core in the magnetic field generates a plurality of secondary signals in the secondary coils;
• the phase modulator is configured to output a single output signal;
• and a phase of the single output signal corresponds to a position of the core.

A method of determining a position, the method comprising:

• generating, via a signal generator, a first excitation signal and a second excitation signal;
• providing the first excitation signal to a first secondary coil;
• providing the second excitation signal to a second secondary coil;
• generating a magnetic field via the first secondary coil, the second secondary coil, the first excitation signal, and the second excitation signal;
• providing a core at least partially in the magnetic field;
• providing a primary coil at least partially in the magnetic field;
• and
• outputting, from the primary coil, a single output signal;
• and
• wherein a phase of the single output signal corresponds to a position of the core.