Air-core transformer position sensor

An air-core transformer position sensor, comprising:

• a signal source operable to supply an excitation signal;
• an excitation coil coupled to receive the excitation signal;
• an output coil inductively coupled to the excitation coil upon excitation of the excitation coil with the excitation signal to thereby supply an output signal;
• and
• a sensor coil, the sensor coil electrically shorted and movable relative to the excitation coil and the output coil and, upon excitation of the excitation coil with the excitation signal, inductively coupled to at least the excitation coil, whereby the output signal varies with movement of the sensor coil,
• wherein:
• the excitation coil, the output coil, and the sensor coil are concentrically disposed, and
• the output coil surrounds the excitation coil and at least partially surrounds the sensor coil.

An air-core variable differential transformer position sensor, comprising:

• an excitation coil adapted to be electrically excited with an excitation signal;
• a plurality of differentially wound output coils, each output coil inductively coupled to the excitation coil upon electrical excitation of the excitation coil;
• and
• a sensor coil, the sensor coil electrically shorted and movable relative to the excitation coil and the output coils and, upon electrical excitation of the excitation coil, inductively coupled to at least one of the excitation coil or one or more of the output coils,
• wherein:
• the excitation coil, the output coil, and the sensor coil are concentrically disposed, and
• the output coil surrounds the excitation coil and at least partially surrounds the sensor coil.