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4-20mA Signal, Shunt Resistor and Volts Out Calculator

Calculate 4-20mA Shunt Parameters
Select Answer Mode
4-20mA Signal [?]

milliamps (mA)

Shunt Resistance [?]

ohms (Ω)

Voltage Output [?]

volts (V)

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Contents

Toggle
  • User Guide
    • Formulas
      • Symbols
    • Parameters
      • Current Loop Signal (I4-20mA)
      • Shunt Resistance (Rshunt)
      • Voltage Output (Vout)

User Guide

This tool will calculate the voltage drop created by adding a shunt resistor to a 4-20mA current loop signal circuit in order to cause a voltage drop across the resistor which can be used as a measurable voltage output, since it will be proportional to the current loop signal.

4-20mA current loop signal circuit

The answer mode can also be switched to calculating the 4-20mA current signal or the shunt resistance.

Formulas

The formulas used by this to 4-20 mA supply, load, shunt and signal calculator to determine each individual parameter are as follows:

Vout = I4-20mA · Rshunt

Rshunt = Vout / I4-20mA

I4-20mA = Vout / Rshunt

Symbols

  • Rshunt = Load/Shunt resistance
  • Vout = Voltage output
  • I4-20mA = Current signal

Parameters

Current Loop Signal (I4-20mA)

This is the current signal in the loop circuit in milliamps (mA) controlled by the transmitter to provide a measurement signal range of 4 to 20 mA.

Shunt Resistance (Rshunt)

This is the total resistance measured in ohms (Ω) of the shunt resistor(s) added to the circuit to create a voltage drop which is used to provide a voltage output proportional to the current signal.

Voltage Output (Vout)

This is the resulting voltage output that is measured across the the shunt resistance, which is added in series to the current loop circuit.

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Wirelessly Measure & Log 4-20mA

Use this battery powered wireless 4-20mA wireless transmitter to transmit readings to a receiver connected to USB, RS485, RS232, cellular network or analog output

Use this battery powered 4-20mA wireless transmitter to transmit readings to a receiver connected to USB, RS485, RS232, cellular network or analog output
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