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

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.

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:

V_out = I_4-20mA · R_shunt

R_shunt = V_out / I_4-20mA

I_4-20mA = V_out / R_shunt

Symbols

R_shunt = Load/Shunt resistance
V_out = Voltage output
I_4-20mA = Current signal

Parameters

Current Loop Signal (I_4-20mA)

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 (R_shunt)

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 (V_out)

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