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Advantages and Disadvantages of using a 4 to 20 mA Signal

A 4-20mA current signal has become very popular for many applications beyond it’s original intended purpose in the process industry.  It is now used throughout industry as the preferred measurement and control signal for many different types of systems.

Despite the popularity of the 4-20mA signal, it is not the best solution for every application and here are some of the ‘for’ and ‘against’ reasons for determining whether it is the right type of signal for your application.

4-20mA signal related products
  • DMK457 Marine Approved Pressure Transmitter
  • LMK382 Low Range IP68 Waste Water Level Transmitter
  • DMP334 Hydraulic Pressure Transducer for Very High Pressures
  • KX ATEX Intrinsically Safe SIL2 Approved Pressure Sensor

Contents

  • Advantages
  • Disadvantages

Advantages

  • It can be run over long distances with minimal signal losses compared to voltage type signals
  • A varying current loop load impedance or supply voltage will not significantly affect the signal as long as it does not exceed recommended component limits
  • Rugged signal with low electromagnetic susceptibility
  • Saves on cable wire because it only needs 2 wires to function
  • Live zero reading verifies sensor is electrically functional

Disadvantages

  • High power consumption compared to other analogue signal types
  • Elevated output at zero reading
  • Supply not isolated from output
  • Increasing circuit load resistance, will reduce the supply voltage available to power the transmitter that is generating the 4-20mA signal.
4-20mA signal related products
  • LMP305 Borehole Level Transmitter
  • 4-20mA Output Hydrostatic Level Transmitters & Sensors
  • SIAi-8 8 Channel Analogue Signal Input to RS-485 Modbus RTU Interface Converter
  • DMD331 Compact Differential Liquid Pressure Sensor

Primary Sidebar

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

Help Guides

  • Measuring negative pressure using a positive differential pressure range
  • Pressure Sensor Accuracy Specifications
  • Process Connections
  • Determining calibration error of Bourdon tube pressure gauge
  • Measurement Accuracy
  • Supply voltage and load resistance considerations for pressure transmitters
  • Measuring vacuum with negative gauge or absolute ranges
  • What is the difference between gauge and absolute pressure measurement
  • Measuring the difference in air pressure between rooms
  • How to Connect a 4-20mA Current Loop Pressure Transmitter
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of using a 4 to 20 mA Signal
  • Determining water tank volume using hydrostatic pressure
  • How do you measure the volume of a liquid using pressure
  • What is the difference between vacuum and absolute pressure
  • What does negative and positive gauge pressure mean

Featured Product Types

  • Sea, Brackish or Salt Water Submersible IP68 Depth & Level Sensors
  • Computer Interface Pressure Gauges
  • RS232 Serial Interface Pressure Sensors
  • 700 bar, 10000 psi, 70 MPa Pressure Sensors, Transducers & Transmitters
  • RS485 Serial Interface Pressure Sensors
  • Seawater Compatible Sensors

Product Enquiry

Send us your enquiry for a product associated with this Advantages and Disadvantages of using a 4 to 20 mA Signal page, and get assistance with selecting a product for your application.

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enquiries@sensorsone.com

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