• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
SensorsONE

SensorsONE

Measurement Instrumentation Products

  • Products
  • Tools
  • Contact

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
  • 4-20mA to 0-20mA Signal Conversion
  • 0-50mV to 4-20mA Signal Conversion
  • TPSA Precision High Pressure Transducer TPSA Precision High Pressure Transducer
  • KX ATEX Intrinsically Safe SIL2 Approved Pressure Sensor

Request info on 4-20ma signal related products for your application.

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
  • 0-20mA to 4-20mA Signal Conversion
  • ATEX Approved Pressure Transmitters
  • 4-20mA to 0-5V Signal Conversion
  • Underground rain water storage tank level sensor and readout for 2 metre depth

Request info on 4-20ma signal related products for your application.

Primary Sidebar

Product Selection Guides

  • Data Loggers
  • Differential Pressure Sensors
  • Digital Pressure Gauges
  • Digital Pressure Sensors
  • Digital Readouts
  • Hydrostatic Liquid Level Sensors
  • Millivolt Output Pressure Transducers
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Pressure Transmitters
  • Voltage Output Pressure Transducers

Application Selection Guides

  • Absolute Pressure
  • Differential Pressure
  • Dual Temperature and Pressure
  • Flush Diaphragm
  • High Frequency Response
  • Low Pressure Range
  • Overpressure Protection
  • Vacuum

Help Guides

  • Advantages and Disadvantages of using a 4 to 20 mA Signal
  • Calculating required pressure range for fuel tank level measurement
  • What is the difference between vacuum and absolute pressure
  • Determining the hydrostatic pressure range for a tank level sensor
  • Measuring vacuum with negative gauge or absolute ranges
  • Determining water tank volume using hydrostatic pressure
  • How to get a 10 volt signal from a 4-20mA output pressure sensor
  • Measuring the difference in air pressure between rooms
  • What does negative and positive gauge pressure mean

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.

Email Your Enquiry

enquiries@sensorsone.com

© 2022 SensorsONE Ltd, all rights reserved

  • Home
  • Products
  • Tools
  • Legal
  • Contact