Supply voltage considerations for pressure transmitters

1st September 2007

In order to convert a current output to a voltage signal for a analogue voltage input card it is necessary to add a load resistor in series with the current loop and use the resulting voltage drop across the load resistor as the input signal.

For example a 250 ohm resistor would produce a 1 volt output at 4 mA and a 5 volt output at 20 mA.  Therefore a pressure transmitter that requires a minimum of 10 volts to operate within specification limits would need a power supply of at least 15 volts.

Most manufacturers do not specify the extra voltage required for the voltage drop across the load resistor and only state the range of voltage required to power the pressure transmitter directly. 

It is important to consider the extra voltage required for the drop across the load resistor on a 2 wire current loop otherwise there may not be enough voltage left to power the pressure transmitter directly. 

Some pressure transmitter data sheets include a graph or formula to help you calculate the required power supply voltage when using a load resistance.


Related Products

Pressure transmitters with 2 wire 4 to 20mA current loop outputs

Digital readouts for powering and measuring 4 to 20mA pressure sensors

Plug on current loop powered digital indicators for pressure transmitters


Associated Topics

Difference between a pressure transducer and transmitter


Resources

Glossary of terms for pressure transmitters

4-20 mA current output explanation


Home > News >

Request Info | Ask a Question

Site Last Updated:  21/11/08

Tools
Pressure Conversion


Equals

Temperature Conversion


Equals

IP Ratings Explained

I P

First Digit (Solids)
No protection

Second Digit (Liquids)
No protection

Resources

Pressure Measurement Glossary - Find explanations of terminology used for specifying and using pressure instruments

Pressure Unit Conversion - Look up conversion factors or select a conversion table for a particular pressure unit

Pressure Sensor Specification - Select parameters with PSAT to generate a spec for your own use or to submit as an enquiry

Contact

Help:  Request Info

         Ask a Question

News
RSS News Feed
RSS

©2008 SensorsONE Ltd, All Rights Reserved.