What does voltage output mean for pressure sensor

The voltage output pressure sensor refers to the electrical signal that the sensor produces in response to the pressure it’s measuring. This output is usually a direct current (DC) voltage that varies within a specific range.

The voltage output is proportional to the pressure the sensor is measuring.

For instance,

In a 0-5V output sensor, if the sensor is designed to measure a pressure range of 0-100 psi (pounds per square inch), 0 psi would correspond to an output of 0V and 100 psi would correspond to an output of 5V.

A pressure of 50 psi would then correspond to an output of 2.5V.

The relationship between the pressure and the voltage output is usually linear within the sensor’s specified range. This is often specified as a sensitivity in

• millivolts per psi (mV/psi)
• volts per bar (V/bar)

For example,

A sensor with a 0-5V output and a pressure range of 0-100 psi has a sensitivity of 5V/100 psi = 0.05 V/psi. This means that for every psi increase in pressure, the sensor’s output will increase by 0.05 volts.

The advantage of voltage output is that it can be easily interfaced with many types of electronics, including microcontrollers and data acquisition systems, which often accept voltage inputs.

However, voltage signals can be more susceptible to electrical noise and signal loss over long distances compared to current signals (such as 4-20mA), so they are often used in applications where the sensor is not too far from the control system.

How many voltage output types for pressure sensor

Pressure sensors can provide a variety of voltage output types, which are selected based on the specific needs and requirements of a given application.

1. Millivolt (mV) Output

These sensors usually provide a ratiometric output that is proportional to the power supply voltage.

For example, a typical mV output might be 1-100mV for a 1V power supply or 10-1000mV (1V) for a 10V power supply. These sensors are often used in low power applications or when the sensor is part of a Wheatstone bridge configuration.

For example, the low power applications are including:

• Wearable Devices: Fitness trackers, Smartwatches, Heart rate monitors

• Internet of Things (IoT) Devices : Environmental monitoring sensors, Smart home devices

• Remote Sensing Stations: Weather stations, Seismic monitoring systems, Wildlife tracking systems

• Medical Devices: Glucose meters, Portable ECG monitors, Oxygen saturation monitors
• Wireless & Battery-Powered Systems: Motion detectors, Smoke detectors, Door/window sensors, Agricultural Sensors

2. 0.5-4.5V Output

These sensors usually provide a ratiometric output relative to the 5v regulated power supply voltage, where 0.5V represents the minimum pressure, and 4.5V represents the maximum pressure.

These are common in automotive and industrial applications due to their ease of integration with many microcontrollers.

3. 0-5V Output

In these sensors, 0V typically represents the minimum pressure and 5V represents the maximum pressure. The 0-5V output is common and can be easily interfaced with a wide range of electronics.

In many cases, a 0.5-4.5V output pressure sensor can indeed replace a 0-5V output sensor, but you still need to consider a few points before decision make.

4. 0-10V Output

These sensors provide an output where 0V represents the minimum pressure and 10V represents the maximum pressure. They are often used in industrial applications where longer signal transmission distances are required.

5. 1-5V Output

1-5V and 1-6V are two types of voltage output ranges that can be used in pressure sensors. They are similar to the 0.5-4.5V output range in that they include an offset at zero pressure, but the specific values are different.

In a 1-5V output pressure sensor, the output voltage at zero pressure is typically 1V, not 0V. The maximum pressure that the sensor is designed to measure corresponds to an output of 5V.

Just like with a 0.5-4.5V sensor, a 1-5V sensor can provide a clear indication of a fault condition. An output below 1V or above 5V would indicate a problem with the sensor or the system.

6. 1-6V Output

A 1-6V output sensor works in a similar way, but the output at zero pressure is 1V, and the output at maximum pressure is 6V.

As with the other types of output, any voltage below 1V or above 6V would indicate a fault condition.

These types of output ranges are often used in industrial control systems where a clear indication of a fault condition is important. The specific output range used will depend on the requirements of the system and the electronics used to interpret the sensor’s output.

How to decide which voltage output is good for me?

When choosing the voltage output type for a pressure sensor, you’ll need to consider several important factors:

1. Power Supply

The availability and stability of your power supply are key considerations.

If your system primarily operates at 5V, a 0-5V or 0.5-4.5V output sensor might be suitable, if it is regulated 5V, 0.5-4.5v will be the best choice.

However, if you have a 10V supply, a sensor with 0-10V output might be more appropriate.

2. Resolution

The output voltage range impacts the resolution of your measurements.

For example,

A sensor with a 0-10V output range offers twice the resolution of a sensor with a 0-5V range for the same pressure range. This is because the same change in pressure results in a larger voltage change for the 0-10V sensor.

If the pressure range remains the same, a 1-5V sensor would have lower resolution than a 0-5V sensor because the same pressure range is spread over a smaller voltage range.

Check the details of Resolution.

3. Fault Detection

Certain output types have built-in fault detection.

For instance, with a 0.5-4.5V sensor, an output below 0.5V or above 4.5V typically indicates a fault. This can be a useful feature if real-time monitoring of sensor health is critical.

Like the 0.5-4.5V case, 1-5V and 1-6V sensors can also provide fault indication by giving outputs outside of their normal range.

• 5-4.5v
• 1-5v
• 1-6v

4. Compatibility

Ensure the sensor output type is compatible with the input specifications of your data acquisition system or control system. You wouldn’t want to choose a 0-10V sensor if your system can only accept 0-5V inputs.

Similarly, if your system has been designed to interpret 0V as the minimum pressure and 5V as the maximum, it might not interpret the 1-5V or 1-6V ranges correctly.

5. Noise Immunity

Environments with high electrical noise can interfere with voltage signals. In such scenarios, a current output such as 4-20mA might be more suitable due to its superior noise immunity.

Check the details of Noise and EMI

6. Transmission Distance

Voltage signals can degrade over long distances due to resistive losses in the transmission wires. If your sensor is far from your control system, a 4-20mA current output, which remains stable over long distances, might be preferable.

7. Power Consumption

Power consumption is more directly influenced by the design of the sensor’s internal electronics and the load that the sensor is driving. If the current drawn remains the same, a sensor with 0-10V output would not consume more power than a 0-5V sensor.

Smaller voltage ranges like 0.5-4.5V or 0-5V typically consume less power than larger ranges like 0-10V, which might be advantageous in power-sensitive applications.

8. Safety and Protection

Higher voltage levels may demand more careful handling and protection mechanisms.

A 0-10V sensor may require additional protection circuitry to prevent overvoltage conditions, which can add to the complexity and cost of the system.

How to balance between 0.5-4.5v and 0-5v?

The most important feature for 0.5-4.5V pressure sensor is that it can indicate faults by outputting a voltage less than 0.5V or greater than 4.5V.

This is a feature not available with a 0-5V sensor.

What is more, both sensors have a 4V-5V span, so they can provide similar resolution if they’re measuring the same pressure range.

So in many industry cases, a 0.5-4.5V output pressure sensor can indeed replace a 0-5V output sensor,

However, there are also cases when a 0.5-4.5V output cannot replace a 0-5V output,

For example:

1. Zero Pressure Reading:

If the system requires the sensor to output 0V for a zero-pressure reading and the device expects a 0V output to indicate zero pressure, a 0.5-4.5V sensor won’t be suitable because its minimum output is 0.5V.

2. System Compatibility:

If the system is designed and calibrated specifically for a 0-5V sensor, replacing it with a 0.5-4.5V sensor might require recalibration or adjustment of the system.

3. Maximum Pressure Reading:

If your system interprets 5V as the maximum pressure reading, a 0.5-4.5V sensor won’t be suitable because its maximum output is 4.5V.

It should be noted that you need to always ensure to check the system requirements and the sensor datasheet, or consult with a technical expert or the sensor manufacturer to ensure compatibility before replacing a sensor.

Industries for voltage output pressure sensor to use

1. Medical Devices

Medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, ventilators, and infusion pumps often use voltage output pressure sensors.

The need for high accuracy and resolution in these devices is paramount, as they directly influence patient health. Many medical devices are battery-powered, making the low power consumption of voltage output sensors an advantage.

For instance, a blood pressure monitor needs to detect very small changes in pressure to accurately measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

A voltage output pressure sensor with a high resolution can provide the precision necessary for such measurements.

2. HVAC Systems

In Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, pressure sensors are often used to monitor and control system performance.

Factors like air flow and filter status can be inferred based on pressure measurements. Since these systems are often digitally controlled, the easy interfacing of voltage output sensors to microcontrollers or other digital systems is a key advantage.

For example, a pressure sensor might be used to detect when a filter is becoming clogged (as indicated by an increase in differential pressure across the filter).

A voltage output sensor can provide a direct input to the system controller, enabling it to trigger a filter change alert.

3. Automotive Systems

Automotive systems use pressure sensors in a variety of applications, including tire pressure monitoring, fuel system control, and engine management. These systems often require sensors that can provide high-resolution measurements in a compact, low-power format, making voltage output pressure sensors an excellent choice.

In a tire pressure monitoring system, a small, low-power sensor is needed to fit within the wheel assembly and run on a small battery.

A voltage output sensor can meet these requirements, providing accurate pressure measurements to help ensure optimal tire pressure and vehicle safety.

Introduction

A millivolt (mV) output pressure sensor is a type of sensor that generates an output signal in millivolts, proportional to the pressure it measures. This output is typically a low-level voltage that changes with pressure and is usually derived directly from the sensing element, without any amplification.

Features of Millivolt Output Pressure Sensor

Millivolt output pressure sensors are often used in applications where

• Power supply voltages are low,
• Cost is a significant factor,
• The user has the capability to amplify and condition the signal as needed.

Examples of such applications might include battery-powered devices, portable equipment, and certain types of industrial instrumentation.

What are highlight feature of mv output pressure sensor

1. Low-Level Output

Millivolt output sensors typically produce a very low voltage output, often in the range of tens to hundreds of millivolts at full scale pressure.

For example, a common output might be 100mV at full scale pressure.

ESS3 Series Range & Output

Range	Over-pressure	Output/F.S	Pressure
0-10kpa	300%	0-57mv	G
0-20ka	300%	0-100mv	G/D
0-35ka	300%	0-70mv	G/A/D
0-70ka	300%	0-67mv	G/A/D
0-100ka	300%	0-75mv	G/A/D
0-200ka	300%	0-75mv	G/A/D
0-400ka	300%	0-68mv	G/A/D
0-600ka	200%	0-110mv	G/A/D
0-1000ka	200%	0-93mv	G/A/D
0-1600ka	200%	0-147mv	G/A/D
0-2000ka	200%	0-65mv	G/A/D
0-3500ka	200%	0-100mv	G/A/D
0-7000ka	200%	0-140mv	G/A
0-10Mpa	200%	200mv	G/A
0-25Mpa	150%	150mv	S
0-40Mpa	150%	230mv	S
0-60Mpa	150%	110mv	S
0-100Mpa	150%	115mv	S
The actual millivolt output value may vary a little bit accordingly environment changes

2. Proportional Output

The output of a millivolt sensor is proportional to the pressure it measures.

If the pressure doubles, the output voltage doubles. Conversely, if the pressure is zero, the output voltage is also zero.

3. Power Supply

Millivolt output pressure sensors typically operate on a low voltage power supply, often around 5-10V, in Eastsensor, we provide 5V, 10V excitation as voltage and 1.5mA as current. They are sometimes referred to as “ratiometric” because their output signal is often a ratio of the supply voltage.

4. Amplification Needed

Because the output signal is so low, it usually needs to be amplified before it can be used. This can be done with an external amplifier circuit or an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a built-in amplifier.

5. Temperature Considerations

The output of millivolt sensors can be affected by temperature changes.

Some sensors include built-in temperature compensation to correct for this, while others may require external compensation.

Pros and Cons of Using Millivolt Output Sensors

Millivolt output sensors, including pressure sensors, have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for some applications and less suitable for others. Here’s a look at some of their pros and cons:

Advantage of mv output pressure sensor

1.Lower Power Consumption:

Millivolt output sensors typically consume less power compared to sensors with amplified outputs, making them suitable for battery-powered or low-power applications.

The most common excitation for mv pressure sensor are

• 1.5mA
• 5V
• 10V

2. Cost-Effective

These sensors are generally less expensive than sensors with built-in amplification, as they have fewer internal components.

3. Flexible Signal Conditioning

The user has the flexibility to design the signal conditioning circuitry (like amplification and filtering) to meet the specific requirements of their application.

The regular output signal after conditioning are:

• 0.5-4.5V
• 4-20mA
• IIC

4. Direct Sensor Output:

Many types of pressure sensors, such as piezoresistive sensors, generate a millivolt-level signal directly from the sensing element. This simplifies the sensor design and reduces cost.

Disadvantage of mv output pressure sensor

1.Low Signal Level

The output of millivolt sensors is typically very low, which means it can be more susceptible to electrical noise and interference. This could require shielding, filtering, or other noise-reduction techniques.

Check the details: Pressure Sensor Noise & EMI

2. Need for Amplification

The low-level signal usually needs to be amplified before it can be used, which adds complexity and requires additional components in the system design.

3. Voltage Supply Variations

The output of millivolt sensors can be affected by changes in the supply voltage. This may require a stable power supply or additional signal conditioning to correct for supply voltage variations.

4. Temperature Effects

The output of millivolt sensors can be affected by temperature changes, which may require additional components or circuitry for temperature compensation.

Check the details:

• Temperature drift
• Temperature caused errors
• Temperature hysteresis
• Temperature compensation

The choice to use a millivolt output sensor will depend on the specifics of the application, such as power availability, cost considerations, noise environment, temperature range, and the required signal range.

Application where millivolt output pressure sensor is commonly used

Now let us discuss the specific application where millivolt output pressure sensors are commonly used, it is Battery-Powered Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) in vehicles.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems continuously monitor the air pressure in the tires and alert the driver when the pressure falls below a specified level. This is important because maintaining correct tire pressure helps to ensure the safety and efficiency of the vehicle.

The pressure sensors used in these systems need to be small and consume very little power, as they are located inside the tire and are powered by a small battery. These requirements make millivolt output pressure sensors an excellent choice.

The millivolt signal from the pressure sensor is typically conditioned (amplified and filtered) and then digitized by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) before being transmitted wirelessly to a receiver/display in the vehicle.

The low power consumption of the millivolt output sensor helps to maximize the battery life of the system.

How does temperature affect the output of millivolt output pressure sensor

Temperature can have a significant effect on the output of millivolt output pressure sensors. This is due to the physical properties of the materials used in the sensor elements and the electronic components.

There are two main ways temperature can affect the sensor:

1.Zero Shift or Offset

Changes in temperature can cause a shift in the sensor’s zero point, which is the output of the sensor when no pressure is applied. This is sometimes called “zero drift” or “zero offset.” For instance, if a sensor has a zero point shift of 1mV/°C, and the temperature changes by 10°C, the output of the sensor could shift by 10mV, even without any change in pressure.

2. Span or Sensitivity Shift

Changes in temperature can also affect the sensor’s sensitivity, which is the change in output per unit of pressure change. This is sometimes called “span drift.”

For example, if a sensor has a sensitivity of 100mV/bar and a span shift of 0.1%/°C, a temperature change of 10°C could alter the sensor’s sensitivity by 1%, changing it to 101mV/bar.

These temperature effects can introduce errors into the pressure measurement, especially in applications with large temperature variations.

To manage this, some millivolt output pressure sensors include built-in temperature compensation mechanisms. These typically use additional sensing elements to measure temperature and adjust the pressure reading accordingly.

In other cases, the user may need to provide external temperature compensation. This can be done by measuring the temperature separately and then adjusting the pressure reading based on the known temperature effects of the sensor.

It’s important to account for temperature effects in order to ensure accurate and reliable pressure measurements across the intended temperature range of the application.

What are some common methods for amplifying the millivolt output pressure sensor

There are several common methods for amplifying the low-level output signal of millivolt output pressure sensors. Here are three of the most commonly used methods:

1. Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp):

An operational amplifier is a versatile electronic device that can be used to amplify a low-level signal. In a configuration known as a non-inverting amplifier, the op-amp can amplify the voltage signal from a pressure sensor. The amount of amplification (known as the gain) can be precisely controlled with resistors.

2. Instrumentation Amplifier:

An instrumentation amplifier is a special type of op-amp circuit that is particularly suited for use with sensors. It has high input impedance, low output impedance, high gain, and is designed to reject common-mode noise. It’s often used when long signal wires are present, or the signal is small and needs precise amplification.

3. Analog-to-Digital Converter with Built-in Amplifier:

Some analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) have built-in programmable gain amplifiers (PGAs). The PGA can amplify the signal before it’s converted to a digital value, increasing the effective resolution of the ADC for low-level signals. This can be a convenient option when the sensor is being interfaced with a microcontroller or other digital system.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and considerations. The choice between them depends on factors such as the specific requirements of the application, the available power supply, the noise environment, and the desired signal resolution. In all cases, care must be taken in designing and implementing the amplifier circuit to ensure that it doesn’t introduce noise or distortion that could affect the accuracy of the pressure measurement.

Click to check details: Millivolt Output Pressure Transducer

The Role of 4-20mA Pressure Sensor

Current output signals in pressure sensing refer to the method by which a sensor communicates the pressure it’s measuring to other devices. The most common type of current output is 4-20mA Pressure Sensor, a current loop standard in many industries.

4-20mA Current Loop

The 4-20mA current output works on the principle that the current running through the loop is proportional to the pressure being measured by the sensor.

For a given pressure range,

• 4mA represents the lowest pressure
• 20mA represents the highest

For example,

A pressure sensor with a range of 0-100 psi (pounds per square inch) outputs 4mA of current at 0 psi and 20mA at 100 psi.

If the sensor is measuring a pressure of 50 psi, halfway between 0 and 100, the output would be 12mA, halfway between 4 and 20mA.

Understanding 4-20mA Current Loop Output Signals in Pressure Sensors

Current output signals, particularly the widespread 4-20mA standard, play a crucial role in pressure sensing. They offer a robust and reliable method of conveying pressure information from the sensing location to a remote reading or control device.

What 4-20mA Pressure Sensor can do?

• Can be used for hundreds or even thousands of meters long distances
• Can be installed in environments with high electrical noise
• Can easily detect the fault
• Give proportional representation of the pressure
• Have wide compatibility and easy integration

1. Data Transmission Over Long Distances

Current output signals can be transmitted over long distances without signal degradation. This is in contrast to voltage signals, which can degrade over long cable runs.

For example, a sensor installed in an industrial plant can send accurate readings to a control room located hundreds of meters away.

Current output signals maintain their integrity over long distances.

The reason for this is that in a 4-20mA current loop, the current is regulated to remain constant across the entire loop, regardless of any changes in resistance along the loop (for example, due to increased cable length or changes in temperature).

This means that a 4-20mA current signal can be reliably transmitted over hundreds, or even thousands, of meters without significant loss of signal quality.

This makes current output signals particularly beneficial in large industrial facilities where the sensor and the monitoring or control equipment may be far apart.

Voltage signals are also more susceptible to interference from external electrical noise, which can additionally degrade the signal over long distances.

For short distances, such as in smaller machinery or consumer electronics, voltage output can be perfectly adequate. However, for longer distances, current output is generally the superior choice due to its greater signal integrity and noise immunity.

2. Noise Immunity

Electrical noise, common in industrial environments, can interfere with signal transmission.

Current output signals are less susceptible to such noise compared to voltage signals. This ensures that the pressure information is accurately conveyed, even in electrically noisy environments.

The primary reason that current signals are less affected by electrical noise compared to voltage signals lies in the very nature of these signals:

2.1 Consistency of Current:

In a 4-20mA current loop, the current is kept constant across the entire loop at any given time. This means that any induced noise would need to significantly alter the current level to affect the signal. This is much harder to achieve than altering a voltage level due to the physical properties of electric currents.

2.2 Voltage Drops and Noise:

Voltage signals are more susceptible to noise because they can be influenced by voltage drops across the line due to resistance, particularly in long cable runs. This is not an issue with current signals, as the current remains constant across the loop, regardless of line resistance.

2.3 Ground Potential Differences:

Voltage signals can be affected by differences in ground potential between different points in the system, which can introduce noise.

Current signals are largely unaffected by this issue.

In practical terms, this means that a pressure sensor using a 4-20mA current output signal can be used in environments with high electrical noise without the fear of the signal being distorted before it reaches the control system or display.

3. Easy Fault Detection

The 4-20mA current range is designed to facilitate fault detection.

A signal below 4mA or above 20mA, or a complete drop to 0mA, indicates a problem.

In a 4-20mA system, the “live zero” at 4mA is a key to fault detection:

3.1 Circuit Integrity:

If the current ever drops to 0mA, it typically indicates a break in the circuit, such as a severed wire or disconnection.

In a voltage signal system, a 0 voltage could either mean a circuit break or a zero measurement, making it harder to distinguish between the two. But in a 4-20mA system, 0mA can only mean a fault in the loop.

3.2 Sensor or Device Failure:

Any current reading below 4mA or above 20mA is also considered a fault condition. If the current falls below 4mA, it could suggest an issue with the sensor or other equipment in the loop, such as power supply problems. If the current goes beyond 20mA, it could indicate an over-range condition or a sensor malfunction.

3.3 Communication Errors:

Variations in the signal that are not consistent with the behavior of the system (for example, erratic fluctuations) could indicate a communication problem, such as noise interference or signal reflection. These can be identified and diagnosed by monitoring the 4-20mA signal.

So, the 4-20mA standard provides a clear ‘window’ for normal operation, and any readings outside of that window inherently indicate a fault, making troubleshooting more straightforward.

This capability is one of the key reasons why the 4-20mA standard is widely used in industrial control systems.

4. Proportional Representation

A key aspect of the proportional representation is that it’s a linear relationship.

This means every increment in pressure corresponds to an equally spaced increment in current. This linear relationship simplifies the interpretation of sensor data, as the output can be easily scaled to the input pressure.

For example

Consider a typical pressure sensor with a 4-20mA current loop output.

The sensor’s pressure range might be from 0 to 100 psi (pounds per square inch).

In this scenario,

• 0 psi corresponds to 4mA output,
• 100 psi corresponds to 20mA output.

This setup implies that the current output is directly proportional to the pressure sensed.

To understand this further, consider a pressure of 50 psi, which is halfway between 0 and 100 psi. The corresponding current would be halfway between 4mA and 20mA, which is 12mA.

Similarly, a pressure of 58 psi, a quarter more of the way from 0 to 100 psi, would correspond to a current a quarter of the way from 4mA to 20mA.

In mathematical terms, this proportionality can be expressed as:

Current Output = 4mA + [(Measured Pressure / Full Scale Pressure Range) * 16mA]

Using this equation with a pressure of 58 psi in a 0-100 psi sensor gives:

Current Output = 4mA + [(58psi / 100psi) * 16mA] = 13.28mA

This shows how the current output from the sensor is a proportional representation of the pressure: as the pressure changes, the current changes proportionally. This proportionality allows the pressure to be accurately measured and monitored over the 4-20mA current loop.

5. Compatibility and Integration

The 4-20mA standard’s wide acceptance and compatibility make it a versatile choice for pressure sensing applications in a variety of industries. Its ease of integration and strong signal integrity over long distances add to its advantages.

5.1 Compatibility

The 4-20mA standard is recognized and understood globally, and as such, it’s easy to find compatible equipment. Many types of industrial control systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) readily accept 4-20mA signals. This compatibility extends to a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, water treatment, and more.

5.2 Integration

Integrating a 4-20mA pressure sensor into a system is relatively straightforward due to the prevalence of this standard. The sensor will typically need a power supply, which is often 24 volts DC, although the exact requirements can vary.

The sensor’s current output can be directly connected to the input of the control system or display device. If the device is designed to accept 4-20mA signals, no further signal conditioning should be required. This simplicity makes integrating 4-20mA sensors into a system relatively easy.

However, it’s important to ensure the sensor is correctly calibrated for the pressure range it’s intended to measure. This usually involves applying known pressures to the sensor and adjusting its output to align with these pressures.

Additionally, some advanced systems allow for digital communication over the 4-20mA loop, such as HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol. This can allow for bidirectional communication with the sensor for configuration or diagnostics, although this requires compatible equipment and adds complexity to the system.

Click to check details: 4-20mA Pressure Transmitter

Why is it must be 4mA instead of 3mA or 2mA and 1mA?

The choice of 4mA as the lower limit for current loop standards, like the 4-20mA used in pressure sensors and other industrial devices, was a carefully considered decision and it serves several purposes.

In essence, the 4mA lower limit is a balance between providing enough power for the sensor, allowing for fault detection, improving noise immunity, and maintaining compatibility with existing systems and practices.

1. Fault Detection

The primary reason for choosing 4mA as the lower limit is for fault detection.

As we previously mentioned, if the current ever falls to 0mA, it’s an indication of a fault condition, such as a break in the loop or a power failure. If the lower limit were set at 0mA, 1mA, 2mA, or 3mA, it would be more difficult to distinguish between a legitimate low reading and a fault condition.

2. Power Supply to the Sensor:

Many 4-20mA devices are 2-wire devices, meaning they derive their power from the current loop itself.

The 4mA lower limit provides enough power for these devices to operate correctly, even when the sensor reading is at its lowest.

A lower baseline current might not provide enough power for the sensor to function properly.

3. Noise Immunity:

Electrical noise is a common issue in industrial environments.

Having a baseline of 4mA instead of a lower value helps the signal stand out above the noise, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and ensuring more reliable communication.

4. Standardization and Compatibility

The 4-20mA standard is widely recognized and accepted in many industries.

This ensures compatibility with a wide variety of equipment and systems. A different baseline current would require a shift in equipment and practices.

Why is it must be 20mA instead of 19mA or 21mA?

The choice of 20mA as the upper limit of the 4-20mA standard is largely based on a balance of practicality and historical convention.

The 20mA upper limit is a compromise between safety, power consumption, signal resolution, and compatibility considerations. It ensures that the current levels remain safe and power-efficient, while still providing enough signal resolution for most applications and maintaining compatibility with standardized equipment and systems.

1. Safety

One major factor is safety.

Currents above 20mA could potentially be harmful in certain conditions, especially in the presence of moisture. By setting the upper limit at 20mA, the standard ensures that the current levels remain within a safe range.

2. Power Consumption

Another consideration is power consumption. The higher the current, the more power is consumed. This becomes particularly important when the sensors are battery-powered or when the system includes many sensors. An upper limit of 20mA provides a good balance between signal resolution and power consumption.

3. Signal Resolution

With a 16mA range (from 4mA to 20mA), it’s possible to get a good signal resolution for most applications. If the upper limit was 19mA or 21mA, the range would be slightly smaller or larger, but the impact on signal resolution would be minimal.

4. Standardization and Compatibility

Above benefits make 4-20mA a widely accepted and recognized current loop standard across industries. A different upper limit would deviate from the standard and could potentially cause compatibility issues with existing equipment and systems.

What are other current loop standards

The 4-20mA current loop is the most widely used current loop standard for industrial pressure sensor applications. However, there are other current loop standards used in different contexts.

Let’s compare the 4-20mA standard to a few of these:

1. 0-20mA Standard

This is another current loop standard, but unlike the 4-20mA standard, it doesn’t provide a baseline current for fault detection. This means that if the current falls to zero, it could either indicate a zero measurement or a fault in the system, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

2. 10-50mA Standard

Although less common today, the 10-50mA standard was used in older telecommunication systems. The higher current levels made it more suitable for long-distance transmission over copper wires with high resistance.

However, it’s less safe and less energy-efficient than the 4-20mA standard, particularly in hazardous environments.

3. 20mA Loop Standard

Some telegraph systems used a simple on-off current loop standard with a single 20mA current level. The presence or absence of the 20mA current represented a binary signal. This is a very different application from analog sensor data transmission and isn’t directly comparable to the 4-20mA standard.

4. Digital Current Loop Standards

In addition to these analog current loop standards, there are also digital current loop standards, such as the HART protocol. The HART protocol can be superimposed on a 4-20mA signal, allowing digital data to be transmitted along with the analog signal. This can be used for transmitting additional information, such as diagnostic data, from a smart pressure sensor.

In comparison to these other standards, the 4-20mA standard strikes a good balance between safety, energy efficiency, transmission distance, and fault detection capability. Its lower current levels are safer and more energy-efficient for most applications, while still being capable of transmission over long distances. The 4mA baseline current allows for effective fault detection and powers 2-wire devices. These benefits, along with its widespread acceptance, make the 4-20mA standard the preferred choice for many industrial sensor applications.

Drawbacks of current output signal 4-20mA?

While current output signals, particularly the 4-20mA standard, have many advantages that make them suitable for a variety of applications, they also come with a few limitations:

1.Power Consumption:

Current output signals require a certain amount of power to maintain the current loop. In battery-powered or energy-constrained systems, this could lead to faster depletion of power resources compared to voltage output signals.

2. Complexity and Cost:

The transmitters and receivers compatible with 4-20mA current loops can be more complex and expensive compared to those used with voltage signals. This can lead to higher overall system costs.

3. Limited to Single Sensor per Loop:

Each 4-20mA current loop typically represents the output from a single sensor. If you need to monitor multiple sensors, you’ll need multiple loops, which can add to the system’s complexity and cost.

4. Slow Response Times:

While 4-20mA loops are robust and reliable, they can sometimes have slower response times compared to voltage signals, which can limit their use in applications where rapid response to changes is required.

5. Lack of Bidirectionality:

Traditional 4-20mA systems are unidirectional, meaning they only transmit data in one direction – from the sensor to the control system. They don’t inherently support bidirectional communication, which would allow for things like remote sensor configuration or diagnostics.

Application that 4-20mA current loop pressure sensor can be used for

Current output pressure sensors, particularly those using the 4-20mA standard, find wide use in various industrial and commercial applications due to their robustness, reliability, and the ability to transmit signals over long distances without degradation.

1. Industrial Process Control:

Current output pressure sensors are used to monitor and control processes in industries such as chemical, petrochemical, and power generation. These processes often involve high pressures and temperatures, and the sensors help maintain safe operating conditions.

2. Oil and Gas:

In oil and gas applications, pressure sensors are used for well monitoring, drilling operations, and pipeline management. The 4-20mA standard allows the signals from these sensors to be reliably transmitted over long distances.

3. Aerospace:

Pressure sensors are critical in aircraft systems for altitude determination, engine pressure regulation, and hydraulic system monitoring.

In each of above applications, the key advantage of current output pressure sensors is their ability to provide accurate, reliable measurements even in challenging conditions and over long distances.

The 4-20mA standard used by these pressure sensors also allows for simple and effective fault detection and powers 2-wire devices.

What is more, pressure sensors with 4-20mA current loop output standard, are particularly well suited for use in hazardous areas and intrinsically safe applications.