There are four commonly used Pressure Transducer Output Signals: 4-20mA current signal, 0-5V or 0-10V voltage signal, digital signals such as HART and MODBUS, and frequency/pulse signals. When the pressure transmitter is working and connected to the power supply and pressure source, the pressure sensor will produce an output signal proportional to the pressure.
Featured Pressure Transducers
If you are new to the industry, you may need to know the basics about pressure sensors and pressure transmitters:
OK Next, let’s take a detailed look at these four Pressure Transducer Output Signals.
Pressure Transducer Output Signal types
1. Current signal output (for example 4-20mA):
Definition: This signal output method uses a certain range of current to represent the change of the measured physical quantity. For example, 4-20mA means that the minimum and maximum measurements correspond to an output of 4mA and 20mA respectively.
Advantage:
Able to transmit over long distances without being affected by voltage loss.
Has its own fault detection capabilities (for example, output below 4mA can be used for fault detection).
Excellent performance in electromagnetic interference environments.
Best applications: Suitable for long-distance transmission or situations with a lot of electromagnetic interference in industrial environments.
Maximum distance: up to 1000 meters or more.
2. Voltage signal output (such as 0-5V or 0-10V):
Definition: This signal output method represents the size of the measured physical quantity through changing voltage values.
Advantage:
Connections between voltage output devices and devices are relatively simple.
Often easier to understand and measure.
Disadvantages: Long distance transmission may be affected by voltage drops caused by resistors.
Best Applications: In short-distance connections, such as in a laboratory environment or close industrial equipment.
Maximum distance: usually within 15 meters, as long distances may be affected by voltage drops caused by resistors.
3. Digital signal output (such as HART and MODBUS):
Definition: These are digital communication protocols that allow two-way communication between a device and a host computer or other device.
Advantage:
A variety of information other than measured values can be transmitted, such as device status, diagnostic information, etc.
Data transmission is stable and highly reliable.
Ability to remotely configure and diagnose.
Best applications: Suitable for occasions where remote monitoring, diagnosis or configuration is required, or where there are multiple devices in the system that require data exchange.
Maximum distance: HART can reach about 1000 meters; MODBUS can reach about 1200 meters on the RS-485 interface.
4. Frequency/pulse signal output:
Definition: The frequency or number of pulses output is proportional to the measured physical quantity.
Advantage:
Interfaces directly with devices requiring frequency input or pulse counting.
For some systems or devices, it may be easier to integrate.
Disadvantages: Additional transformation or processing may be required in complex systems.
Best Applications: Direct connection to equipment requiring frequency input or pulse counting, such as flow meters or direct connection to certain types of PLCs.
Maximum distance: Since it is usually a digital signal, it can be up to several hundred meters. But the exact distance depends on the signal type and transmission medium.
FAQ
Pressure sensors measure pressure by converting the pressure of an object into an electrical signal output. Our naked eyes cannot distinguish the magnitude of physical pressure. So, we need Pressure Transducer Output Signal. Pressure Transducer Output Signal converts invisible signals into signals that we can identify, count, and control. This is more conducive to our industrial process measurement and control.
Sino-Inst is a professional pressure transmitter manufacturer. We produce various pressure transmitters, including more than 50 types of high-frequency dynamic pressure transmitters, ultra-high temperature pressure transmitters, extremely low temperature pressure transmitters, explosion-proof pressure transmitters, etc. Our pressure transmitters can be configured with a variety of common Pressure Transducer Output Signals. They can be configured according to the signals you require.
If you have any questions about the configuration of Pressure Transducer Output Signal, please feel free to contact our sales engineers!
Request a Quote
Wu Peng, born in 1980, is a highly respected and accomplished male engineer with extensive experience in the field of automation. With over 20 years of industry experience, Wu has made significant contributions to both academia and engineering projects.
Throughout his career, Wu Peng has participated in numerous national and international engineering projects. Some of his most notable projects include the development of an intelligent control system for oil refineries, the design of a cutting-edge distributed control system for petrochemical plants, and the optimization of control algorithms for natural gas pipelines.