4-20mA Sensor Interface Guide: Difference between revisions

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{{#seo:|description=Learn the basics about 4-20mA sensors with this guide. This includes: how they work, advantages and disadvantages, and when to consider using these sensors.}}
{{#seo:|keywords=4-20mA}}
[[Category:IntroGuide]]
__TOC__
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
 
[[Image:DAQ1400_0.jpg|400px|right|link=]]
A 4-20mA sensor interface is a small device that adapts a 2-wire 4-20mA sensor's output to an analog output.  
Normally, 4-20mA sensors are intended for industrial use, and are difficult to use with a computer. However, with a {{CT|420Adapter|4-20mA adapter Phidget}}, interfacing with these sensors is extremely simple.
Normally, 4-20mA sensors are intended for industrial use and are difficult to use with a computer.  
<br clear=all>
However, with a 4-20mA sensor interface and a Phidgets Interface Kit (or any device with an [[Analog Input Primer|Analog Input]]), these sensors can be used as easily as an ordinary analog sensor.
 
==How it works==
==How it works==
===Overview===
[[Image:420Interface.png|500px|link=|thumb|Traditional setup for reading a 4-20mA sensor.]]
4-20mA is an electrical standard for connecting sensors to a ''data acquisition device'' (DAQ). A 4-20mA sensor has two wires. One wire is used to power the sensor, and the other is a ground. The sensor sends data to the DAQ in the form of the amount of current it consumes. For example, a 4-20mA velocity sensor might consume 4mA when it is sensing zero movement, and would output 20mA when the sensor is moving at the maximum velocity it can sense. 4-20mA sensors are usually expensive and intended for industrial purposes. There are often less expensive 0-5V analog versions available.


* Explain it to Mom.
===Advantages of a 4-20mA Sensor===
* It should be technical enough to convey the message, but easy enough to understand.
*You can use longer wires with a 4-20mA sensor, since the data values are sent in the form of current rather than voltage levels that drop off with distance. However, you should ensure that the minimum voltage required to power the sensor is present at the end of the wire. To check, use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the two wires connecting to the sensor, when the sensor is measuring it's maximum value (and therefore drawing close to 20mA of current). If the voltage is higher than the minimum required voltage of the sensor (found in the sensor's data sheet), then it should be fine. Please note that twisted pair wire is the best for these long wire applications.
* Describe how to ensure the product family meets the operational goal; discuss any disadvantages of this product, but explain that/how another product family in our catalogue addresses this disadvantage.
*4-20mA sensors are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This is because the data is sent in the form of current, which is less susceptible to EMI than voltage.  
* Discuss any challenges to using this product family.
*It is easier to tell when your system has failed with a 4-20mA sensor. When a 4-20mA sensor senses its minimum value, it consumes 4mA of current. If it ever consumes zero current, it means there is a broken wire or some other failure in the system. When a 0-5V sensor fails in this way, the data line would read zero volts, which could mean it's just sensing zero.  
 
===Disadvantages of a 4-20mA Sensor===
===Basic Use===
* Usually more expensive than 0-5V sensors.
 
* 4-20mA sensors are not very efficient, because they only need 4mA to function, and any additional current draw exists solely to communicate the value it is sensing
* Describe how the product can be easily used in applications
===When to use a 4-20mA Sensor===
* Highlight any external challenges to using the product
* If you already own a 4-20mA sensor and don't want to buy an analog version.
* Think outside of the box for uses, challenges and solutions
* You need to use a very long wire between the sensor and the power source.
* Can the products be used at the maximum specs?
* The environment has a lot of electromagnetic interference.
** What are the requirements/explanations?
* The sensor is only available in the 4-20mA format.
* Can the product be easily used with non-phidgets devices? How?
 
==How to choose==
 
* What are the parameters for deciding which product to buy?
* If a customer called and wanted to know which product to buy you would initially ask "What do you want this for?" Build this section as if you were continuing to ask the further questions you would need to help the customer decide what to buy. Help them figure what product to buy/why buy the product without them actually having to call us.
 
==Types or Classes==
 
* Analyse commonalities of the product family and categorize the individual products into the classes
* There should be very few products with exceptions.
* Explain the distinguishing parameter for each class of product
* Explain the differences between each class and all the other classes.
* Make sure the class distinctions are different enough- and only split classes for characteristics that are important enough
* This section should assist the customer in making their selection criteria easier to determine.
 
==Conclusion==
* Much the same as the Introduction, but using reference to supplied information to justify the statements.
 
==How to buy==
* Table of products, divided into classes discussed above, and individually linked
* This section could be auto-generated eventually
 
 
 
==Things this page should cover:==
 
'''4-20 mA sensors:'''
* 4-20 mA is an electrical standard for connection sensors to a data acquisition device.
* 2 wires are used, one wire to power the sensor and the other wire is a"ground".
* The sensor sends data by changing the amount of current it consumes
* This is not very efficient, but it is much more immune to noise, and can be used for long distances between sensor an DAQ.
* 4-20 mA sensors often run off high voltages, often 12-24v but check sensor data sheet to be sure
* 4-20 mA sensors are typically expensive and industrial. There are often 0-5v versions available.
* Why to use 4-20mA sensors?
** You have one already
** You want to do a really long run of wire
** Environment has lots of EMI
** Sensor is only available in 4-20 mA format
 
'''Advantages:'''
* If wire is broken, no current is consumed (sensor returns 0 A), normal operation is minimum 4mA, therefore failure is obvious.
 
* Q: the Phidget 4-20 mA adapter can only supply 15V? What if my sensor needs 24V?
** A: Use 24v external power supply, hook + side to sensor and - side to ground on 1018. The 15V on the 1132 is left unused.
 
* Remember: on very long wire runs, you may lose too much voltage on the wire. The minimum varies by sensor; check the datasheet.
to measure the effective voltage, use a multimeter across the two wires close to the sensor, when the sensor is returning a large current (as close to 20mA as possible)
 
* Twisted pair wire is best for long-wire applications

Latest revision as of 20:10, 26 June 2023

Introduction

DAQ1400 0.jpg

Normally, 4-20mA sensors are intended for industrial use, and are difficult to use with a computer. However, with a 4-20mA adapter Phidget, interfacing with these sensors is extremely simple.

How it works

Overview

Traditional setup for reading a 4-20mA sensor.

4-20mA is an electrical standard for connecting sensors to a data acquisition device (DAQ). A 4-20mA sensor has two wires. One wire is used to power the sensor, and the other is a ground. The sensor sends data to the DAQ in the form of the amount of current it consumes. For example, a 4-20mA velocity sensor might consume 4mA when it is sensing zero movement, and would output 20mA when the sensor is moving at the maximum velocity it can sense. 4-20mA sensors are usually expensive and intended for industrial purposes. There are often less expensive 0-5V analog versions available.

Advantages of a 4-20mA Sensor

  • You can use longer wires with a 4-20mA sensor, since the data values are sent in the form of current rather than voltage levels that drop off with distance. However, you should ensure that the minimum voltage required to power the sensor is present at the end of the wire. To check, use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the two wires connecting to the sensor, when the sensor is measuring it's maximum value (and therefore drawing close to 20mA of current). If the voltage is higher than the minimum required voltage of the sensor (found in the sensor's data sheet), then it should be fine. Please note that twisted pair wire is the best for these long wire applications.
  • 4-20mA sensors are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This is because the data is sent in the form of current, which is less susceptible to EMI than voltage.
  • It is easier to tell when your system has failed with a 4-20mA sensor. When a 4-20mA sensor senses its minimum value, it consumes 4mA of current. If it ever consumes zero current, it means there is a broken wire or some other failure in the system. When a 0-5V sensor fails in this way, the data line would read zero volts, which could mean it's just sensing zero.

Disadvantages of a 4-20mA Sensor

  • Usually more expensive than 0-5V sensors.
  • 4-20mA sensors are not very efficient, because they only need 4mA to function, and any additional current draw exists solely to communicate the value it is sensing

When to use a 4-20mA Sensor

  • If you already own a 4-20mA sensor and don't want to buy an analog version.
  • You need to use a very long wire between the sensor and the power source.
  • The environment has a lot of electromagnetic interference.
  • The sensor is only available in the 4-20mA format.
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