Process Control Monitoring and Industrial Automation Systems

The 0-20mA and 4-20mA converters are used in process control automation to monitor real-time data transmissions. They convert signals from the connected sensors and probes (0-20mA or 4-20mA) into measured values. The converters can be used to communicate analog signals over long distances where electrical interference is a problem. Current signals are far less susceptible to noise than voltage signals. A voltage signal can be converted to a current signal and then broadcast over a long distance before it is converted back to a voltage and read by the connected environmental monitoring device to provide data logging, historical graphing, a web interface (HTTP/HTTPS) and generate warning alerts via email or SMS or phone calls, should a measured value go outside of preset thresholds.

What are 0-20mA and 4-20mA Converters

0-20mA and 4-20mA converters are typically used to measure process control and industrial automation environments with sensors connected to monitor temperature, humidity, flow, pressure and vibration and other conditios. The converters connect the sensors and their data to controllers; most commonly PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and DCS (Distributed Control System) and environmental monitoring devices.

As current signals, they are linear and resistant to the types of electrical noise and voltage drops commonl experienced in process control and industrial automation facilities, and are suited to transmit data over long distances.

What is a 0-20mA signal?

0-2mA signals are analog, current-based signals used in industrial automation to transit data from individual sensors to controllers and data loggers. A 0-20mA signal uses a two-wire current loop where 0mA represents the minimum scale value (0%) and 20mA the maximum (100%).

What is a 4-20mA Signal

A 4-20mA signal is the more common standard analog method used for transmitting industrial sensor measurements over long distances to PLCs and DCS devices. A 4-20mA signal uses a two-wire current loop where 4mA represents the minimum scale value (0%) and 20mA the maximum (100%). The signal current remains consistent regardless of voltage drops or distance.

Please note these 0-20mA and 4-20mA converters are designed to be used with an environmental monitoring device from their respective manufacturer, AKCP or HW group.

Please contact our Projects Team for further information on our process control and industrial automation monitoring devices.