
wires. The controller also senses the current in the wires. The sensor converts
whatever it is measuring (temperature, velocity, etc.) to a current value. The
sensor draws 4 ma at one end of its measurement range, and 20 ma at full scale.
Because the 4–20 ma loop is differential, the system is suitable for sensors that
are removed from the controller by quite a distance. Any common-mode noise is
ignored by the current measurement circuit. One drawback to this method is the
need for a pair of wires and sensing circuitry for every sensor in the system.
Fieldbus
Fieldbus is a digital, serial, two-way communications system that interconnects
measurement ...