From the course: Input Sensors with PLC: 4-20 mA Current Loop

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Industrial transmitters overview

Industrial transmitters overview

- [Instructor] Transmitters are devices used to take the values produced by the sensors and convert that into an electrical signal, like 4 to 20 milliamps or 1 to 5 volts, for example. Transmitters produce values that are proportional to the parameters being measured. Here's an illustration of having a level sensor with a transmitter, showing that the 4 to 20 milliamps represents 0 to 100% of the level measured. Transmitters are actually separate devices from the industrial sensors. Industrial sensors can produce various types of output signals depending on the sensor type. For example, thermocouples produce millivolts, RTDs produce resistant values, ultrasonic distance sensors produce voltage values, vibration level sensors output a frequency in hertz, et cetera. So in order to have a standardized output, that makes it easier to interpret the readings, the role of transmitter is to take these values and convert that into…

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