DC Current Sensor Transmitters
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
DC Current Sensor Transmitters are devices designed to detect and convert direct current (DC) into a measurable output signal. This output is typically a proportional signal that can be easily interpreted by other systems or devices for monitoring and control purposes.
Working Principle
DC Current Sensor Transmitters often operate by utilizing a current sensing resistor, which acts as a current-to-voltage converter. By inserting a resistor into the current path, the current is converted to a voltage in a linear manner, following the equation ( V = I \times R ) . Additionally, some DC current transducers use Hall Effect sensors to measure current without direct contact with the conductor, which is particularly effective for higher current measurements . These transmitters are useful because they provide a reliable means of monitoring current flow, which is critical for maintaining system performance and safety.
Applications
DC Current Sensor Transmitters are used in a variety of applications. For instance, they are employed in industrial automation systems to monitor the current in motors and drives, ensuring they operate within safe limits. They are also used in renewable energy systems, such as solar power installations, to monitor the current output from solar panels and ensure optimal performance.
Advantages over other Sensor Transmitters
One of the main advantages of DC Current Sensor Transmitters, particularly those using Hall Effect sensors, is their ability to measure current without direct contact with the conductor, which reduces the risk of interference and increases safety . Additionally, transmitters with current output are less susceptible to interference compared to those with voltage output, which can suffer from voltage drops due to resistance and signal line length .
Limitations
A notable limitation of DC Current Sensor Transmitters, especially those using Hall Effect sensors, is their limited resolution for lower currents, which can affect accuracy in applications requiring precise low-current measurements .
Considerations
When selecting a DC Current Sensor Transmitter, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the technology used, with Hall Effect sensors typically being more expensive due to their non-contact measurement capability. Operating expenses are generally low, but the durability and accuracy of the device can impact long-term costs. Devices with higher accuracy may require less frequent calibration and maintenance, reducing replacement and maintenance costs over time. It is also important to consider the specific environmental conditions in which the transmitter will operate, as this can affect its performance and lifespan.
from Laurel Electronics LLC
Features. ±0.2, ±2, ±20, ±200, ±300V and ±600V voltage input ranges. ±2, ±20, ±200 mA and ±5A current input ranges. Accuracy ±0.01% of reading ± 2 counts. All input ranges are user selectable and factory calibrated. Up to 60 conversions per... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output
- Excitation & Features: Voltage
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 158
from Exsenco, LLC
SANTEST's GYMT series, the compact probe and controller in the GY series, have an extremely simplified and carefully selected electronics in a small place. By employing COMBICON screw plug connectors of Phoenix Contact in the GYMTC controller, wiring operation becomes easier and more reliable. The... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output
- Form Factor: Panel / Chassis Mount
- Analog Channels: 1
- Inputs: Displacement & Level Measurement Probe
from Dataforth Corporation
Each DSCL20 loop powered isolator provides a single channel of analog signal protection by electrically isolating its input from output for any DC process signal in the range of 0-20mA (or 4-20mA). The DSCL20 operates passively, obtaining its power from t [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output
- Analog Input: 0-20mA
- Form Factor: PC Board (optional feature); Panel / Chassis Mount (optional feature); DIN Rail (optional feature)
- Excitation & Features: Amplifier
from Exsenco, LLC
SANTEST's GYHC controller outputs 0-10V or 4-20mA proportional to magnet position and velocity (option). Associating with GYcRS, GYMR5 and GYFRS probe, the resolution is 1/65536 (16bit). A toggle switch on front face permits a fine adjustment for zero and gain. [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Channels: 1
- Inputs: Displacement & Level Measurement Probe
from Dataforth Corporation
Each DSCL21 loop powered isolator provides a single channel of analog signal protection by electrically isolating its input from output for any DC process signal in the range of 0-20mA (or 4-20mA). The DSCL21 operates passively, obtaining its power from the transmitted signal. The input signal is... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output
- Analog Input: 0-20mA
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Excitation & Features: Amplifier
from Exsenco, LLC
SANTEST's Linear Inductance-L Transducer L2DT is a sensor of which inductance changes with displacement of the copper sleeve covering a sensor probe. 10kHz sine wave excites the solenoid coil of the L2DT sensor. It generates the short ring effect as a copper sleeve covers a sensor probe. The... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Channels: 1
- Inputs: Displacement & Level Measurement Probe
from Sitron
The ISO420 acts as a standard isolator for transmitters with 4 … 20mA input signal and 4 …20mA passively isolated output signal. The unique electromagnetic insulation and high efficiency circuit against signal leakage, provides excellent accuracy and stability in signal insulation. [See More]
- Analog Channels: 2
- Analog Input: 4...20mA
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 160
from Status Instruments, Inc.
The SEM1000 series of loop powered analogue signal isolators comprises versions that are suitable for most applications, regardless of whether the loop power is available at the input or output side of the isolator. There. is also a loop 'splitter' which produces two completely isolated outputs from... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output
- Analog Input: 4-20mA
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- User Interface: None
from PR electronics
Application. 1:1 output loop powered isolator of 2-wire transmitter 4...20 mA signals. 3186 is an easy mounting DIN rail unit. A very competitive choice in terms of both price and technology for galvanic isolation of 2-wire transmitter signals. Provides surge suppression and protects control systems... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output
- Analog Input: 3.5...23 mA
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Agency Approval: UL 61010-1
from Piezo-Metrics
Current to Wireless Transmitter Module 0-20mA input. High Speed up to 200 updates per second. Miniature PCB fits inside sensors or Choice of Enclosures. Low power mode with Remote power 'on' and 'off'. Transmits on license free 2.4 GHz with up to 800 m (2,600 ft) range. Simple wireless configuration... [See More]
- Analog Input: 0 to 20 mA
- Operating Temperature: -4 to 131
from Mettler-Toledo Technologies GmbH
The M800 multi-parameter transmitter provides simultaneous monitoring of one, two or four in-line sensors. It offers measurement of pH/ORP, optical DO, amperometric oxygen (DO as well as O2 gas), conductivity, resistivity, TOC, dissolved ozone, flow and turbidity in pure water as well as process... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Relay Output
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Channels: 1
- Inputs: pH/ORP, optical DO, amperometric O2 (DO as well as O2 gas), CO2, conductivity, turbidity
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The DRA-RTM-8 is a 16 channel analog multiplexer. Eight channels accept 3-wire 100 Ohm Pt RTD inputs, and the other eight channels accept 4-20 mA process inputs. All 16 inputs are multiplexed into a single 4-20 mA current loop output. The selection function is performed via four binary control lines... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Channels: 16
- Inputs: RTD Input
from Define Instruments
This versatile 2-wire transmitter accepts a range of standard input types, and outputs a 4-20mA loop. USB programming is hassle free, and takes less than a minute using Define ToolBox. 2-wire universal transmitter (DIN-mount, isolated). Current, voltage, thermocouple, RTD and potentiometer input. [See More]
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Input: 100mV to ±10V; 1µA–24mA
- Inputs: Thermocouple Input; Thermistor Input; RTD Input
- Excitation & Features: Voltage
from SPECTEC
Very versatile with field selectable inputs and outputs [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output
- Analog Input: 9, 11 or 36 VDC; 15mA
- Form Factor: Stand-alone
- User Interface: None
from Acromag, Inc.
4 to 20mA DC input. 4 to 20mA DC output. 12-50V DC power from output loop. Low cost isolator. These units receive 4-20mA process current inputs and provide isolated 4-20mA output signals. Each channel operates independently and is isolated from the others to prevent interaction between channels. For... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output
- Differential Channels: Yes
- Analog Channels: 2
- Form Factor: Rack Mount (optional feature); DIN Rail
from PR electronics
Advanced features. The 5114 transmitter can be configured, with or without a power supply, using the PReset software and the Loop Link communications unit. Application. Jumper selectable inputs for current/voltage or temperature. Programmable current (0...100 mA) and voltage (0...250 VDC) inputs. [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output
- Inputs: Thermocouple Input; RTD Input
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Input: 0...250 VDC -150...+150 mV; 0...100 mA
from Piezo-Metrics
Wireless Transmitter Module Enclosure Waterproof to IP67. Accepts Sensor Inputs- Strain, Current, Voltage. Accepts Sensor Inputs- Temperature, Pulse, Potentiometer. Low power mode with Remote power 'on' and 'off'. Transmits on license free 2.4 GHz with up to 800 m (2,600 ft) range. The wireless... [See More]
- Inputs: Bridge Input; Temperature, Pulese, Potentiometers
- Operating Temperature: -4 to 131
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The DRA-MDM-11 is a mux/demux system which transfers analog information accurately via a single pair of wires. The multiplexer unit (DRA-M-11) accepts up to sixteen 4-20 mA process current inputs. The multiplexed inputs are transferred to the demultiplexer unit (DRA-DM-11) at a scan rate of up to... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Relay Output
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Channels: 16
- Analog Input: 4-20 mA
from Define Instruments
What it does: The TM-4DPI accepts one of several input signal types and generates one of four commonly required outputs: 4-20mA, 0-20mA, 0-10V, &plusm;10V. The TM-4DPI is designed for applications that have an auxiliary supply to power the transmitter. It can be powered directly from a 24V DC... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output
- Inputs: Thermocouple Input; Thermistor Input; RTD Input
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Input: 100mV to ±10V; 1µA–24mA
from Acromag, Inc.
4 to 20mA DC input. 4 to 20mA DC output. 115V AC or 230V AC power. Three-way isolation. Zero and span adjustment enable precise calibration. Series 430i isolators provide 3-way isolation and do not require recalibration for different loads. The 430i accepts a 4 to 20mA process current input and... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output
- Differential Channels: Yes
- Analog Channels: 1
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
from PR electronics
Application. Linearized, electronic temperature measurement with RTD or TC sensor. Conversion of linear resistance variation to a standard analog current / voltage signal, i.e. from solenoids and butterfly valves or linear movements with attached potentiometer. Power supply and signal isolator for... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Relay Output
- Inputs: Thermocouple Input; RTD Input
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Input: 0...250 VDC -2500...+2500 mV; 0...100 mA
from Piezo-Metrics
Wireless Transmitter Module Enclosure Waterproof to IP67. Accepts Sensor Inputs- Strain, Current, Voltage. Accepts Sensor Inputs- Temperature, Pulse, Potentiometer. Low power mode with Remote power 'on' and 'off'. Transmits on license free 2.4 GHz with up to 800 m (2,600 ft) range. The wireless... [See More]
- Inputs: Bridge Input; Temperature, Pulese, Potentiometers
- Operating Temperature: -4 to 131
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The DRP-8500 Series modules offer a low cost analog I/O solution for micro PLCs. The series is ideal for discrete automation applications requiring one or two analog I/O channels. All models in the series interface with the PLC high speed counter inputs or pulse outputs. Digital signal pulse-width... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output; Frequency or Pulse Output
- Inputs: Thermocouple Input; RTD Input; Bridge Input
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Input: 0-10 V; 4-20 mA; 0-5000 Hz
from Define Instruments
What it does: The Javelin accepts one of several popular input signal types and outputs a 4-20mA signal. Input types: RTD, mA, V, Pot, TC. The Javelin is a loop powered, isolated transmitter. One of its key features is its easy software setup using Define ToolBox. ToolBox enables simple and flexible... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output; Analog Voltage Output; Relay Output
- Form Factor: DIN Rail
- Analog Channels: 1
- Inputs: Thermocouple Input; Thermistor Input; RTD Input
from Acromag, Inc.
4 to 20mA DC input. 4 to 20mA DC output. 10-36V DC power. Three-way isolation. Series 330i isolators provide 3-way isolation and do not require recalibration for different loads. They accept a 4 to 20mA process current input and provide a 3-way isolated process current output signal. These isolators... [See More]
- Outputs: Analog Current Output
- Differential Channels: Yes
- Analog Channels: 1
- Form Factor: DIN Rail