4-20mA or 0-10V? Comparison of Transmitter Output Signals
Introduction
In the analog world, communication between transmitters and PLCs takes place basically in two languages: Current (4-20mA) or Voltage (0-10V/0-5V). Both signal types have their own strengths and weak points. So, which one should you choose for your project? In this article, we compare the 4-20mA and 0-10V worlds technically.
4-20mA: The Industry Standard
The 4-20mA current loop is the most preferred signal type in industrial environments.
Advantages:
- Noise Immunity: The current signal is affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the environment much less than the voltage signal.
- Cable Break Detection: Since the signal base is 4mA, when the value drops to 0mA, the system immediately understands that the cable is broken.
- Distance: Losses caused by line resistance in long cable distances do not change the current, which preserves the accuracy of the data.
0-10V: Simple and Economical
Voltage signals are generally preferred in shorter distance and less noisy environments.
Advantages:
- Easy Measurement: It is very easy to check the signal with a multimeter.
- Low Power Consumption: It consumes less energy than a current loop.
- Compatibility: Many hobby electronics and simple automation devices have a direct 0-10V input.
Disadvantages:
- Data is transmitted incorrectly on long cables due to voltage drop.
- 0V can mean both "zero value" and "cable broken," which makes diagnostic difficult.
Comparison Table
| Feature | 4-20 mA | 0-10 V |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Resistance | Very High | Low |
| Transmission Distance | Long (>1000m) | Short (<10m) |
| Diagnostics | Cable break recognized | Not recognized |
| Cost | Medium | Low |
Master Both Worlds with Amazeng
Whatever your application, Amazeng solutions support both signal types:
- GDT Digital Transmitter: Accepts both 4-20mA and 0-10V inputs as factory default and combines the best features of both worlds by converting them to digital Modbus data.
- ZMA Data Acquisition: With its multi-channel structure, it can read 4-20mA from one channel and 0-10V from the other, collecting all data on a single screen.
Conclusion
The rule is simple: If the distance is long and there are noise sources such as motor drives in the environment, 4-20mA; if the distance is very short and the budget is limited, 0-10V can be preferred. However, if you want to completely secure your data, converting these analog signals to digital with a transmitter is the most guaranteed way.
Consult our technical team for technical questions and our signal conversion solutions.