Which Sensor Gives Which Output? The World of 4-20mA, 0-10V, and mV/V

Amazeng Technical Team
6 min read
Sensor OutputsmV/V4-20mALoadcellPressure Sensor

Introduction

When you buy an industrial sensor, you see expressions like "Output: 4-20mA" or "Output: 2mV/V" in its catalog. So why do these differences exist? Why does which sensor type prefer a specific output signal? In this article, we take a closer look at the signal variety in the sensor world and their application areas.

1. mV/V (Ratiometric) Output: The Basis of Precision

Usually seen in Loadcells and some sensitive pressure sensors.

  • Why is it used?: These sensors have a Wheatstone bridge structure. They produce a very small voltage relative to the supply voltage.
  • Example: A 2mV/V sensor working with 10V supply gives only 20mV (0.02 Volt) output at maximum load.
  • Challenge: To process such a small signal, a very high-resolution (24-bit) transmitter is needed.

2. 4-20mA Current Output: Indispensable of the Sector

It is the most common type in temperature transmitters, level sensors, and general industrial instruments.

  • Why is it used?: It does not cause data loss at long distances (up to 1 km) and is very resistant to noise.
  • Example: A pressure transmitter sends 4mA at 0 Bar and 20mA at 10 Bar.

3. 0-10V / 0-5V Voltage Output: Simple and Local

It often appears in short-distance applications and building automation.

  • Why is it used?: Can be directly connected to analog inputs of PLCs, does not require an additional resistor.
  • Example: A humidity sensor produced 0V output at 0% humidity and 10V output at 100% humidity.

Which Transmitter for Which Output?

Amazeng's flexible transmitter family is by your side to translate different languages of different sensors into a common language (Modbus or digital screen):

  • GDT Digital Transmitter:
    • mV/V Support: Faultlessly processes micro-volt level data coming from loadcells.
    • Internal Supply: Provides the 10V/5V voltage needed to supply the sensor through itself.
    • Flexibility: You can change the input type to 4-20mA or 0-10V in seconds via the menu.
  • ZMA Data Acquisition:
    • Offers a hybrid channel structure capable of reading both loadcell (mV/V) and analog (4-20mA) sensors at the same time.

Conclusion

The sensor output type determines the architecture of your system. mV/V ratiometric signals offer the highest precision, while 4-20mA provides the most reliable transmission. Amazeng transmitters eliminate this signal mess and offer you clean and easy-to-process digital data.

Do you need help choosing the transmitter suitable for your sensor's output type? Our technical team is ready to guide you.

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