page_title: Current loop
section_title: Process control 4–20 mA loops
hierarchical_section_title: Current loop / Process control 4–20 mA loops
caption_attribution_description: English: Example of current loops used for sending and control. Specific example of a smart valve positioner used.
context_page_description: In electrical signalling an analog current loop is used where a device must be monitored or controlled remotely over a pair of conductors. Only one current level can be present at any time.
  A major application of current loops is the industry de facto standard 4–20 mA current loop for process control applications, where they are extensively used to carry signals from process instrumentation to PID controllers, SCADA systems, and programmable logic controllers. They are also used to transmit controller outputs to the modulating field devices such as control valves. These loops have the advantages of simplicity and noise immunity, and have a large international user and equipment supplier base. Some 4–20 mA field devices can be powered by the current loop itself, removing the need for separate power supplies, and the "smart" HART protocol uses the loop for communications between field devices and controllers. Various automation protocols may replace analog current loops, but 4–20 mA is still a principal industrial standard.
context_section_description: In industrial process control, analog 4–20 mA current loops are commonly used for electronic signalling, with the two values of 4 & 20 mA representing 0–100% of the range of measurement or control.  These loops are used both for carrying sensor information from field instrumentation, and carrying control signals to the process modulating devices, such as a valve.
  The key advantages of the current loop are:
  The loop can often power the remote device, with power supplied by the controller, thus removing need for power cabling. Many instrumentation manufacturers produce 4–20 mA sensors which are "loop powered".
  The "live" or "elevated" zero of 4 mA allows powering of the device even with no process signal output from the field transmitter.
  The accuracy of the signal is not affected by voltage drop in the interconnecting wiring.
  It has high noise immunity as it is low impedance circuit usually through twisted pair conductors.
  It is self-monitoring; currents less than 3.8 mA or more than 20.5 mA are taken to indicate a fault.
  It can be carried over long cables up to the limit of the resistance for the voltage used.
  In line displays can be inserted and powered by the loop, as long as total allowable loop resistance is not exceeded.
  Easy conversion to voltage using a resistor.
  Loop powered "I to P" (current to pressure) converters can convert the 4–20 mA signal to a 3–15 psi pneumatic output for control valves, allowing easy integration of 4–20 mA signals into existing pneumatic plant.
  Field instrumentation measurements are such as pressure, temperature, level, flow, pH or other process variables. A current loop can also be used to control a valve positioner or other output actuator. Since input terminals of instruments may have one side of the current loop input tied to the chassis ground (earth), analog isolators may be required when connecting several instruments in series.
  The relationship between current value and process variable measurement is set by calibration, which assigns different ranges of engineering units to the span between 4 and 20 mA. The mapping between engineering units and current can be inverted, so that 4 mA represents the maximum and 20 mA the minimum.
caption: Example of current loops used for sensing and control transmission. Specific example of a smart valve positioner is shown.
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