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Understanding Temperature Transmitters

A temperature transmitter combines a temperature sensor and transmitter to measure temperature and convert it to a 4-20mA current signal proportional to the measured temperature. It allows for long cable runs between the transmitter and monitoring system. The transmitter conditions the raw sensor signal by amplifying and scaling it before transmission. It can be programmed to achieve different input-output functions and transmission modes, making it a smart device that combines transmission and signal conditioning.

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305 views1 page

Understanding Temperature Transmitters

A temperature transmitter combines a temperature sensor and transmitter to measure temperature and convert it to a 4-20mA current signal proportional to the measured temperature. It allows for long cable runs between the transmitter and monitoring system. The transmitter conditions the raw sensor signal by amplifying and scaling it before transmission. It can be programmed to achieve different input-output functions and transmission modes, making it a smart device that combines transmission and signal conditioning.

Uploaded by

abdur rafay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

How a Temperature Transmitter Works

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A temperature transmitter combines a temperature sensor – RTD or Thermocouple and a transmitter in the
same instrument. The sensor measures the temperature while the transmitter amplifies and transmits the signal
to the monitoring system or a control room. A temperature transmitter measures temperature and converts it into
a current signal of 4 – 20mA that is proportional to the temperature measured

How the Transmitter Works


Temperature transmitters are widely used in modern instrumentation systems because they allow long cable
runs to be used in the instrumentation and control system. They also perform some signal conditioning function.
As shown in the schematic above, a two wire temperature
transmitter accepts a thermocouple or three wire Pt100 input
and converts the ''temperature'' output into a 4-20mA current
signal. The transmitter usually requires a 24VDC supply which
is connected in series with the two wire interface or provided by
the host instrument. The amplified temperature signal can be
transmitted via a long cable run if required. This is a key
advantage especially when dealing with large site installations.
What about the signal conditioning function of the transmitter?

Signal conditioning
This is the process of modifying the raw input signal in one or more ways to facilitate communication and
measurement. The transmitter is a simple form of signal conditioner but signal conditioners usually provide
linearization scaling facilities and other functions.

Signal conditioners are particularly useful when different parameters are measured in a process (e.g. Pt100 and
thermocouple outputs, flow rates, pressure and force). The output from all of the appropriate sensors or
transducers can then be rationalised into a common interface such as 4-20mA or 1-5V.
Owing to advancement in technology, most transmitters are becoming intelligent end devices largely because
they are micro-processor based. Most of these devices are now regarded as “smart”devices that can be
programmed to achieve a desired result in the plant. These programmable and so called “smart” transmitters
effectively combine transmission and signal conditioning functions. In addition to manipulating the input-output
function, a variety of transmission modes can be selected. Isolation of input to output further enhances their
scope of applications; for example a multi-sensor installation with individual transmitters can be used without
danger of earth loops establishing spurious potentials. Programming is performed via a PC using software
normally supplied or via a plug-in module.

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