ANALOG SIGNAL TYPES: 0-10V

VERSUS 4-20MA
The two most common analog signal types in modern industrial automation are 4-20mA and
0-10V. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two and which one you should
choose.

0-10V

A 0-10V (or in some cases, 0-5V) analog signal uses voltage to represent a variable signal.
It’s a simple method of analog signal transmission most commonly used in HVAC
applications, but has some inherent disadvantages, including:
 A sensor fault (no signal) cannot be detected: A value of 0V can indicate either zero
value or no signal. It’s possible to work around this by using a 2-10V instead, but this is
uncommon.
 It is prone to electrical noise and interference.
 Over longer cable distances, voltage drop can cause an inaccurate signal.
 A separate power supply to the instrument is usually required, meaning the sensor
requires at least three wires.

4-20mA

The 4-20mA current signal is becoming much more common for analog signal transmission
in a lot of applications. A current signal offers some real world advantages, such as:
 A no signal fault can easily be detected: 0mA indicates no signal, while 4mA indicates a
zero value.
 An instrument can be ‘loop-powered (often 24VDC) – mean it can be powered by the
same cable that it transmits on, meaning only two wires are required.
 It is much less prone to electrical noise, interference and voltage drop.
In addition, for many applications there is now a much wider range of 4-20mA instruments
available than 0-10V. We recommend 0-10V should only be used where the automation
equipment used is incapable of handling a 4-20mA signa