Hi, wondering if someone can help clear up a few issues for me. I have a 3.6VDC battery powered device which at its heart is a PIC 18F. it uses one of its AI to detect linear position movement of a valve and displays a local indication of this. At times, the client may wish to remotely see the position through his supervisory system therefore one of the requirements are to build in 4-20mA output from the transmitter. I’ve opted to use an AD420 which simplifies my circuit somewhat. The PIC just speaks serially to the AD420 current transmitter which in turns outputs my 4-20. Now the onboard battery power is obviously insufficient to drive this, therefore my intention was to makes use of client loop power. I understand this is typically only 2wire, however, to make it work in my design, I think I need a 3 wire system as per what I’ve sketched up (attached)
I’m galvanically isolating the current transmitter electronics (AD420) from the main sensor electronics; PIC etc due to having to use two power sources at different potentials. This in turn makes leads me to the conclusion that I will indeed require a 3 wire system to include the clients gnd power my isolator and also my AD420 itself.
Would you agree? Would appreciate feedback and guidance.

Many thanks

 

Its ok, the model up from that, AD421 is more suited to my needs i think, and is a true loop powered device requiring only 2 wire. I'll use this instead.

 

any use

 

Its ok, the model up from that, AD421 is more suited to my needs i think, and is a true loop powered device requiring only 2 wire. I'll use this instead.

The transducer is typically the loop source, and as such requires a DC supply and common, converting to signal current. Devices may then operate on the minimum current, each generating a voltage drop.