In the field of industrial automation and process control, the 4–20 mA current loop is the classic ‘language’ used to connect field sensors to control systems. How to convert the weak signals collected by sensors into a stable and accurate standard current output, whilst providing a reliable power supply for the front-end conditioning circuitry, is a core challenge that every industrial transmitter design must address. Texas Instruments’ (TI) XTR117 4–20 mA current-loop transmitter is a highly integrated, precision linear regulator developed specifically to address this challenge, offering an ideal solution that combines accuracy, reliability and design flexibility for a wide range of industrial sensor interface applications.
Chip Features: Engineered for Harsh Industrial Environments
The XTR117 is a precision current output converter specifically designed to transmit analogue 4 mA to 20 mA signals via industry-standard current loops. Its core features are centred on low power consumption, high precision and high reliability for industrial applications:
Ultra-low quiescent current, suitable for loop-powered architectures. The XTR117’s quiescent current is just 130 µA, which is crucial in two-wire, loop-powered transmitter designs—extremely low self-consumption means more loop current budget can be allocated to the sensor front-end and signal conditioning circuits, thereby enhancing the overall system’s functional density.
Integrated 5V regulator simplifies front-end power supply design. The chip’s built-in 5V voltage regulator can directly power external sensor conditioning circuits, eliminating the need for additional discrete voltage regulators. Combined with the IRET current loop pin’s ability to monitor current in the external circuitry, the XTR117 can precisely control the output current, ensuring a strict linear relationship between the total loop current and the input signal.
High precision and low error performance. The XTR117 features a range error as low as 0.05% and a non-linearity error of just 0.003%, maintaining stable performance across the extended industrial temperature range of –40°C to +125°C. This means that in multi-channel acquisition or long-distance transmission scenarios, the cumulative error in the signal chain can be kept to an extremely low level.
Wide loop supply voltage range and protection capabilities. A wide loop supply voltage range of 7.5 V to 36 V, combined with an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of 40 V, provides the XTR117 with ample margin when faced with voltage fluctuations and transient disturbances in industrial environments. The low start-up voltage (7.5 V) also allows for the flexible incorporation of voltage protection measures without compromising the operating range.
The XTR117 is available in two miniature packages: VSON-8 (3 mm × 3 mm) and VSSOP-8 (3 mm × 4.9 mm). Its compact dimensions enable it to be easily integrated into sensor and transmitter modules where space is limited.
Typical Applications: Covering Diverse Industrial Sensing Requirements
The XTR117 has a clear and broad application scope, having been designed specifically to serve the core scenario of ‘smart sensors utilising 4 mA to 20 mA current transmission’. Specifically, the chip demonstrates outstanding value in the following areas:
Pressure transmitters. The output signals from pressure sensors (such as diffused silicon or ceramic capacitive sensors), once conditioned, can be converted by the XTR117 into a standard 4–20 mA loop current for direct connection to the analogue input modules of PLC or DCS systems. The chip’s low quiescent current characteristics make it particularly suitable for the loop-powered architecture of two-wire pressure transmitters.
Temperature transmitters. When paired with signal conditioning circuits for RTDs or thermocouples, the XTR117 can linearly map temperature signals to a 4–20 mA current output. Its wide temperature range (–40 °C to +125 °C) ensures long-term stability in outdoor or high-temperature industrial environments.
Flow and level transmitters. Flow meters and level sensors typically require the transmission of pulse or analogue signals over long distances to the control room; the 4–20 mA current loop offers far superior immunity to interference compared to voltage signal transmission. The XTR117 provides a compact and high-precision conversion solution for such applications.
PLC/DCS/PAC system interfaces. In programmable logic controllers and distributed control systems, the XTR117 serves as the core component of analogue output modules, reliably converting internal control signals into current signals that can be received by field actuators.
Furthermore, the XTR117 is also suitable for general-purpose signal conditioning applications, such as voltage-to-current amplifiers and two-wire universal current loop transmitters.
Mingjiada Electronics offers stock availability: shortening your procurement cycle
The XTR117’s outstanding performance makes it a favoured choice in industrial transmitter design, but a stable supply of components is equally critical to the success of a project. As a specialist distributor of electronic components from stock, Shenzhen Mingjiada Electronics Co., Ltd. currently holds stock of the TI XTR117 series chips and can provide customers with rapid delivery support.
Mingjiada Electronics has long specialised in the supply of components for industrial control and sensor interfaces. The specific models available in the XTR117 series cover both VSSOP-8 and VSON-8 package types. You can obtain detailed stock information and quotations via the following methods:
Telephone enquiries: 86-755-83294757 / 13410018555
Email: sales@hkmjd.com
Company address: Rooms 1239–1241, New Asia Guoli Building, Zhenzhong Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province
In the design of industrial 4–20 mA transmitters, choosing the XTR117means opting for a proven, high-precision signal chain; choosing Mingjiada Electronics as your supply partner adds a degree of certainty to your production plans. Engineers and procurement staff with specific requirements are welcome to contact us for enquiries, samples and bulk quotations.
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