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[Ideas For Design]
Voltage-To-Current Converter Works From A Single-Supply Rail

R. Jayapal  |   ED Online ID #2985  |   February 17, 2003


Voltage-to-current converters feeding to grounded loads often find their way into industrial measurements and control applications. The conventional textbook circuit needs both positive and negative-supply rails (Fig. 1). In this circuit:

ein − e1 = IL RS

Therefore, the load current is:

IL = ein/RS − e1/RS

The first term is proportional to the input voltage ein, and the second term is a constant. Here, e1 is derived from the negative power-supply rail through a potentiometer:

IL = ein/RS + (−e1)/RS

RS is selected so that the first term gives 16 mA for full-scale input voltage, and the potentiometer is adjusted so that the second term provides a constant 4 mA. In effect, the output ranges from 4 to 20 mA, corresponding with zero to full input voltage. But failure of the negative power supply causes erroneous output. Moreover, there may be equipment where the negative power supply is not available, requiring generation just for this application.

In such cases, there's a slightly different circuit that works on a single-supply rail (Fig. 2). This circuit uses one half of the quad operational amplifier LM324. The first amplifier is configured as a subtractor, while the second amplifier is configured as a current converter.

The output of the first amplifier at A equals e1 minus ein. Here, e1 is derived from the positive power supply by potentiometer P1. The voltage at B equals V minus IL RS.

Op amp inputs at A and B are the same, so:

e1 − ein = V − IL RS

IL = ein/RS + (V − e1)/RS

The first term is proportional to the input voltage, with the second term a constant. RS is chosen so that the first term gives 16 mA for full-scale input voltage, and the potentiometer is adjusted such that the second term supplies a constant 4 mA. In effect, the output is 4 to 20 mA, corresponding to zero to full input voltage. Thus, this circuit works without using a negative power-supply rail. For the circuit shown in Figure 2, the current varies from 4 to 20 mA with an input of 0 to 1 V.


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    Reader Comments

    Sir

    kindly please send me a circuit diagram that converts 0-9V to 4-20mA.thanks.

    Anonymous -August 08, 2008

    What is the need of the transistor at the output? Can i do away with the transistor? What is the problem in using a circuit with op-amps alone?

    senju -July 08, 2008

    Hi, can you send me the circuit diagram for convert input 0-10Vdc to 4-20mA output, and the circuit diagram to generate 0-10Vdc output using 9v or 2xAA battery supply, Thank You!

    Thomas Thng -July 04, 2008

    Radix Manufactureer of Converters Input RTD/ Thermocouple, Out put 0-10 VDC OR 4-20 m A Or 2 Output of the Same. Temp Transmitter , Humidity Controllers, Indicators Call 09322592788

    Swapnil Bhatkar -June 12, 2008

    What if you have a 12v or 24v DC input, and want 4 to 20mA output?

    ASIF MUNIR -June 03, 2008

    please send to me desigen , convert voltage from (0 to 10 volt),to current from (4 to 20 MA ) dc 12 volt

    ASIF MUNIR -June 03, 2008

    Sir I require ckt which gives o/p current of 80 to 250ma with voltage of 6v constant

    ASIF MUNIR -June 03, 2008

    please send to me desigen , convert voltage from (0 to 10 volt),to current from (4 to 20 MA ) dc 12 volt

    best regard mamdouh

    eng mamdouh abdelmoty -April 18, 2008

    please send to me desigen , convert voltage from (0 to 10 volt),to current from (4 to 20 MA ) dc 12 volt

    best regard mamdouh

    eng mamdouh abdelmoty -April 18, 2008

    please send to me desigen , convert voltage from (0 to 10 volt),to current from (4 to 20 MA ) dc 12 volt

    best regard mamdouh

    eng mamdouh abdelmoty -April 18, 2008

    how to convert (0-5A) to (0-10v)

    sarath -April 06, 2008

    kindly please send me a circuit diagram that converts 0-9V to 4-20mA.thanks

    john ray -April 02, 2008

    Sir,

    i want a circuit to convert microampere which is prapotional to output vlotage, means input is very small micro amp and output in DC volatage like 1-5V

    Manish -March 30, 2008

    i want to convert 0-20 mA to 0-5 DCV and convert 0-5 DCV to 0-20 mA. Can you help me, i use 4 input 0-20mA, 4 input DCV and 4 output DCV, 4 output 0-20mA...Trims

    Anonymous -March 15, 2008

    why we are using 4-20mA insted of 0-20mA

    raghu -March 03, 2008

    I WANT TO TRY NEW CIRCUIT OPERATES WITH 12 VOLT DC, 24 VOLT DC AND OUTPUT 100 VOLTS WITH 5 AMPEARS, PLEASE SEND ME EMAIL WHICH IC CHEAP WITH INVERTER WITH FERRATE CORE TRANSFORMER.

    Lalji Gajjar -February 25, 2008

    can you specifically tell the ic1 no.?will there be any error/problem if sl100 is used as the transistor

    arun -February 22, 2008

    Sir I require ckt which gives o/p current of 80 to 250ma with voltage of 6v constant

    vijay -February 12, 2008

    this is good.but not inoughf.ok.so improve this than now

    Dilani -February 06, 2008

    how can i convert a voltage of say 12-15volt 1ampere to about 10-50ampere of the same voltage.

    Anonymous -January 30, 2008

    would you pls send me a circuit diagram that converts 0-6vdc to 0-20mA.thanks

    john ray -January 28, 2008

    Please send me the circuit diagram of voltage to 0 to 500 micro ampere converter on my email id. please help.. kind rgds sekhar

    SEKHAR -January 18, 2008

    I want a circuit that shall work on 0 to 10V or 0-5V dc input and give standard output of 4-20m A with 10-24VDC. Thank you very much!

    alamin -January 05, 2008

    i want people posting circuits they want to get an education and figure it out themselves

    Anonymous -January 02, 2008

    please send a circuit for convert 4-20mA to -10 to 10 v.

    amir -December 16, 2007

    I want a circuit that shall work on 0 to 10V or 0-5V dc input and give output of 4-20m A. Thank you very much!

    Anonymous -December 16, 2007

    please send a circuit for convert 0-10 volt to 4-20mA

    Anonymous -December 16, 2007

    I want a circuit for convert a voltage signal( -10 to 10 (v)) to current signal (4 to 20 (ma)).

    Anonymous -December 16, 2007

    hello! there is a little problem in your circuit! Imin (4mA) depends on V+ which may varry (in practice not regulated and mùay vary from 12v to 32v) so the the offset curent of this 4/20ma transmitter varriues with V+

    Anonymous -December 03, 2007

    please send a circuit for convert 0-5 volt to 4-20mA

    rms -December 01, 2007

    how when we give input of 24 dc to sensor (Pressure) ,how we get the pressure in the reading , how the conversion.

    Anonymous -November 28, 2007

    30 Volts is good

    John -November 23, 2007

    What if you have a 12v or 24v DC input, and want 4 to 20mA output?

    Anonymous -November 16, 2007

    The circuit fig2. does not work. Also i would like it to vary between 0-5V in to 4-20mA out. Could you please advise me.

    Alwyn B -September 18, 2007

    i need a voltage to current converter it should be work on positve single supply on +5vdc output 4 to 20mA.Please give me your suggestions and any details.

    srinu -September 11, 2007

    i want a voltage to current converter circuit with op-amp configuration of single supply

    srinu -September 11, 2007

    i want voltage to current convertor it should work on -10v to +10voltDC output -65 to +65mA or 0-10volt DC output 65mA

    sumit vohra -August 19, 2007

    hello, i need to convert 0-20 mA to 4-20 mA, 24v DC supply . please help me, and send me circuit . Hope you will reply soon .

    cheetaas -August 12, 2007

    nice& good ckt.would u tell me about how we convert 100-500mV signal into 4-20mA. give me the proper solution like circuit and detail if possible send it to me by email hamid83@gmail.com thanks in advance

    zahid -August 09, 2007

    nice cct. can you tell me what mod do l need to have the cct take 0-5V and give 0-20mA. any responce will be very much appriciated

    thax

    Sp3X -August 02, 2007

    The circuit fig2. does not work. I am able to set the maximum current to 20mA. However, the minimum current does not fall below 11mA.

    Advise me.

    syam krishna -July 15, 2007

    The circuit fig2. does not work. I am able to set the maximum current to 20mA. However, the minimum current does not fall below 11mA. Also i need a 4-20mA output from 0-5V input. any diagrams, circuits or products can do that? thanks. email me

    Advise me.

    syam krishna -July 15, 2007

    I am designing analog circuit to convert voltage into the current pulses for functional electrical stimulation for nerve stimulation. Is there any single TI chip which can perform this task?

    mmaha2 -July 13, 2007

    I want to get IC or ackt. for converting 0-10V dc input into +/-110mA current output.

    Anonymous -July 12, 2007

    Really good one. Its very nice circuit with explanation. thank you Mr R japayal

    manikandan -June 23, 2007

    hello, i need to convert 0-4.8v inputto 4-20 mA output, 12v dc as a vcc. please help me

    wirtono -June 01, 2007

    I have an output of 5µA/100W/m2 . I have to convert it to 4-20mA. Please give me suitable solution of circuit… thanks..

    aisyah -May 31, 2007

    I have an output of 5µA/100W/m2 . I have to convert it to 4-20mA. Please give me suitable solution of circuit… thanks..

    aisyah -May 31, 2007

    hello sir.ineed a cicuite that convert a pwm signal to 4-20 ma .can you help me please .

    hadi -May 23, 2007

    hi I want to use this circuit for higher load, what r the necessary changes required in circuit

    amol -April 17, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    this is a very nice circuit, I want to experiment it for higher load.

    amol -April 17, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    hello, i need to convert 0-5v to 4-20 mA, 5v as a vcc. please help me.

    jay -March 31, 2007

    I have a 0-10VDC -> 4-20mA working design. Email me for sch.

    Anonymous -March 27, 2007

    hello sir, i need to convert -10v to +10V input voltage to -50µA to +50µA . Please help me for this as i need it for my project

    GOWRISHANKER -March 06, 2007

    i want design of v to i converter whose input is 0 to 1 V and output is 4mA to 20 mA. can u guide me?

    shri -March 05, 2007

    This circuit may just help me out, I'm struggling to get an analogue semiconductor v to i converter to work as per application circuit at the moment. I have 0 to 5 volts that I need to convert to 4 to 20 mA can you advise of the changes required. Could I use different op-amp i.e LM 741? many people asking the same question! if you could help would be great - thanks.

    Steve -December 29, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    hiii i would like it from 0 to 5 volts, what are the replacements and can u provide me with the current to voltage converter cicuit from 4mA-20mA to 0-5 volts plzzz thx in advance

    mood -December 18, 2006

    hiii i would like it from 0 to 5 volts, what are the replacements and can u provide me with the current to voltage converter cicuit from 4mA-20mA to 0-5 volts plzzz thx in advance

    mood -December 18, 2006

    Hi.. want to use the circuit for 0 to 5 V input, 4 to 20 mA output, what modification is needed? and the replacement for SK100? and +5v as a vcc for LM324..CAN U GUIDE ME

    Anonymous -December 07, 2006

    Hi.. want to use the circuit for 0 to 5 V input, 4 to 20 mA output, what modification is needed? and the replacement for SK100? and +5v as a vcc for LM324..CAN U GUIDE ME

    Anonymous -December 07, 2006

    I need assistance, I can't read! I'm an idiot, please help me

    Anonymous -November 28, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    hi.

    haldun -November 22, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    more useful.done a good job

    djeanthe -November 18, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    Article was superb. Self explanatory

    Radha Balagopal -November 18, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    I need a circuit for 0-10V input and 4-20mA output.

    Prasanna VS -November 02, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    I have the input of 0 to 10 volt with 0 to 6khz input power supply, from that I have to get an output of 10uA to 10A linearly (Current Source) .

    that is if the input voltage 10V means I should get an output as 10A and if I reduce the input voltage linearly,

    then the output current also will vary linearly. the minimum value is 10uA.

    Sivakumar J.

    Software Engineer,

    Sivajee -October 04, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    As author of this article,I thank all for overwelming response.I amm willing to provide clarifications,circuits for various input/output voltage/current etc.Please contact ----Email: try_kannajay@sancharnet.in ----R.Jayapal

    R.Jayapal -September 29, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    want to use the circuit to convert 0-500 microVolts signal coming from a transimpedance amplifier to maximum possible detectable current signal.How can that be achieved.what modifications are needed.

    thanx in advance

    sunny -September 21, 2006

    i want to buy some or about a lot amount of electronic Parts and accosories from other country through the internet. Is there any one could help me.??????????????

    Abdullah Al Hadi -September 21, 2006

    i need variable current source 0 to 20 mA

    Waran -August 30, 2006

    Hi.. want to use the circuit for 0 to 5 V input, 4 to 20 mA output, what modification is needed? and the replacement for SK100?

    Anonymous -August 23, 2006

    what's the use of transistor SK100 at the output?

    Anonymous -August 02, 2006

    what's the use of transistor SK100 at the output?

    Anonymous -August 02, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    want to use the circuit for 10-50mV, 4 to 20mA output, what modification is needed

    trust -July 31, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    want to use the circuit for 0 to 10 V input, 4 to 20 mA output, what modification is needed?

    Anonymous -July 22, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    hi i have 0..10v in but segnal so iam asking for 04...20ma outbut segnal please i need the circuit

    lafi -July 12, 2006

    Is this circuit works for V=+5V and ein=0 to 5V to get IL=4mA to 20mA

    jyothi somisetty -July 10, 2006

    Is this circuit works for V=+5V and ein=0 to 5V to get IL=4mA to 20mA

    jyothi somisetty -July 10, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    Is this circuit works for V=+5V and ein=0 to 5V to get IL=4mA to 20mA

    jyothi somisetty -July 10, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    for the second circuit I think output of the first amplifier should be 2*e1 - ein instead of e1 - ein

    mustafa -June 21, 2006

    Hi, I wanted a circuit which converts a PWM signal to 4-20mA output. Likewise PWM to 0-5V,1-5V and 0-10V output.

    Anonymous -June 06, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    I need a similar circuit, but a need to use 9vdc bateries to suply all the circuit and a association of a baterie and a trimpot or potenciometer do suply 0-1v, because my v2c converter needs to be handheld. Help me, I am a student of USP. Thanks a lot!

    Rodolfo de Oste -May 30, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    i need a 4-20mA output from 0-10V input. any diagrams, circuits or products can do that? email me, please

    Anonymous -May 20, 2006

    please give me the details of ALUMINUM FOIL WINDING

    abhilash -May 16, 2006

    please send me the current amplifier using SL100 circuit.

    abhilash -May 16, 2006

    I want to know the same circuit cna make 0 to 10v input gives 0 to 20mA output with single supply of +5v, please send me the details.

    Thank u

    jyothi somisetty -May 11, 2006

    what is the need for subtractor used here?can i get much more explanation?

    Anonymous -May 09, 2006

    The circuit fig2. does not work. I am able to set the maximum current to 20mA. However, the minimum current does not fall below 13mA.

    Advise me.

    P.Lakshminarayanan -May 03, 2006

    please send details about converter from 4 - 20 ma to 0 - 10 v

    ganeshreddy -April 11, 2006

    I want 4 to 20mA output from 0-2.5Volt input.What are the modifications needed in the circuit design.Please mail the modifications.

    Anonymous -April 06, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    I need a 4-20mA output from 0-2.5V input.Please tell me what all modifications i should make in the circuit design.Please mail me

    Anonymous -April 06, 2006

    contact +919845211156 if you are in a need of multiple voltage to current converters. we are also a supplier of the same.

    Anonymous -April 03, 2006

    For your information, i am now searching for a circuit to convert current to voltage and voltage to current by using op amps. Besides that, pls include the formulas to calculate the circuit. Pls reply to my email address. Thanks for your cooperation

    edmond -March 22, 2006

    i searching a suppliers (india mumbai) for i to converter input - 4 to 20ma ,op - 0 to 10 v,linear isolated. supply 0 - 24 v dc, resolution 0.1% up to 0.5 % so please inform me as early as possible

    tejas nagarkar -March 04, 2006

    i need a 4-20mA output from 0-10V input. any diagrams, circuits or products can do that? email me, please

    T.T -March 01, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    I want a circuit that shall work on 0 to 10V or 0-5V dc input and give output of 4-20m A. Thank you very much!

    Tuan -February 17, 2006

    I want a circuit which converts 0 to 10 V input into 4 to 20 mA output, what modification is needed?

    sajiva -February 15, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    Effective and useful article

    Sai Prasadh.B -January 29, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    Very good and Simple and very useful

    Dr>R.Balagopal -January 29, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    i need a 4-20mA output from 0-5V input. any diagrams, circuits or products can do that? thanks. email me

    AYiek -January 26, 2006

    If I want to use the circuit for 0 to 10 V input, 4 to 20 mA output, what modification is needed?

    Muxen -January 19, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    I need a circuit to convert a "-2.5 to 2.5 volt" output to a "4-20 ma" standard output

    voltage to current converter -January 09, 2006

    I need a circuit to convert a "-2.5 to 2.5 volt" output to a "4-20 ma" standard output

    voltage to current converter -January 09, 2006

    I want a circuit which shall take a voltage 0-10V input & should give 0-100mA output irrespective of changes in load.Please mail this diagram on my e-mail ID

    Anonymous -December 27, 2005

    if want to use the single supply circuit for 1-5 V input and i need to get 4-20 mA output. what are all the modifications i n eed to do?

    PUSHPENDER ARYA -December 16, 2005

    I want a circuit which shall take a voltage 0-10V input & should give 0-100mA output.Please mail this diagram on my e-mail ID

    Mahesh More -December 12, 2005

    I want a circuit which shall take a voltage 0-10V input & should give 0-100mA output.Please mail this diagram on my e-mail ID

    Mahesh More -December 12, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    I want a circuit diagram which shall take 0-10v input & giving 0-100mA output.

    Mahesh More -December 12, 2005

    if want to use the single supply circuit for 2.5-3.5 V input and i need to get 4-20 mA output. what are all the modifications i n eed to do?

    Anonymous -October 27, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    How Can I increase the Voltage from (0-1) to (0-10)? What is the common equivalent of 2n3904? How does coverting V to I help in NOISE Issues? What is the circuit of I to V Convertor?

    Aniket -October 18, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    The circuit in fig. 2 will not work! The output of the first opamp stage is: e1 + (e1-ein). Not e1-ein.

    Anonymous -September 29, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    I thank you for your article and would love to see the "conventional" textbook example of the receiver.

    gkhbbc13 -September 03, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    I have some problems with the circuit. 1) When ei=0V -> IL=29mA NO 4mA 2) ei=1V -> IL=45mA NO 20mA I remplace SK100 for BC327 they have differents Hfe.

    If you can help, thanks

    carsli -September 01, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    i want a circuit that takes 0 to 10 volts as input and gives an output of 4 to 20mA. i will like to know the modifications to the initial circuit for 0 to 1V. thanks.. C.K

    Anonymous -August 01, 2005

    i want to use the single supply circuit for my 1-5 V input and i need to get 4-20 mA output. what are all the modifications needed.

    Anonymous -July 25, 2005

    I want a circuit that converts (1) 0-30V into 4-20mA (2) 4 to 20mA into 0-90mA (3) 0-90V into 4-20mA

    Ashok Bhatti -July 19, 2005

    in fig.1 which int. curcuit is ic1 ? what is the code numbers of ic1? which opamp circuit we use for ic1?please answer

    Anonymous -May 24, 2005

    what is the transistor for in the circuit ? is there no current gain by sl100 ?

    Anonymous -April 28, 2005

    want a circuit that shall work on 0- to 10-V dc input and give output of 4 to 20ma. can work(((RL 0 300k))))

    mostafa_dawod -April 24, 2005

    Highly appreciable

    JIVESH GOVIL -April 17, 2005

    I want a circuit that shall work on 0- to 10-V dc input and give output of 0 to 1.5 A.

    Sanjay -March 27, 2005

    This is a nice and simple circuit. If I want to use the circuit for 0 to 10 V, 4- to 50-mA output, what modification is needed?

    Anonymous -March 26, 2005

    Current is not changing with the input voltage. Is there any problem in the circuit or with the Rs calculation? Please inform. Thank you.

    Anonymous -February 24, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    If I have to use this citcuit for 0 to 5 mA for a 0- to 2-V input, what changes are required?

    Anonymous -February 10, 2005

    What a nice and simple circuit. If I want to use the circuit for 0 to 10 V, 4- to 20-mA output, what modification is needed?

    Bernie -January 04, 2005

    Nice to see some basic electronics that have basic but useful applications. Thanks.

    Tom Marcel -August 25, 2004

    This has proven to be a useful circuit for driving lamps and even as a battery charger. The two major advantages are that the load is tied to ground and that it uses a single supply. Further advantages are that it can be scaled to large loads by replacing the shunt transistor (e.g. with a TIP117), and that feedback can be integrated easily.

    Richard W. Davis -December 09, 2003

    the expression for IL for single rail is slightly wrong. A factor of two is missing. Derive and see where!!!

    Randi -September 29, 2003

    good circuit ; well explained ....

    pmd -August 04, 2003

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