The design sends 4–20 mA signals and keeps working even with wrong wiring or noise in the system. It helps in many setups.
TIPD190 is a loop-powered analog output transmitter reference design from Texas Instruments, built using the DAC8551 (16-bit DAC) and XTR116 (voltage-to-current converter). It delivers precise control of loop current between 4 mA and 20 mA using a 2-wire interface—one terminal for power and one for return.
The transmitter includes a diode bridge circuit for reverse polarity protection. This ensures safe operation even when supply and return wires are accidentally reversed. It also integrates an output protection circuit designed to meet the IEC61000-4 standards for immunity against transient signals, ESD, and radiated electrical emissions.
To support proper operation of precision analog components, the design uses a voltage regulator to reduce the typical 24 V loop supply. It works with various regulation methods including low dropout regulators (LDOs), DC/DC converters, or shunt regulators.
The design maintains a total unadjusted error (TUE) under 0.15% and keeps the total supply current below 4 mA, allowing full compliance with the 4–20 mA current loop standard.
The reverse polarity protection ensures the transmitter continues to function even if the wiring is incorrect—critical in field installations where errors are common. The diode bridge allows current to flow in the correct direction without damaging the circuit, simplifying setup and increasing reliability.
The IEC61000-4-compliant protection circuit guards the transmitter from electrical overstress caused by fast transients, surge conditions, or static discharge. This enhances the durability of the system, particularly in noisy industrial environments.
The use of standard components and a tested design framework makes TIPD190 easy to implement. Engineers can replicate the design with confidence, using known building blocks without starting from scratch. This reduces development time and simplifies testing.
TIPD190 helps engineers create robust, loop-powered analog transmitters with integrated protection features. The ready-made design saves time during development and minimizes the need for extra validation.
For OEMs, this means faster product rollouts, fewer field issues, and lower support costs. The design supports long-term reliability and accurate analog signaling for industrial sensors and transmitters.
End users benefit from improved system uptime, reduced maintenance, and dependable communication between field devices and control systems, even in harsh electrical conditions. The design offers a practical solution for reliable current loop transmission in industrial automation, process control, and sensing applications.
TI has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.
