DC VOLTAGE OR CURRENT OUTPUT

DC Voltage

The least costly DC voltage output is a simple operational amplifier. Signal levels from -15V to +15V are easily achieved with simple circuits. These circuits can drive 2000 ohm or higher loads.

Higher output voltages require more costly amplifiers and power supplies to provide the necessary operating voltages.

The ability to drive lower load resistance also increases cost.

If the circuit to be driven by the signal conditioner does not require a 0V based zero scale signal (i.e. 0 to 5V), but can use an offset output (i.e. 1 to 5V), power supply costs may be less.

DC Current

Current outputs from microamps to 20 or 30 milliamps are easily achieved with simple circuits.

The maximum resistance the current output can drive is determined by the compliance of the output. Compliance is the maximum voltage the output can provide while still holding the current at its correct value.

The compliance affects power supply costs as well as the output circuit costs. Voltages to 25 or so volts are easily achieved. Higher voltages increase power supply and circuit costs.

Currents higher than 30 or so milliamps, especially when coupled with higher output compliance, increases cost.

The benefits of a current output include better noise rejection and freedom of consideration of wiring resistance between the output and the driven device. These factors are especially important when long wiring runs are required.

Wilkerson Instrument Co.,Inc.
2915 Parkway Street
Lakeland, FL  33811
800-234-1343
www.wici.com