New Ways to Power Instrumentation

摘要

With the increased use of wireless networks and remote instrumentation, engineers are looking for non-traditional ways to supply electricity to their devices. In a wired world where mains power is available and devices communicate via direct I/O wiring or fieldbus, instrumentation can report continuously. Whatever flow, pressure, or other variable, the data supply never stops. But the standard 4-20 mA signal consumes a large amount of current from a battery, discharging most batteries in a matter of days. However, if a measurement can be taken at some interval, the device can operate intermittently and save power.