What is the standard range for electronic analog signals?

The standard range for electronic analog signals, specifically in industrial settings, is typically defined as 4-20 mA. This range is widely used for a variety of reasons, primarily for its ability to provide accurate and reliable signal transmission over long distances while also allowing for easy detection of signal issues.

In the 4-20 mA standard, the minimum value (4 mA) represents the lower limit of the measurement scale, while the maximum value (20 mA) represents the upper limit. This setup also provides a built-in fault indication; if the signal drops below 4 mA, it indicates a problem such as a disconnection or fault in the sensor. Additionally, the choice of 4-20 mA over other ranges allows for a more significant difference in current levels, which helps reduce electrical noise and provides better resolution of the analog signal.

Using a range like 0-10 mA or 1-5 mA would not provide the same level of fault detection or noise resilience, and ranges like 10-50 mA could be unnecessarily high for many applications which could risk overheating of components. The 4-20 mA range strikes a balance between typical operational needs and safety, making it the standard in