Trying to understand the nuances in the wide realm of transmitters can be very confusing.
For instance, people in the industrial instrumentation field will tell you that a transducer and transmitter are the same. Hence, the names are interchangeable.
If you’ve been hoping to learn more about commercial transmitters and how they work, we’ve got your back. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the different types of transmitters.
What Are Transmitters?
In the simplest of terms, it is a gadget that generates radio waves and sends them out via an antenna.
Sensors create signals, which are then converted into standard instrumentation signals, which are then used to regulate and monitor the process variable by the transmitter.
Sensors vs. Transmitters: What’s the Difference?
Instruments and meters, as well as industrial automation, are reliant on sensors and transmitters.
You can measure temperature, pressure, flow, and object-space with these two sensors. And, you can send the data to a computer for additional processing.
Because you can use both the sensor and the transmitter to measure medium, those who are unfamiliar with this equipment may get confused. Let’s begin with a discussion of the distinctions between sensors and transmitters so that we can get started.
A sensitive element plus a converter element make up a sensor. It is possible for the conversion element to generate non-standard electrical signals.
The same applies to other output signals from the observed variables (such as temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow). A sensor’s output signal does not conform to industry standards.
A transmitter, unlike sensors, does not have the ability to first detect the measured variables. The sensor’s output converts to a conventional electrical signal.
It’s generally in the range of 4 to 20 mA of current or 1 to 5 V of voltage. Additionally, the transmitter amplifies the signal for the next receiving apparatus.
Currently, manufacturers combine several transmitters and sensors into a single instrument. It’s referred to as a transmitter, not a sensor, like the Rosemount 3051 series and ABB TTH 200 series, for example.
Types of Transmitters
You can divide level transmitters into six primary categories.
Many different processes may benefit from using any one of these transmitters. After all, they all operate differently. Bürkert level transmitters include radar, ultrasonic, and guided microwave models.
Radar Fill Level Transmitters
It uses radio wave emissions similar to those of radar for fill-level transmitters.
The majority of the time, these devices are placed on top of a liquid-filled tank. Sending a radar signal into the tank, it gets a reflection back from the liquid. The tank’s current fill level may then be determined by the time it takes the sent signal to return.
Ultrasonic Level Transmitter
Non-contact radar fill level transmitters’ ultrasonic counterparts function in a similar way.
An ultrasonic transducer will send out ultrasonic pulses, as it’s attached to or near the container’s top. You can determine the fill level by the amount of time it takes the sensor to get a signal from the liquid after a pulse strikes it
Guided Microwave Level Transmitters
A microwave or electromagnetic pulse is sent via a sensor rod/cable in a guided microwave level transmitter.
When the signal reaches the liquid’s surface, it returns to the transmitter housing through the sensor rod. When the signal travels down and back up the sensor rod, the electronics in the transmitter housing identify the filling level.
The transmitter then shows the value on its display. In process technology, this sort of level transmitter may be utilized for liquids, and it can be used in a wide range of industrial settings.
Magnetic Level Transmitters
Small magnetic objects are suspended by buoyancy in a buoyant float in Magnetic Level Transmitters.
The float is often held in place by a small auxiliary column, which acts as a barrier against any lateral movement. In order to keep track of the float’s movement, a separate magnetic device is placed on top of the liquid. Fill levels may be accurately and consistently communicated this way.
Because of the float’s propensity to rise and fall in sync with the liquid level, this approach works well for continuous measurements.
Capacitance Level Transmitters
Capacitors are the inspiration for the term “Capacitance Level Transmitters.” To put it another way, the part of an electrical circuit that serves as a battery for the circuit’s operation. Capacitors have two insulated electrodes that store energy.
Between the two electrodes, a non-conductive material is used to store electrical charge. It is possible to store more energy in a material that is more dielectric.
Consequently, the liquid in a tank is used as the dielectric medium between two or more electrodes in capacitance level transmitters.
Hydrostatic Level Transmitters
Hydrostatic Level Transmitters, also known as pressure level transmitters, measure the pressure of the resting body of fluid in a container to estimate its contents.
Liquid volume increases linearly with increasing liquid pressure. This is one of the most typical fill-level sensors. To achieve precise measurements, the density of the liquid must stay consistent. Increasing the liquid’s gravity causes the pressure per cubic inch to rising as well.
Undesrtanding a Sonde Transmitter
Sondes are self-contained transmitters that work with our cable and pipe locators to find buried plastic water and gas pipes.
Flexrods are often used to force sondes down pipes, where their location may be sensed from above. For example, the FlexiTrace product can find the whole length of a pipe, rather than just the terminus. You can find high-quality sonde transmitters on pilottrack.
As long as you press hard enough, you’ll be able to pinpoint the location of any obstructions.
Exploring Transmitter Options
When you undertake a new project, you’ll want the right equipment for the job. Transmitters have been around for a long time, yet there are upgrades to the technology still to this day.
We hope that our guide on commercial transmitters has shed some light on the topic. You can also check out our construction section for more tips and advice on the many uses of transmitters.