Author Topic: 4-20 mA AC output  (Read 2000 times)

MrPike

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4-20 mA AC output
« on: January 25, 2018, 04:58:20 PM »
I am hoping to leverage the controls experts on this forum to see if there is a device or output card that will give me milliamperes AC output from a PLC. I'm working on a project that I want to control AC mA to a device. This can be in the form of a converter or direct PLC output card. I can work with any range of mA but I figure 4-20 would be my best bet. For that matter a variable resistance output would work and I can supply the AC voltage. I am using GE PACS controllers. Thanks for any info.

Phrog30

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2018, 06:06:02 PM »
4-20mA AC? Are you sure? Do you mean DC?

MrPike

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2018, 07:17:27 PM »
Nope. I'm looking for an AC output. I know it's not standard but looking if anyone has come across something before. I want to drive the secondary of a current transformer.

jazzplayermark

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2018, 08:17:53 PM »
Can you explain more about what you're trying to accomplish? By nature an AC signal is not a steady current.

MrPike

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2018, 09:11:27 PM »
Sure.  I'm trying to drive the 5 amp CT input to a power meter with a PLC program so I can create a simulated load on the meter.  To accomplish this, I am using a PLC wired to the secondary of the CT  and inputting the CT primary into the meter.  I just need to be able to alter the mA in the secondary.  I have done this manually in all fashions but want to automate it so I can emulate dynamic loads

jazzplayermark

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #5 on: January 26, 2018, 11:46:26 AM »
Do you by chance have three CT's?  If so, you might be able to use the 4-20 to drive a VFD and use the CT's in place of an actual 3 phase motor. Obviously you'd have to size accordingly. Just a thought.

Archie

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2018, 12:07:18 PM »
My thought is along the lines of a function generator with amplitude controlled by a 4-20mA signal. Every signal generator that I have ever used is controlled by a potentiometer. So if the was a way to convert 4-20mA to a potentiometer signal, it may get you there.

billerl

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2018, 08:30:54 AM »
http://www.advantech.com/products/7447e150-338d-402d-b5a1-c9ce6d98816e/adam-6224/mod_8e33d21a-7b6c-4175-9029-cfbdaa15b723

Maybe check these out. I would assume these are for DC, but I don't see where it specifies AC or DC output. I have successfully used Advantech modules with Modbus TCP and AHMI in the past.

jazzplayermark

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2018, 11:53:23 AM »
These are nice modules but they are strictly DC.

seth350

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2018, 08:23:23 PM »
Why not a solid state relay?

MrPike

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Re: 4-20 mA AC output
« Reply #10 on: March 05, 2018, 10:18:25 PM »
Thanks Seth, I had to step away from this for awhile to focus on other jobs.  I think you may be eluding to just switching AC circuits on or off with a solid state relay????  I'm looking more along the lines of controlling the AC output as an analog signal.  I want to do this so I can simulate loading and unloading via the CT inputs to a power meter with a PLC.  I'm open to any ideas, thanks.