Difference in Conventional Transmitters and Smart Transmitters

Brian Craig

March 27, 2020

Transmitters are used to measure variables in industrial applications. Even if conventional transmitters were working just fine, various industrial applications demand precision, performance, and reliability. Therefore, smart transmitters have gained significance in recent years. This post helps you understand the difference between conventional and smart transmitters, and what makes smart transmitters a better option.

A General Introduction to conventional and smart transmitters

In order to compare conventional transmitters and smart transmitters, it is essential to study them individually. Let’s define both components individually.

Conventional Transmitters:

A conventional transmitter is a set of electronic elements that are used for transmitting the signal in the form of electromagnetic waves. In these transmitters, the operator can only deal with process variable signals, since a 4-20 mA range of transmitter regulates a limited loop current.

Smart Transmitters:

Smart transmitters work on the function of microprocessors for signal transmission. It works on the HART protocol due to which atmospheric readings are compensated during digital communication. Unlike a conventional transmitter, it can take zero span reading and also offers frequency shift keying (FSK).

Conventional Transmitter vs Smart Transmitter

Key differences between conventional transmitters and smart transmitters

It is certain that the smart transmitters ace the conventional transmitters in a significant manner, as they are taking the industrial place over conventional ones. The key factors that differentiate smart transmitters from conventional transmitters are detailed as follows:

Digital Communication:

The smart transmitters work on the Highway Address Remote Transducer (HART) protocol. HART protocol is a digital communication protocol that allows smart transmitters to superimpose the analog signals. Whereas, the conventional transmitters work on basic loop current generated electromagnetism principle that does not allow digital reading. Smart transmitters can also communicate via Foundation Fieldbus, Fieldbus, and Profibus.

Accuracy:

The zero span adjustment is not a convenient option in conventional transmitters due to its analog nature. Therefore, the readings on conventional transmitters deflect by 2-3% of the fixed reading value. In smart transducers, self-instrumental loop identification is performed in signal processing, therefore, zero value is added in the reading. This increases the accuracy of smart transmitters.

Rangeability:

The rangeability of the conventional transmitter is 5:1 where the smart transmitter offers over 100:1 rangeability, this makes smart transmitters highly accurate without any calibration.

Remote Access:

Internet-enabled integration in the smart transmitters allow remote installation and access. This makes them suited for the petroleum industry and other challenging industries where regular conventional transmitters fail.

Local Operator Interface (LOI):

Unlike conventional transmitters, the smart transmitters have a feature of local operator interface (LOI) that allows changing the device configurations. This feature is helpful when the smart transmitters are set in the calibration devices. This Local Operator Interface (LOI) is a screen on the transmitter which allows the operator to commission the device depending on the application. This interface is secured from dust and debris.

Why Smart Transmitters Outperform Conventional Sensors

Conventional sensors in isolation can provide raw readings, but without intelligent transmitters, their capabilities are limited. Smart transmitters interpret sensor data in real time, apply error correction, and output clean, actionable signals to your control system. This ensures better process reliability, efficiency, and safety.

Applications Where Smart Transmitters Shine

Oil & Gas: Remote wells and offshore rigs benefit from reduced maintenance and remote monitoring.
Power Generation: High-temperature environments require stable, drift-resistant readings.
Pharmaceuticals: Precision and traceability are critical for regulatory compliance.
Food & Beverage: Hygienic smart transmitters help meet strict safety standards.

Now that the difference between conventional and smart transmitters has been discussed here in detail, you shall consider buying them from trusted suppliers. The Transmitter Shop is the prominent transmitter supplier in Texas. They have been supplying smart transmitters from Rosemount and Honeywell to their clients in industries like oil and gas, food and beverages, petroleum refining, and chemical industries for over 3 decades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is a smart transmitter?

A smart transmitter is an intelligent measurement device equipped with a microprocessor. It uses digital communication to transmit measurement data and diagnostics, and can be configured remotely.

How accurate is a smart transmitter?

Smart transmitters offer superior accuracy, often with an error margin as low as ±0.1%, thanks to advanced compensation algorithms and digital signal processing.

What is the primary difference between a conventional instrument and a smart instrument?

The key difference lies in communication and functionality. Conventional instruments send only analog signals and must be calibrated manually. Smart instruments can transmit digital data, perform self-diagnostics, and support remote access and configuration.

What is a smart pressure transmitter?

It’s a digital transmitter that measures pressure and communicates readings along with device diagnostics. It improves reliability, reduces maintenance, and supports integration with digital control systems.