Dynamic Sensors vs. 4-20mA Sensors

View our digital comparison chart below, or use this link to download our printer-friendly pdf version.

	Dynamic Sensors	4-20mA Sensors
Output Type	Dynamic voltage output	4-20mA analog current loop power output
Permanent Measurment
Portable Measurement
Available Frequency Range	Full frequency range available	Limited pre-configured frequency ranges
Cable Attenuation	Attenuation occurs over long cable lengths	Little to no attenuation occurs at long cable lengths
Diagnostic Information Provided	Provides a timewave form signal that a data analyzer can perform a FFt on to create a spectrum as well as other analysis programs Provides maximum information about specific problems occurring within the machine, to diagnose the root cause Provides diagnostic information that can pinpoint vibration issues and reduces the overall cost of maintenance and repairs	Provides output proportional to overall amplitude in selected frequency bands for tending alarms Provides little information that can assist in diagnosing what is causing the vibration Provides continuous output to PLC/DCS system for alarms to trigger shutdowns before catastrophic failures. No change in vibration will go undetected
Great for Use With	Portable data analyzers and online monitoring systems	PLC, DCS, and SCADA sytems
Top and Side Exit Configurations Available
Molded Integral and Armored Integral Cable Options Available
Hazardous Rated Options Available
Dual Output and Multi-Axis Options	Dual output, biaxial, and triaxial	Dual output
Maximum Temperature	High-temperature resistance options available (up to 650 °F / 343 °C)	Maximum temperature: 212 °F / 100 °C
Backed by the CTC Line's Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

Dynamic Sensors vs. 4-20mA Sensors

View our digital comparison chart below, or use this link to download our printer-friendly pdf version.

Dynamic Sensors
4-20mA Sensors

Dynamic Sensors

Feature
Output Type	Dynamic voltage output
Permanent Measurment
Portable Measurement
Available Frequency Range	Full frequency range available
Cable Attenuation	Attenuation occurs over long cable lengths
Diagnostic Information Provided	Provides a timewave form signal that a data analyzer can perform a FFt on to create a spectrum as well as other analysis programs Provides maximum information about specific problems occurring within the machine, to diagnose the root cause Provides diagnostic information that can pinpoint vibration issues and reduces the overall cost of maintenance and repairs
Great for Use With	Portable data analyzers and online monitoring systems
Top and Side Exit Configurations Available
Molded Integral and Armored Integral Cable Options Available
Hazardous Rated Options Available
Dual Output and Multi-Axis Options	Dual output, biaxial, and triaxial
Maximum Temperature	High-temperature resistance options available (up to 650 °F / 343 °C)
Backed by the CTC Line's Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

4-20mA Sensors

Feature
Output Type	4-20mA analog current loop power output
Permanent Measurment
Portable Measurement
Available Frequency Range	Limited pre-configured frequency ranges
Cable Attenuation	Little to no attenuation occurs at long cable lengths
Diagnostic Information Provided	Provides output proportional to overall amplitude in selected frequency bands for tending alarms Provides little information that can assist in diagnosing what is causing the vibration Provides continuous output to PLC/DCS system for alarms to trigger shutdowns before catastrophic failures. No change in vibration will go undetected
Great for Use With	PLC, DCS, and SCADA sytems
Top and Side Exit Configurations Available
Molded Integral and Armored Integral Cable Options Available
Hazardous Rated Options Available
Dual Output and Multi-Axis Options	Dual output
Maximum Temperature	Maximum temperature: 212 °F / 100 °C
Backed by the CTC Line's Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

Signal conditioners are a great way to take advantage of the benefits of both Dynamic Vibration Analysis and 4-20mA Process Monitoring. Our SC300 Series Signal Conditioner is a 24 VDC powered transmitter that powers standard IEPE accelerometers and convert the vibration to a powered 4-20mA signal. These transmitters also offer a 4-20mA output for temperature when coupled with CTC dual output vibration and temperature sensors.