4mA - 20mA loops offer a number of advantages in factory automation. Since the sensors and actuators can be spread around a plant, up to a kilometer or more from the controller, currents are used to transmit data and to supply power to the remote nodes as long as the impedance of those wires times 20mA is less than the supply voltage. System designers building control systems for more automated factories and refineries face a number of challenges, such as improved measurement accuracy over wider range of temperature, smaller enclosures and enhanced data processing along with a tight budget of less than 4mA are driving new levels of integration for the 4mA - 20mA loop. The MAX12900 can help designers address these challenges by offering reduced current consumption, improved accuracy, and a smaller footprint.