What is an I/P converter?

• A. An electro-mechanical device that converts a 4-20 mA electrical signal to a 3-15 psig pneumatic signal
• B. A device that converts a pneumatic signal to an electrical signal
• C. A device that converts a voltage signal to a current signal
• D. A device that converts a current signal to a voltage signal

Answer: (A)

An I/P converter is a device that turns an electrical current signal into a proportional pneumatic pressure signal. It typically accepts a 4-20 mA control input and outputs a pressure in a standard range like 3-15 psig to operate a pneumatic valve or actuator. This electro-mechanical conversion lets electrical control systems drive pneumatic equipment. The other choices describe different signal conversions (pneumatic to electrical, voltage to current, current to voltage) and do not define an I/P converter.