Electronic – Are op amp and voltage current converter same

current-sourceoperational-amplifiervoltage-source

I am trying to create a constant current output for my project between 0 – 10 mA.

I read we can convert voltage to current by using op amp
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/semiconductors/chpt-8/voltage-to-current-signal-conversion/

but I also found IC
http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/xtr110.pdf

so for voltage current conversion do I have to use a IC like xtr110 or can I just use a op amp?

Also, xtr110 seems to only output 4-20 mA, is there a IC that can output 0-10 mA?

My output signal is 5-30v square wave and I am trying to convert to 0-10 mA.

Best Answer

XTR110 is a specialty IC designed for use in industrial environments, where 4 to 20mA currents are a common way to communicate analog values between industrial modules. It can be configured for a variety of output currents, including 0 to 10mA. Internally, it's implemented much the same way as an opamp solution, as shown by its schematic diagram in the datasheet.

Whether you use this IC, one like it, or implement it yourself using opamps, depends on your precision requirements, your budget, and other design constraints.

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