If you need more transducer excitation current than is available on a standard 4-20mA 2-wire current loop, consider a 3- wire transmitter. A 2-wire 4-20mA transmitter uses the same two wires for signal and power. Part of the 4mA minimum loop current is used to power the transmitter circuitry. The remaining current can be used for transducer excitation. In some applications even the entire 4mA is not enough for transducer excitation.