Average device current

[Mike ONeill]

We have always used 20mA as the average current draw for FF devices, but there has been quite a downward shift in recent months, with several new releases down at 12mA.

What average current draw per device would FF users be happy with (in segment calculation tools, etc)?

[chriss]

Many people who come to us work with an average device current of 17mA.

But one advantage of the calculation tools (e.g. the segmentchecker http://www.segmentchecker.com/ ) is that you can and should always enter the current draw of your fielddevice. The average current is a good value to make a quick calculation how many devices etc. you can use with a spcific power suply, but if you get down to calculate a segment with a tool why then use an average and not the given value from the datasheet of the field device?