When grounding an analog signal, should it be done at both ends of the wire or only one end?

Grounding an analog signal should be done at one end only. This practice helps to prevent ground loops, which can introduce noise and interference into the signal. Ground loops occur when there are multiple paths to ground within a system, potentially creating differences in ground potential that can lead to unwanted voltage differences.

By grounding only one end of the analog signal, typically at the source or the transmitter side, you maintain a single reference point for the signal return path. This minimizes the risk of noise interference and ensures that the signal transmitted remains as accurate as possible. Grounding at both ends could inadvertently create a loop that degrades the quality of the analog signal, making it less reliable for measurements or control applications.