A process transmitter includes at least one sensor which monitors a process variable, and analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuitry coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to provide process variable data indicative of process variable values. A digital signal processor (DSP) is coupled to the A/D converter circuitry to receive the process variable data. The DSP comprises a co-processor configured to receive and perform calculations on the process variable data from the A/D converter circuitry to generate output data. Communications circuitry of the process transmitter is configured either to control communication over loop wiring which can be coupled to the process transmitter, or to control wireless communications with the process transmitter. A microprocessor, separate from the co-processor of the DSP, is coupled between the co-processor and the communications circuitry to control movement of the output data from the DSP to the communications circuitry.