Capacitive fluid-level sensors

26 June 2013 Test & Measurement

Molex recently introduced customised capacitive fluid-level sensors, a low-cost measuring solution with disposable sensors and reusable electronic circuitry.

Designed for measuring fluid or granular material in non-metallic containers, the patent pending sensor electrode design and configurable software provide high accuracy with low hardware cost and easy installation.

The sensors are optimised for hydraulic fluid and pump controls, automotive fuel tanks, agricultural fluid tanks, medical intravenous (IV) drip-feed bags, beverage dispensing systems and other industry applications. Featuring multiple output interface options, including SB, I²C and discrete signals, the sensors provide a customised interface for virtually any application requirement.

The sensors deliver 95% accuracy in auto mode and are 98% accurate when calibrated manually. The embedded software can be configured for maintenance-free auto-calibration or manual calibration to maximise sensor accuracy.

Equipped with flexible circuitry, which conforms to the container shape via pressure-sensitive adhesive, the capacitive sensors are easily mounted to the outside of a container, allowing measurement of caustic fluids in addition to granular and pulverised materials. The sensors can measure through almost any non-metallic material.

Featuring solid-state capacitive technology with no moving parts, the sensors eliminate problems with mechanical wear over time. Providing design flexibility, sensor circuitry substrate options include PCB, polyester flexible circuit and polyimide flexible circuit. A design can use a traditional PCB for a flat surface container or a thin, flexible circuit to accommodate curved surfaces or space-constrained applications.

For more information contact Roger Young, Molex, +27 (0)72 327 1012, [email protected], www.molex.com

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