Molex Announce Capacitive Fluid-Level Sensors With Advanced Embedded Software For Greater Accuracy

##IMAGE_1_R##“Many factors go into customer selection of fluid-monitoring equipment for industrial and commercial processes,” states Steve Fulton, engineering manager, Molex. “Capacitive fluid-level sensors solve the challenge of detecting substances in containers for continuous and threshold measurement without directly contacting the materials.”

Custom designed capacitive fluid-level sensors are optimised for medical intravenous drip-feed bags, automotive fuel tanks, agricultural fluid tanks, hydraulic fluid and pump controls, beverage dispensing systems and other industry applications. Featuring multiple output interface options, including SB, I2C and discrete signals, the capacitive sensors provide a customised interface for virtually any application requirement. The sensors deliver 95 percent accuracy in auto mode and are 98 percent 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, capacitive 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.

The new fluid-level capacitive sensors can be mated with virtually any Molex interconnect or cable assembly. They are fully compatible with integrated designs using Molex customised user interfaces, including membrane switches and capacitive touch technology.