Fluid Sensors Add Auto-Calibration Circuitry

Enlarging the company’s family of fluid sensors to include automatic calibration circuitry and a preset trip level feature, the OCB350 Series fluid sensor with self-calibration circuitry requires only an optical device and power supply for operation. Similar to the original OPB350 Series sensors, the devices rely on an LED and phototransistor to sense the change in refractive properties between full and empty tubing as it passes through the sensor housing. The LED and phototransistor are packaged in an opaque plastic housing that enhances ambient light rejection and features an opening to accommodate clear tubing with outer diameters of 1.6mm, 3.2mm, or 4.8 mm. The presence of clear liquid causes the phototransistor to sink the maximum current while the presence of dark liquid causes it to sink the minimum current. Users can initiate the sensor’s calibration procedure at any time by grounding the J1-pin-4. The calibration system features four lights that acknowledge when the device is being calibrated (blinking green LED), when the device cannot be calibrated (red LED), when the analog output has reached the logical trip higher than the calibration point (blue LED), or lower than the calibration point (green LED). Typical pricing for the OCB350 Series fluid sensor is $13.15 each/1,000. OPTEK TECHNOLOGY INC., Carrollton, TX. (972) 323-2200.