LANCASTER, PA.--September, 1997. Datcon Instrument Company's patented "intelligent" sensor--the IntelliSensor^® Liquid Measuring System (LMS)--has won an "OEMmie" Award from OEM Off-Highway Magazine for being "one of the best new products in 1997." Officially launched in the fall of 1996, this rugged new product has been sold to numerous O.E.M. customers who are seeking an electronic alternative to conventional float-arm type fuel sender technology.

The unit is designed to accurately measure a tank's liquid level regardless of the shape of the tank, using a unique sensing technique in combination with pulse width modulation circuitry to produce either an ohmetric output signal which drives an analog gauge, or a voltage output signal to drive a digital display. Housed in a rugged aluminum extruded tube, the unit's design eliminates moving parts, electro-mechanical connections and resistance coils. Plus, it features an SMT circuit for superior reliability.

The IntelliSensor^® LMS replicates a standard Datcon match of 240 ohms at empty and 33.5 ohms at full to produce an output which follows an exponential curve, as does the circuitry employed. As a result, once the unit is calibrated to empty and full, all intermediate readings are perfectly matched to assure an infinite level of resolution in measurements, as opposed to the step-function method associated with other technologies. In addition, the unit is rated to an accuracy level per SAE J1810 for primary and secondary calibration points. Test data is available on request.

Since the IntelliSensor^® LMS features no moving parts or mechanical connections, it is not subject to the same failures or system fatigue and wear commonly associated with typical resistance wire or conductive film float type senders. The unit's electronic assembly is also completely potted and hermetically sealed for maximum protection from environmental extremes.

The IntelliSensor^® LMS is capable of accurately measuring hydrocarbon-based liquids even in the most demanding conditions. The unit will operate reliably in a temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and in applications prone to severe shock and vibration in accordance with SAE J1810. In addition, the unit's internal geometry assures a stable fuel level signal even with heavy fuel slosh, in contrast to the more conventional float-arm type method which is inherently more susceptible to liquid level variation.

There are also no magnets in the IntelliSensor^® LMS, as found in other types of senders, which in fact have a tendency to attract metallic contaminants within the tank, thus potentially compromising the sender's performance.

The unit requires no additional power or wiring to operate, utilizing only the current drawn from the gauge and the same signal and ground leads as conventional fuel level senders. It mounts in the same SAE standard opening (1.65") with a glass-reinforced plastic five-hole flange for easy installation or replacement. There are 20 standard models to choose from in nine sizes ranging from 16.5" to 26" long. Custom sizes for narrower or deeper tanks are available. Options include an electronic low fuel level switch to drive a warning device, a 3/8" fuel pick-up and return tube installed in the mounting flange through a molded-in channel, a separate pick-up and return tube for auxiliary fuel heating (as is often required in Europe), and custom flange and housing configurations for applications where space or fastening is an issue.

Datcon is a technology-focused, QS-9000 and ISO 9001 certified full-service manufacturer of analog and digital vehicle instrumentation and monitoring systems. Products include instrument clusters and displays; gauges and meters; matching senders and sensors; instrument controllers and electronic control units (ECUs); battery monitoring systems; and various accessories. Datcon is a global company based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., where products are manufactured and assembled for customers in North America and other parts of the world. The company also manufacturers products labeled "AST" through its subsidiary, Industrias Jorda, S.L. in Rubi (Barcelona), Spain for sale in Europe and other countries.

For more information:

Contact sales@datcon.com