Importance

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Abstract

An optically coupled circuit is electrically coupleable to a capacitive probe transducer disposed in a liquid in a tank for sensing the capacitance of the probe transducer which is a measure of a parameter of the liquid. A first converter circuit receives optical energy over a non-conductive path and converts it into electrical energy at a predetermined voltage potential from which first and second reference voltage potentials are developed. A dual slope integrator circuit is coupleable to the probe capacitor for charging it during a first integration period and discharging it during a second integration period utilizing the first and second reference voltage potentials. The integrator circuit includes a circuit for comparing capacitive voltage generated during the first and second integration periods with the first and second reference voltage potentials to generate timing signals for each integration period. The timing signals from two successive integration periods are used for determining the capacitance of the probe transducer. A system and method of determining the probe capacitance are also disclosed.

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First Claim