Michael Steffen

7432725, Oct 7, 2008

Mar 15, 2006

11/376810

Philip J. Sieh - Chandler AZ, US
Bradley C. Stewart - Austin TX, US
Michael A. Steffen - Rockford IL, US

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. - Austin TX

G01R 27/26
G01F 23/26

324662, 324667, 73304 C

The present disclosure provides several systems. In general, it provides E-field sensor systems that utilize at least one electrode adapted for creating an E-field in an area within a detection volume where fluid presence or presence of a solid body is to be detected. The electrical field sensor is configured to generate a detected signal responsive to a change in capacitance of the electric field, and is communicatively coupled to the electrode. In addition, a processor is configured to determine a quantitative measure of a fluid or solid body within the detection volume in accordance with a capacitive relationship with the detection volume. Described are examples of the system for fluid presence detection, fluid level measurement and measurement of proximity to a solid object.