LSM100 Micro fuel-measurement product

The LSM100 Micro is a micro liquid level sensor from Reventec for fuel, oil and coolant tanks, designed for uncrewed aircraft systems and military ground vehicles. It is a compact capacitive sensor with a one-bolt mounting flange, and it is made from hard-anodised aluminium.

Reventec presents the sensor for UAS platforms that need accurate measurement in a small size. It measures continuously at a rate of 100 Hz, so operators can follow the fluid level in detail during flight. Accurate fuel measurement allows range and endurance to be planned and extended, because the remaining quantity is known rather than estimated. The sensor can also be used for oil and coolant monitoring and for other liquids.

The main figures are as follows. The measuring principle is capacitive, which is a solid-state technology with no moving parts, and the reading is not affected by the orientation of the sensor, so fitting options inside the tank are flexible. Accuracy is 0.5 % of reading. Operating temperature is -55 to +150 degrees C as standard, ingress protection is IP68, and the sensor is resistant to shock. The differential tank pressure rating is 2 bar, with up to 10 bar available on request.

For integration, the electronics are housed in the sensor head, so the analog or digital signal is produced without an external processor. The output can be a 0 to 5 V analog signal, typically calibrated at 0.25 V empty and 4.75 V full, CAN only, or analog and CAN together. Sensor length is customised to the tank, up to 300 mm, and connector types can be adapted, including MIL-DTL-38999. The liquid type is specified when ordering, with options such as Jet A1, JP-8, Avgas 100LL, diesel, gasoline and coolant.

The sensor is certified to MIL-STD-461G, for the Army Ground limits CS114, CS115, CS116, RE102, RS103, RS101, CE102 and CS101, and to RTCA DO-160F Section 25, ESD Category A.

Typical applications are fuel level monitoring in UAV fuel tanks, oil and coolant tank monitoring in engines and power units, and vehicle health systems on military ground platforms.