Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation

David M Vanzullen

Francois-Xavier Bernard

Gerard Mouaici

Isabelle McKenzie

A sensor () includes a single capacitor () that operates in two different modes to obtain capacitance and conductance information when a mixture flows between the electrodes () of the capacitor. Two different oscillators () are selectively used to obtain the conductance and capacitance information. In a disclosed embodiment, a capacitor includes an outer electrode () that is received around an inner electrode () such that there is spacing between the electrodes through which the mixture flows. The mixture acts as a dielectric of the capacitor allowing the conductance and capacitance measurements to be made. A glass member () seals off the spacing between the electrodes and provides physical support to position the inner electrode to keep the electrodes electrically isolated.

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Fremont, IN, United States of America

David M Vanzullen