Electro-optic liquid sensor

A method of operating an electro-optic sensor, the method comprising:

• providing a liquid chamber;
• providing the electro-optic sensor, the electro-optic sensor including a light source and a light detector, wherein the light detector includes a photodiode-based transimpedance amplifier;
• conducting a first test of the electro-optic sensor without liquid in the liquid chamber and with the light source off;
• conducting a second test of the electro-optic sensor without liquid in the liquid chamber and with the light source on;
• conducting a third test of the electro-optic sensor with liquid in the liquid chamber and with the light source off;
• conducting a fourth test of the electro-optic sensor with liquid in the liquid chamber and with the light source on;
• setting a threshold value for the electro-optic sensor according to results of the fourth test;
• and
• operating the electro-optic sensor in a normal operating mode, including determining that liquid is present in the liquid chamber if at least one of an intensity and an amount of light received by the light detector is less than the threshold value.

An electro-optic sensor, comprising:

• an electronic module assembly;
• an optical head assembly configured to be disposed in a liquid chamber;
• and
• a fiber optic cable configured to connect the electronic module assembly with the optical head assembly;
• wherein the fiber optic cable includes a first section with a first end configured for connection to the optical head assembly and a second end configured for connecting through a wall of the liquid chamber;
• the fiber optic cable includes a second section with a first end configured for connection with the second end of the first section;
• and a second end of the second section is configured for connection with the electronic module assembly.