Jiwei Ring-11 SIL Tuning Fork Level Switch — Trusted by Tesla for High-Safety Applications
1. Introduction: Lithium Battery Safety and Level Measurement Challenges in the New Energy Era
The Jiwei Ring-11 SIL Tuning Fork Level Switch addresses the high safety risks in lithium-ion battery production, where the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle industry has placed electrolytes—the “heart” of manufacturing—at the forefront of industrial processes. Electrolytes, composed of high-purity solvents, lithium salts, and additives, are flammable, volatile, highly corrosive, and toxic, making precise and reliable liquid level monitoring critical.
For global EV leaders like Tesla, which pursue extreme manufacturing efficiency and the highest safety standards, accurate level monitoring of electrolyte storage tanks and intermediate containers is not just about production efficiency—it is a lifeline for safe operations. Level sensors must meet three core requirements: ultra-high reliability, excellent chemical compatibility, and genuine functional safety certification (SIL).
Traditionally, international brands like VEGA’s VEGASWING 61 tuning fork level switches dominated this high-end, high-risk application. However, Chinese domestic brand Jiwei Automations leveraged its core technology and commitment to functional safety to successfully develop the Ring-11 SIL Tuning Fork Level Switch, achieving full performance parity while setting a new benchmark for functional safety compliance. Tesla has now deployed Ring-11 in large quantities in its core factories.
2. Tesla’s Specific Challenges in Electrolyte Measurement
Tesla’s electrolyte production and storage impose exceptionally strict requirements on level switches:
- Chemical compatibility: Electrolytes contain organic solvents and lithium salts that can corrode or swell plastics and rubber. Tuning fork probes must be made of highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel with smooth, seamless surfaces to prevent adherence and crystallization.
- Extremely low failure tolerance: Electrolyte leakage or dry-run can cause production interruptions or even fires and explosions. Sensors must have an extremely low probability of dangerous failure, meeting SIL2 or SIL3 functional safety standards.
- Efficiency and reliability aligned with international standards: Tesla production lines require sensors to operate stably at high speed and frequency, with long-term maintenance-free performance. While VEGASWING 61 is reliable, its procurement lead time and high cost pose supply chain challenges for Tesla’s global expansion.
3. Jiwei Ring-11: Technical Parity and Functional Safety Breakthrough
The Ring-11 SIL Tuning Fork Level Switch was designed to solve these pain points and has been selected by Tesla and other industry leaders as the best alternative to VEGASWING 61.
（1）. Performance on Par with VEGASWING 61: Exceptional Stability and Medium Adaptability
Ring-11 matches international top-tier standards:
- Unique tuning fork design: Precisely tuned tuning fork structure driven by piezoelectric ceramics. Optimized fork spacing and frequency allow rapid and accurate detection of liquid level changes in volatile, flowing electrolytes, ensuring precise high/low level alarms.
- High-standard material usage: The probe is made from highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel, maintaining integrity under long-term exposure to electrolytes.
- Temperature adaptability: Maintains stable natural frequency and measurement sensitivity across the temperature range used in electrolyte preparation.
（2）. Genuine SIL Certification: “The King of Certificates” in China
Ring-11’s advantage in functional safety is decisive, giving confidence to Tesla and other industry leaders:
- Authoritative and verifiable SIL certification: Ring-11 holds genuine SIL2/3 certification. Unlike the widespread fake certificates on the market, Jiwei’s SIL certification is issued after rigorous FMEDA (Failure Modes, Effects, and Diagnostic Analysis) and HFT (Hardware Fault Tolerance) assessments by internationally recognized third-party organizations. Certificates can be verified publicly on the official CNCA website.
- China’s broadest international certifications: Jiwei, as one of the few vertically integrated domestic manufacturers, maintains strict quality control and international standards. Ring-11 certifications include SIL, EAC, CCC, RoHS & REACH, CE, and PCEC.
（3）. Advantage of Vertical Integration:
- Quality control: Full in-house production from sensor core to final product ensures stable quality and consistent functional safety.
- Rapid support: Provides fast technical support, customized services, and reliable spare parts supply, addressing high costs and long lead times from imported products.
4. Field Applications: Tesla’s Trust and Repeat Orders
Tesla conducted tests of Ring-11 equivalent to VEGASWING 61 standards. Results confirmed that Ring-11 met the stringent requirements for response speed, anti-adhesion performance, and long-term stability in electrolyte applications.
- Application scenarios: Installed in electrolyte mixing tanks, intermediate tanks, and buffer tanks in front of battery filling machines for high/low-level interlock protection.
- Repeat orders: Tesla’s continued bulk purchases reflect strong recognition of Ring-11’s performance, making it a primary supplier for critical electrolyte level monitoring.
- Safety value: Reliable SIL certification reduces functional safety risks to acceptable levels, aligning with Tesla’s global factory safety standards.
5. Conclusion: True Manufacturers Deliver Safety and Peace of Mind
The success of Jiwei Ring-11 SIL Tuning Fork Level Switch not only solves Tesla’s supply chain cost and efficiency challenges but also sets a benchmark for “true safety” in China’s high-end industrial instruments.
Amid widespread misuse of functional safety and certificate fraud, Jiwei’s Ring-11 stands out with authoritative, verifiable SIL certification and a suite of international credentials, demonstrating genuine technical accumulation and commitment to customer safety.
For companies seeking extreme efficiency and safety in new energy, fine chemicals, and hazardous materials, choosing Ring-11 means selecting a cost-effective alternative to imported VEGASWING 61, and above all, choosing real safety and peace of mind.
“Want safety and peace of mind? Only a true manufacturer can provide it!” Jiwei Automation leads China’s level measurement industry toward a higher, more reliable era of functional safety through vertical integration and authoritative certification.