Patent ID: 6295018
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
A low power radar level instrument with enhanced diagnostics, the instrument comprising:a probe having a reference impedance discontinuity and extendable into a process product through a process product interface;a transceiver coupled to the probe, the transceiver adapted to generate a microwave transmit pulse which is transmitted along the probe into the process product, a first portion of the transmit pulse being reflected at the reference impedance discontinuity and forming a first reflected wave pulse, and a second portion of the transmit pulse being reflected at the product interface and forming a second reflected wave pulse, wherein the transceiver is also adapted to receive the reflected first and second portions; anda processor coupled to the transceiver and adapted to provide a diagnostic signal as a function of amplitude of the reflected first portion, and adapted to provide a level output indicative of process product height based upon time of detection of the reflected second portion.