Patent ID: 6014100
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: G01F,G01S

Abstract:
A RADAR sensor for measuring height of a product in a container coupleable to a two-wire process control loop comprising:a transmission/receipt unit operative when activated in a measurement period to transmit and receive microwaves to and from the product whose height is to be determined;a control unit coupled to the transmission/receipt unit for initiating transmission and receipt of microwaves and determination of product height based upon the received reflected signal;an input/output unit coupled to the control unit and to the two-wire process control loop for transmitting information related to measurement of product height over the loop;a power supply circuitry coupled to the two-wire process control loop for receiving power from the loop to provide the source of power for the power-consuming components of the sensor including the transmission/receipt unit, the control unit, and the input/output unit, wherein the power supply circuitry includes a temporary power store operative to receive and store power at a relatively low rate consistent with the power capabilities of the process control loop during the standby intervals, and to provide a relatively higher operating power for the sensor during the active measurement periods;wherein at least some of the power-consuming components of said sensor operate intermittently to provide active measurement periods and current-saving or currentless standby mode during intervals between the active measurement periods.