FMCW Level Radar Antenna Segmentation for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar level measuring devices face challenges with broadband horn antennas being complex and large, while planar antennas offer reduced transmission bandwidth, affecting measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of an FMCW level radar with a radar system on chip integrating transmitting and receiving devices and narrow-band partial antennas, allowing for a high bandwidth and precise measurement by combining signals from multiple frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a broadband horn antenna is used for level measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The broadband frequency range is divided into multiple narrowband frequency bands, with each sub-antenna optimized for a specific band. This segmentation allows each sub-antenna to be simpler in design while collectively achieving broadband coverage through signal combination.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple narrowband sub-antennas are combined to function as a single broadband antenna system. The signals from individual sub-antennas are merged through signal processing to achieve the measurement accuracy previously requiring a complex broadband horn antenna.
2Measurement precision
If a broadband horn antenna is used for level measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the antenna size becomes intolerable
Solution Approach 1:
The physical antenna structure is segmented into multiple compact sub-antennas, each handling a narrowband frequency range. This allows the overall system to achieve broadband performance without requiring the large length of a traditional broadband horn antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimension broadband approach (requiring long horn length) to a multi-dimensional approach where multiple narrowband sub-antennas operate in parallel across different frequency bands, achieving broadband coverage without increased length.
3Ease of manufacture
If planar antennas are used for level measurement, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but transmission bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency spectrum is segmented into multiple narrowband portions, allowing simple planar sub-antennas to each cover a specific band. This segmentation enables the use of inexpensive planar designs while collectively achieving broader bandwidth through combination.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or similar planar sub-antenna designs are used, each serving a specific frequency band. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain manufacturing simplicity while achieving broadband capability through the collective operation of multiple sub-antennas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances measurement accuracy and reliability while maintaining a flat structure and reducing costs, achieving a broader bandwidth than traditional narrow-band antennas.
Implementation Method 1
uses a continuous-wave radar... the transmitted signal is directed at the surface of the product, and the signals reflected from there are detected
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2f
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to devices and methods for level measurement to detect the topology of a material surface, in particular radar level measuring devices. An FMCW level radar 301 comprises: a transmitter 304a for a first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; furthermore, a receiver 304b for the first frequency band and the second frequency band. It also comprises an antenna device 305 with a first narrowband partial antenna 306 and a second narrowband partial antenna 307, which are configured to transmit signals within the first and second frequency bands, respectively, from the transmitter 304a, and/or to receive the signals reflected from the surface 104 within the first and second frequency bands, respectively, and to forward the signals to the receiver 304b.Furthermore, it has a control unit 303 which is configured to supply the transmitting device 304a with the signals within the first frequency band and within the second frequency band, and to correlate the reflected signals received by the receiving device 304b within the first and second frequency bands with the signals within the first and second frequency bands from the transmitting device 304a, so that the FMCW level radar 301 can transmit and receive a frequency range consisting of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and can determine the level of a product from this.