Multidimensional Radar Level Gauge With Dynamic Power Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multidimensional radar systems for fill level and surface topology measurement in industrial environments face high energy consumption issues, necessitating large energy storage devices and prolonged sensor deactivation for regeneration, which complicates their implementation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system where a multidimensional radar uses a programmable logic gate and processor to manage energy storage and selectively powers components during measurement cycles, employing power-saving modes and switches to minimize energy use, drawing power from a two- or three-wire interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a multidimensional radar system uses large energy storage devices to overcome power limitations, then the system can operate continuously, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operational components into different power domains. The radar chip is separated from the processor and FPGA, allowing selective powering of only the essential radar components during measurement cycles while keeping other components in low-power or sleep modes. This segmentation enables continuous operation without requiring large energy storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power supply state of different components is changed based on operational requirements. The radar chip can be quickly switched between active and sleep states, and the processor/FPGA can be powered on or off depending on whether measurement or calculation is needed. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for large energy storage devices while maintaining continuous operation capability.
2Productivity
If the radar system keeps components powered on continuously to maintain readiness, then measurement speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by quickly powering on the radar chip before measurement cycles, allowing the radar to be ready for immediate measurement. The processor and FPGA are pre-configured with measurement parameters, so when powered on, they can immediately process data without delay. This preliminary preparation enables fast measurement speeds while minimizing the time components are fully powered on, thus reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by cycling the power state of components based on the measurement schedule. The radar chip is powered on periodically for measurement cycles and then switched to sleep mode. The processor and FPGA are powered on only when needed for data processing and calculation. This periodic power cycling maintains measurement readiness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous powering.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple radar chips to improve measurement capability, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the radar chips into independent power domains, allowing each radar chip to be individually controlled. Multiple radar chips can be used to improve measurement precision through parallel measurement or signal processing, but only the necessary number of chips are powered on at any given time. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high measurement precision while reducing energy consumption by activating only the required number of radar chips for each measurement task.
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 significantly reduces energy consumption, allowing for efficient operation and compact design, meeting energy efficiency and cost requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy, especially in process and factory automation.
Implementation Method 1
a first radar chip (105) and a second radar chip (202) for performing a radar measurement sequence
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fill level radar measuring in a multidimensional manner, comprising a processor, a programmable logic gate, one or more radar chips and a power supply.