Abstract: Fill level gauge with a single continuously measuring fill level sensor and at least one processor for controlling the fill level sensor and for evaluating the measurements, with the fill level gauge having at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode for determining the fill level, with the measuring device showing in the first operating mode a first measurement rate and a first measurement precision and in the second operating mode showing a second measurement rate and a second measurement precision, wherein the first measurement rate is lower than the second measurement rate and/or the first measurement accuracy is lower than the second measurement accuracy.

Abstract: An improved RADAR sensor for measuring the level of material utilizes conventional medium- or high-power microwave transmitter and microwave receiver devices, while utilizing only the relatively small amount of current supplied by a conventional low current two-wire process control loop. A transmit/receive unit and a control unit are operated intermittently to generate readings, and are set to a current-saving or even currentless standby mode between these periods of active measurement. During the inactive standby period, circuit components such as capacitors collect and store power to be used for the comparably high-power requirement during the active measurement cycles. The inactive standby periods are preferably long compared to the duration of the measurement periods. This permits operation with power entirely supplied from a common two-wire 4-20 mA process control loop.