Abstract: A method for determining the fill level of a medium involves continuous wave radar measurement and a corresponding fill level measuring device. A coded transmit signal is emitted by a transmitter, reflected at the medium, and received by a receiver as a reflection signal. The reflection signal and a signal derived from the transmit signal are subjected to a correlation analysis, and a correlation outcome results. A control and evaluation unit determines the time offset of the correlated signals with the correlation outcome, and uses it to determine the fill level of the medium. The reflection signal and the derived signal are mixed with the analog mixer into a mixer output signal that is sampled and quantized to a digital mixer output signal. The correlator has a digital integrator with which a sequence of digital mixer output signals is digitally integrated into the correlation outcome.

Abstract: A TDR fill level measuring device for measuring the fill level of a medium in a container, having a transmitting unit for transmitting a pulse-shaped electromagnetic measuring signal, a receiving unit for receiving a reflection signal, an evaluation unit for evaluating the reflection signal and a waveguide for guiding the measuring signal and the reflection signal, the waveguide having at least two waveguide sections, each of which has a functional waveguide cross-sectional face, wherein the functional waveguide cross-sectional face corresponds to the cross-sectional face of the waveguide conductor, wherein a reference reflector is present, at least a part of the measuring signal being reflected at least once on the reference reflector during operation. High reliability and a simply design are achieved by the reference reflection being formed by a transition between two waveguide sections having different shapes and/or different sizes of the functional waveguide cross-sectional face.

Abstract: A method for determining the fill level of a process medium arranged in a container using a TDR fill level meter having at least one signal line for guiding an electromagnetic signal, a signal line head and an electronics unit, the signal line extending into the process medium, the method having at least the steps of generating a pulsed transmitter signal with the electronics unit, wherein the transmission signal propagates along the signal line as measuring signal with changing amplitude, detecting and evaluating at least one reflection signal with the electronics unit, wherein the reflection signal is a reflection of the measuring signal on an interface between a first and a second medium having different impedances, the relative permittivity of the second medium is determined at least in dependence on the amplitude of the measuring signal transmitted through the first medium and the amplitude of the reflection signal.

Abstract: A level meter and a method for monitoring the level meter operating according to the radar principle, in which a signal conductor is lead out of an inner space of a leakage chamber of a bracket housing through a process-side opening of the leakage chamber and/or of the bracket housing into the process-side outer space of the bracket housing. The method involves transmitting a signal in the form of a pulse along the signal conductor, receiving a reflected received signal, relaying the received signal to the control and evaluation unit. In addition to the simple verification of the presence of a leak, a change in the received signal can also be quantified by the frequency spectrum of the received signal being determined and monitoring of the level meter carried out in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A probe holder for a fill level measuring device operating with the radar principle has a holder housing, a signal conductor for guiding emitted and/or received signals and a spacer. The signal conductor is led out of the interior space of the holder housing through an opening of the holder housing into a process side exterior space of the holder housing. The spacer is arranged in the opening of the holder housing and keeps the signal conductor spaced from the holder housing in the opening. The probe holder realizes a seal relative to the process area in a simple, but effective manner in that the spacer is held in the holder housing by a shrink-fit so that a sealed closure is created between the holder housing and the spacer in the shrunken-in state.

Abstract: A TDR fill level measuring device for measuring the fill level of a medium in a container, having a transmitting unit for transmitting a pulse-shaped electromagnetic measuring signal, a receiving unit for receiving a reflection signal, an evaluation unit for evaluating the reflection signal and a waveguide for guiding the measuring signal and the reflection signal, the waveguide having at least two waveguide sections, each of which has a functional waveguide cross-sectional face, wherein the functional waveguide cross-sectional face corresponds to the cross-sectional face of the waveguide conductor, wherein a reference reflector is present, at least a part of the measuring signal being reflected at least once on the reference reflector during operation. High reliability and a simply design are achieved by the reference reflection being formed by a transition between two waveguide sections having different shapes and/or different sizes of the functional waveguide cross-sectional face.

Abstract: A method for determining the fill level of a process medium arranged in a container using a TDR fill level meter having at least one signal line for guiding an electromagnetic signal, a signal line head and an electronics unit, the signal line extending into the process medium, the method having at least the steps of generating a pulsed transmitter signal with the electronics unit, wherein the transmission signal propagates along the signal line as measuring signal with changing amplitude, detecting and evaluating at least one reflection signal with the electronics unit, wherein the reflection signal is a reflection of the measuring signal on an interface between a first and a second medium having different impedances, the relative permittivity of the second medium is determined at least in dependence on the amplitude of the measuring signal transmitted through the first medium and the amplitude of the reflection signal.

Abstract: A method and device for level measurement according to the propagation time method in which at least one conductor unit (1) is supplied with pulse-like electromagnetic transmission signals and in which electromagnetic response signals are tapped from the conductor unit (1). The method for level determination is improved as compared to the prior art by the conductor unit (1) being supplied with transmission signals with either positive or negative polarity.

Abstract: A level meter and a method for monitoring the level meter operating according to the radar principle, in which a signal conductor is lead out of an inner space of a leakage chamber of a bracket housing through a process-side opening of the leakage chamber and/or of the bracket housing into the process-side outer space of the bracket housing. The method involves transmitting a signal in the form of a pulse along the signal conductor, receiving a reflected received signal, relaying the received signal to the control and evaluation unit. In addition to the simple verification of the presence of a leak, a change in the received signal can also be quantified by the frequency spectrum of the received signal being determined and monitoring of the level meter carried out in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a measured variable with a sensor device (2) and an output device, which generates at least one output signal based on at least one sensor signal of the sensor device (2). To provide a measuring device that is flexible in terms of signal output, the output device has at least two signal outlets (4, 5) for outputting of the at least one output signal.

Abstract: A fill level measuring device (3) operating with the transit time method and a termination element (1) for a waveguide (2) of the fill level measuring device (3) has a carrier element (13) that is arranged between a first cylinder element (11) and a second cylinder element (12) and has an impedance-matching component (15) that is arranged on the carrier element (13).

Abstract: A probe holder for a fill level measuring device operating with the radar principle has a holder housing, a signal conductor for guiding emitted and/or received signals and a spacer. The signal conductor is led out of the interior space of the holder housing through an opening of the holder housing into a process side exterior space of the holder housing. The spacer is arranged in the opening of the holder housing and keeps the signal conductor spaced from the holder housing in the opening. The probe holder realizes a seal relative to the process area in a simple, but effective manner in that the spacer is held in the holder housing by a shrink-fit so that a sealed closure is created between the holder housing and the spacer in the shrunken-in state.

Abstract: A method and device for level measurement according to the propagation time method in which at least one conductor unit (1) is supplied with pulse-like electromagnetic transmission signals and in which electromagnetic response signals are tapped from the conductor unit (1). The method for level determination is improved as compared to the prior art by the conductor unit (1) being supplied with transmission signals with either positive or negative polarity.

Abstract: A fill level measuring device (3) operating with the transit time method and a termination element (1) for a waveguide (2) of the fill level measuring device (3) has a carrier element (13) that is arranged between a first cylinder element (11) and a second cylinder element (12) and has an impedance-matching component (15) that is arranged on the carrier element (13).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the state of a fill level measuring device (1) operating according to the radar principle and such a fill level measuring device, wherein the fill level measuring device (1) has at least one transceiver unit (2) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals, and at least one antenna (3) for guiding, radiating and receiving electromagnetic signals. The antenna (3) has at least one interior space (4), and wherein the antenna (3) has a transmission characteristic with regard to the transmission of electromagnetic signals. Electromagnetic signals are emitted or directed at least partially in the direction of a wall section (5) of the interior space (4) of the antenna (3), the received electromagnetic signals are evaluated with respect to the transmission characteristic of the antenna (3), and the result of the evaluation is compared to at least one stored reference value.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the state of a fill level measuring device (1) operating according to the radar principle and such a fill level measuring device, wherein the fill level measuring device (1) has at least one transceiver unit (2) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals, and at least one antenna (3) for guiding, radiating and receiving electromagnetic signals. The antenna (3) has at least one interior space (4), and wherein the antenna (3) has a transmission characteristic with regard to the transmission of electromagnetic signals. Electromagnetic signals are emitted or directed at least partially in the direction of a wall section (5) of the interior space (4) of the antenna (3), the received electromagnetic signals are evaluated with respect to the transmission characteristic of the antenna (3), and the result of the evaluation is compared to at least one stored reference value.

Abstract: A sampling circuit for sequential sampling of a broadband periodic input signal having a field effect transistor as a nonlinear component to which a pulsed-shaped sampling signal is supplied, by which sampling is activated so that an output signal is produced. In this way, a sampling circuit is attained which is economical, technically durable and which can be used in a versatile and simple manner.

Abstract: A level meter for measuring the fill level of a medium in a vessel, includes a reference container that can be connected to the vessel in a manner whereby the level in the reference container is identical to that in the vessel. The reference container is provided with an adapter unit for a microwave level meter operating by the radar principle which adapter unit encompasses an injection device for coupling-in a microwave signal. This constitutes a low-cost solution for connecting a microwave level meter to a reference container, ensuring optimized signal injection.

Abstract: A level switch detects the fill level of a medium in a container and transmits a switch signal corresponding to the detected level. The level switch incorporates a signal generator for generating an electromagnetic signal, a measuring circuit, and a reference circuit into which the electromagnetic signal can be fed. The measuring circuit is so configured and positioned that the signal fed into the measuring circuit changes as a function of whether or not the measuring circuit is surrounded by the medium, while the reference circuit is so configured and positioned that the signal fed into the reference circuit remains unaffected by the fill level of the medium. A tap at a specific point on the measuring circuit collects the measuring voltage, a tap at a specific point on the reference circuit collects a reference voltage, and a voltage comparator compares the measuring voltage with the reference voltage and emits a comparison-derived switch signal.

Abstract: A level meter for measuring the fill level of a medium in a vessel, includes a reference container that can be connected to the vessel in a manner whereby the level in the reference container is identical to that in the vessel. The reference container is provided with an adapter unit for a microwave level meter operating by the radar principle which adapter unit encompasses an injection device for coupling-in a microwave signal. This constitutes a low-cost solution for connecting a microwave level meter to a reference container, ensuring optimized signal injection.