Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for determining a thickness of ice on Radio Frequency (RF) systems The system includes a sensor unit for use in determining the thickness of ice on a surface of a RADAR system having a RADAR antenna, the sensor unit including a sensor unit antenna tunable to a harmonic of a RADAR antenna signal, the harmonic having a frequency within an ice absorption band, wherein the sensor unit antenna emits the harmonic at a first signal strength; and, a sensor unit receiver communicatively coupled to the sensor unit antenna and configured to detect a second signal strength of the harmonic received by the sensor unit antenna.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming an assembly including placing a semiconductor die and a launcher structure on a carrier substrate, encapsulating at least a portion of the semiconductor die and the launcher structure, and applying a redistribution layer on a surface of the semiconductor die and a surface of the launcher structure to connect a bond pad of the semiconductor die with an antenna launcher of the launcher structure. The assembly is attached to a substrate and a waveguide overlapping the assembly is attached to the substrate. The waveguide structure is physically decoupled from the assembly.

Abstract: A semiconductor device can comprise a substrate dielectric structure and a substrate conductive structure that traverses the substrate dielectric structure and comprises first and second substrate terminals; an electronic component with a component terminal coupled to the first substrate terminal; and a first antenna element with a first element terminal coupled to the second substrate terminal, a first element head side adjacent a first antenna pattern, a first element base side opposite the first element side, and a first element sidewall. The first element terminal can be exposed from the first element dielectric structure at the first element base side or at the first element sidewall. The first antenna pattern can be coupled to the substrate through the first element terminal. The substrate conductive structure can couple the first antenna element to the electronic component. Other examples and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes forming a metal post over a first dielectric layer, attaching a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, encapsulating a device die, the second dielectric layer, a shielding structure, and the metal post in an encapsulating material, planarizing the encapsulating material to reveal the device die, the shielding structure, and the metal post, and forming an antenna electrically coupling to the device die. The antenna has a portion vertically aligned to a portion of the device die.

Abstract: An ultra-wideband (UWB) radar transmitter apparatus comprises a pulse generator configured to produce from a sinusoidal input signal a pulsed output signal having a series of baseband pulses with a first pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The pulse generator includes a plurality of components that each have a nonlinear electrical reactance. A signal converter is coupled to the pulse generator and configured to convert the pulsed output signal into a pulsed radar transmit signal having a series of radar transmit pulses with a second PRF that is less than the first PRF.

Abstract: In a method for frequency matching in an FMCW radar sensor, a plurality of frequencies, which are derived on various modulation ramps, and which respectively are shown by the radar sensor in a d-v space as geometrical locations, represent possible combinations of a distance d and a speed v of the respective object. In order to identify the objects located on the various modulation ramps, coincidences between the geometrical locations which belong to frequencies derived on various modulation ramps are searched for. The search for coincidences is initially restricted in a first step to a subspace of the d-v space, and in a subsequent step, the search is extended to other regions of the d-v space, while suppressing the frequencies that are associated with the objects found in the first step.

Abstract: A method of reusing a frequency by allocating two orthogonal signal waveforms to the same frequency band is as follows. Two high-frequency ocean surface radars can be operated in the same frequency band without mutual interference by allocating a signal having an up-chirped LFM waveform and a signal having a down-chirped LFM waveform, having the same frequency band, to the two radars by employing an orthogonal characteristic between the two signals. Furthermore, a plurality of radars located within a distance within which interference is possible can be operated without mutual interference by combining and allocating two orthogonal signals and a plurality of frequency bands.

Abstract: There is provided an in-vehicle pulse radar that permits to detect information on an object accurately by temporally separating a noise signal mixed into a receiving signal by applying a delay time with a simple configuration. A baseband signal down-converted by a frequency converter (152) is output to a signal processing section (102) through a board-to-board connector (103) after passing through a delay circuit (153). Still further, a control signal is output to a switching circuit (151) from a control signal generating section (162) through the board-to-board connector (103). The delay circuit (153) increases a time lag from when the control signal passes through the board-to-board connector (103) until when the baseband signal passes through the board-to-board connector (103) by applying a predetermined delay time to the baseband signal. Thereby, the baseband signal receives no interference from the control signal.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-function radar apparatus capable of measuring both a distance to a target object and a temperature of the target object with high accuracy. A transmission signal produced from a high-frequency signal generating unit (9) is amplified by a transmission signal amplifying unit (12) while intermittently stopped by a transmission intermittent stop switch (11), and is emitted to a target object (13) via a circulator unit (2). A reflected wave from the target object (13) is input as a reception signal to a transmitting and receiving antenna (1) while the transmission signal is emitted, and a radiated wave from the target object (13) is input as the reception signal thereto while the transmission signal is not emitted. The reception signal is amplified by a reception signal amplifying unit (3) via the circulator unit (2), and is mixed by a frequency converting unit (4) with the transmission signal branched by a high-frequency signal branching unit (10) to thereby generate a beat signal.

Abstract: A method and radar system for estimating a radar search volume, includes acquiring covariance information relating to a cued direction, the covariance information having an ellipsoidal shape, projecting the ellipsoidal shape covariance information onto a range-traverse plane and onto the range-elevation plane to produce a covariance ellipse on the range-traverse and range-elevation planes; and determining the maximum extents in each of the range-transverse and range-elevation planes wherein the azimuth and elevation extents define the search volume.

Abstract: A method and system of determining spatial identification of an object, such as orientation, size, location, range, and/or movement, using an RFID system is disclosed. An RFID system can comprise one or more RFID reader receiving antennas that query one or more RFID tags coupled to the object. The measurement of the phase of the tag responses at the reader antennas and phase differentials as a function of distance, frequency, and time are the basis of spatial identification. The system can work with conventional Gen 2 tags and readers without modification of the tags or protocol.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one of the distance to and the speed of an object is discussed. The method comprises determining an indication of whether the object is approaching or moving away and generating an interrogation signal comprising a sequence consisting of segments at constant frequency and segments of varying frequency, wherein if the determining step indicates the object is approaching then the varying frequency segments have decreasing frequency and if the determining step indicates that the object is moving away then the varying frequency segments have increasing frequency. The interrogation signal is transmitted and a version of the interrogation signal reflected from the object is detected. At least one of the distance to and speed of the object is then determined using a combination of the interrogation signal and the reflected version of the interrogation signal.

Abstract: A running control system having a radar device that detects a distance between a subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle. When a vehicle speed sensor detects the subject vehicle has stopped, a transmission output controller sets a transmission output of the radar device to a stopping time transmission output lower than a running time transmission output. When the radar device detects an increase in the distance between the subject vehicle and the preceding vehicle while the subject vehicle is stopped, or when the distance between the subject vehicle and the preceding vehicle detected by the radar device while the subject vehicle has stopped is longer than a predetermined value, a notifying device notifies an occupant of the subject vehicle that following running control is possible.

Abstract: A system for measuring relative distance between a first component on a vehicle and a second component on the vehicle is provided. The system includes a wireless ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver attached to the first component. The wireless UWB transceiver transmits a UWB measurement pulse toward the second component, and receives a reflected UWB pulse from a reflective surface of the second component. The reflected UWB pulse represents a reflected version of the UWB measurement pulse. The system also includes a processor coupled to the wireless UWB transceiver. The processor derives a relative distance between the first component and the second component, based upon characteristics of the UWB measurement pulse and the reflected UWB pulse. The system further includes a power generating system for the wireless UWB transceiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for target focusing and ghost image removal in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is disclosed. Conventional SAR is not designed for imaging targets in a rich scattering environment. In this case, ghost images due to secondary reflections appear in the SAR images. We demonstrate, how, from a rough estimate of the target location obtained from a conventional SAR image and using time reversal, time reversal techniques can be applied to SAR to focus on the target with improved resolution, and reduce or remove ghost images.

Abstract: This radar device includes: a transmitter to transmit a transmitting signal whose frequency is periodically increased/decreased at a predetermined rate of change; a mixer to generate a beat signal by multiplying a received signal being transmitted by the transmitter and reflected back from an object to be detected and the transmitting signal; a frequency detector to detect a frequency of the beat signal; and a controller to control the rate of change of the frequency of the transmitting signal so that the frequency of the beat signal detected by the frequency detector becomes equal to or larger than a cut-off frequency of a flicker noise caused by the mixer.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one of the distance to and the speed of an object is discussed. The method comprises determining an indication of whether the object is approaching or moving away and generating an interrogation signal comprising a sequence consisting of segments at constant frequency and segments of varying frequency, wherein if the determining step indicates the object is approaching then the varying frequency segments have decreasing frequency and if the determining step indicates that the object is moving away then the varying frequency segments have increasing frequency. The interrogation signal is transmitted and a version of the interrogation signal reflected from the object is detected. At least one of the distance to and speed of the object is then determined using a combination of the interrogation signal and the reflected version of the interrogation signal.

Abstract: An object recognition apparatus in a subject vehicle includes a radar unit for transmitting a plurality of laser beams in a scan range spread in horizontal and vertical directions of the subject vehicle and receiving a reflection, a recognition unit for recognizing the object in front of the subject vehicle based on the reflection, a determination sub-unit in the radar unit, a calculation sub-unit in the radar unit; and an adjustment sub-unit in the radar unit. The radar unit is so disposed in the subject vehicle with a center axis of one of the plurality of the laser beams aligned with a target angle that the determination sub-unit uses coverage in the vertical direction of the laser beam being sufficient for variation of heights of the reflector on the object at a first distance detected by the radar unit as the predetermined condition for selecting of the object.

Abstract: Time is transferred from an ultra wideband (UWB) transmitter to UWB receiver by transmitting a signal structure having an associated timing reference point together with a time value for the timing reference point. The UWB receiver receives the timing signal structure by synchronizing a receiver time base to the signal structure, demodulating the time value information, and using the demodulated time value information to set a receiver clock value. Propagation delay information is used to adjust the receiver clock value by advancing the receiver clock value to account for the propagation delay. In one embodiment, propagation delay is determined from a known distance between the transmitter and receiver. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver are part of a two-way link wherein propagation delay is measured by round trip timing measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clock pulse control circuit for generating a transmit clock pulse (ts) and a sampling clock pulse (ta; tb; tc), wherein the clock pulse control circuit comprises a first oscillator for generating a first clock pulse (ts) of a first frequency, and a second oscillator for generating a plurality of second clock pulses (ta; tb; tc), that are shifted in time in relation to each other, of a second frequency. The clock pulse control circuit is designed such that based on the first clock pulse (ts) and the plurality of second clock pulses (ta; tb; tc) the transmit clock pulse (ts) is providable to a transmit pulse generator, and the sampling clock pulse (ta; tb; tc) is providable to a sampling pulse generator.

Abstract: A distance measurement sensor and a distance measurement method using the same are disclosed. The distance measurement sensor can use all of a pulse method and a Continuous Wave (CW) method, can select an appropriate measurement method according to the distance to be measured, thereby accurately measuring the distance. The distance measurement sensor solves the reception-signal limitation caused by a transmission leakage signal in the case of the CW method, reduces an amount of power consumption, measures distances of several objects at the same time, and establishes the range of the distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating trigger signals in a ground penetrating radar. In one embodiment, sequence data is generated based on a desired triggering sequence for an array of antennas. The sequence may be generated based on position data from position devices and operational modes. According to one embodiment, as the sequence data is generated it is transferred to, and stored on, a dual port memory device through a first side of the dual port memory device. The sequence data can then be accessed independently through a second side of the dual port memory device. This data may be used by a logical network to produce antenna trigger signals as a logical combination of timing input signals and the sequence data.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of radar altimeter operation including a time dependent gain control is described. The method comprises triggering a Sensitivity Time Control (STC) gain control signal at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of a transmit pulse to attenuate interference from at least one of an antenna leakage signal and a signal reflected from equipment. The method also includes shaping the STC gain control signal from no attenuation at a first time, before a transmitter sends the transmit pulse, to a stable maximum attenuation at the time the transmitter sends the transmit pulse, to no attenuation at a second time, after the transmitter sends the transmit pulse. The method also includes matching a bandwidth of an intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier to the pulse width of a transmitted pulse.

Abstract: To provide a radar device that is capable of performing both of long-distance detection performance and short-distance wide-angle monitor in a DBF system radar, there is provided a radar device of a digital beam forming system that radiates waves toward a space, receives a reflected wave that is reflected by an object which exists within the space, and subjects the received reflected wave to signal processing to thereby measure the object, the radar device including a transmitting antenna that radiates waves toward an observation range where required maximum distances different in respective azimuths are assumed, and has a directivity characteristic in which the transmitting gains in the respective azimuths are set on the basis of the distance attenuation characteristic at the required maximum distances.

Abstract: A method for determining a quality of measurement in a radar level gauge system arranged to measure a filling level of a content contained in a tank, comprising the steps of providing an antenna having at least two separate antenna functions, including a transmitting function and a receiving function, transmitting microwave energy from said transmitting function of said antenna, receiving a reflected part of said microwave energy, reflected from said level of content to be gauged, using said receiving function of said antenna, detecting a leakage signal, said leakage signal leaking from said transmitting function of said antenna to said receiving function of said antenna, and determining, based on a relationship between said leakage signal and said reflected signal, a level of quality of said reflected signal. An advantage with the above method is its improved accuracy when determining the level of quality, since there is no need for a separate reference reflection point.

Abstract: In a configuration according to a short-range radar of the present invention and a method of controlling the same, the timing at which a variable-period pulse output from a variable-period pulse generator including a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) has shifted in level first since reception of a search instruction is used as a reference timing, so that a signal that shifts in level at the reference timing or a fixed lapse of time later than the reference timing is generated and output as a transmission trigger signal, and a signal that shifts in level at a timing delayed by half a period of the variable-period pulse or its integral multiple from the timing at which the transmission trigger signal is output is generated and output as a reception trigger signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a radar device and technique for detecting the presence of objects located in the near-field of a frequency modulated, continuous wave (FMCW) radar device. The technique includes transmitting and receiving a frequency modulated signal, generating an intermediate frequency signal based on the transmitted and received signals, and analyzing the frequency content of the intermediate frequency signal. The frequency content of the intermediate signal is analyzed without filtering out a carrier signal.

Abstract: A radar level gauge using electromagnetic waves for determining a process variable of a product in a tank, comprising timing circuitry adapted to provide timing control of a transceiver, and a communication interface arranged to receive power in an intrinsically safe manner and to connect the radar level gauge externally thereof. The RLG further comprises an isolation interface arranged to galvanically isolate the transceiver from the timing circuitry and the communication interface, the isolation interface being arranged to transfer power and timing control from the timing circuitry and the communication interface to the transceiver circuitry. According to this design, the galvanic isolation splits the radar level gauge system internally into two circuits, with no galvanic connection there between. An advantage is that this design eliminates any potential ground loops between the transceiver and the communication interface.

Abstract: A method of reducing power to an electron emitting cathode comprises the steps of sensing a weather condition; calculating a condition number based upon the weather condition; comparing the condition number to a threshold; and reducing the power to the electron emitting cathode when the condition number is greater than the threshold. The apparatus and method may be implemented upon a system having a high voltage power source, an RF tube, a control processor, and a signal processor.

Abstract: A distance measurement sensor and a distance measurement method using the same are disclosed. The distance measurement sensor can use all of a pulse method and a Continuous Wave (CW) method, can select an appropriate measurement method according to the distance to be measured, thereby accurately measuring the distance. The distance measurement sensor solves the reception-signal limitation caused by a transmission leakage signal in the case of the CW method, reduces an amount of power consumption, measures distances of several objects at the same time, and establishes the range of the distance.

Abstract: A circuitry for generating a narrow impulse including an input device coupled to a matching circuitry that is coupled to a step recovery diode (SRD). The input device is configured to receive a succession of digital input signals, each characterized by having high level and low level portions. The signals having less than 50% duty cycle. The input device is configured to drive forward the SRD through the matching circuitry during the high level portion of the digital signal, whereby the SRD stores sufficient power for generating the narrow impulse following the falling edge of the high level portion of the digital input signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for an ultra-wideband standard for ultra-high-frequency communication includes an ultra-wideband semiconductor chip and a multilayer circuit substrate with at least one lower metal layer and one upper metal layer, in which an ultra-wideband circuit with passive devices is arranged. The lower metal layer has external contact pads on which external contacts are arranged, via which the semiconductor device can be surface-mounted on a circuit board. In addition, the semiconductor device has an antenna which is operatively coupled to the ultra-wideband semiconductor chip via the circuit on the circuit substrate and is arranged above the semiconductor chip and the circuit substrate.

Abstract: A transmitter emits into an intended search space a radar wave having a predetermined frequency pulse-modulated by a trigger pulse of a predetermined width. A receiver receives a reflected wave of the radar wave and outputs a receive signal. A local pulse generator outputs a local pulse signal having the predetermined frequency pulse-modulated by the trigger pulse delayed by the delay unit. A correlation value detector detects a strength correlation value between the receive signal and the local pulse signal. A delay time changing unit changes the delay time sequentially within a range of a predetermined period representing a generation period of the trigger pulse. A correlation value storage unit stores the strength correlation value detected for each delay time changed. A frequency distribution generator generates a frequency distribution of a stored correlation value against the delay time.

Abstract: The present invention is related a method and system for irradiating a target location or material with high-amplitude narrow pulses of electromagnetic (EM) energy at a periodic or quasi-periodic rate. The method and system comprises generating at least three electromagnetic signals simultaneously in space from at least three sources, each signal having the same repetition rate and a different frequency, and directing each signal to at least one predetermined target, and adjusting the phase of each signal, so that its peak field occurs at the same instant as the occurrence of the peak fields of all the signals at the target.

Abstract: A radar can detect target azimuths located outside and adjacent to a scanning angular range of a beam by determining changes in received signal strength (a signal-strength profile) in the azimuthal direction as a function of a beam azimuth in a predetermined scanning angular range, and estimating the target azimuth causing the signal-strength profile from the signal-strength profile, which is portion of a convex located adjacent to the outermost angle in the scanning angular range. For example, the target azimuth is estimated by a ratio between the received signal strength at the outermost angle of about 10.0° and the received signal strength at about 9.5°, which is one beam inside the outermost position.

Abstract: In an object recognition apparatus for a vehicle which uses intensities of reflected waves from reflecting objects to make a recognition on whether a reflecting object is a vehicle or a non-vehicle, a plurality of transmission waves are emitted to receive a plurality of reflected waves from the reflecting objects, and a decision is made as to whether or not the reflecting object producing the plurality of reflected waves is a unitary reflecting object. If the decision shows a unitary reflecting object, the highest intensity of intensities of the reflected waves from the unitary reflecting object is compared with a reference intensity to makes a decision on whether the reflecting object is a vehicle or a non-vehicle. This enables univocally making a decision for each unitary reflecting object as to whether the reflecting object is more likely to be a vehicle or to be a non-vehicle, thus improving the recognition accuracy.

Abstract: In a radar apparatus for automobiles for transmitting a radio wave, receiving a radio wave reflected from an object and measuring a rate of the object, a digital signal processor has at least two operation modes, a normal operation mode and a low energy consumption mode, and has a function of switching between the operation modes of the digital signal processor in accordance with a signal supplied from a counter (judgement unit) for judging whether a received signal satisfies predetermined conditions. The radar apparatus can reduce consumption power when necessary.

Abstract: A radar level gauge system for determining the filling level of a filling material in a tank is disclosed. The system comprises an antenna device for emitting measuring signals towards the surface of the filling material and a receiver device for receiving echo signals from the tank. Further, the system comprises processing circuitry for determining the filling level of the tank based on said echo signal, wherein said processing circuitry is adapted to amplify the received echo signals in dependence of the distance from which the echo signals originates, in such a way that an echo signal from a lower filling level is more amplified than an echo signal from a higher filling level. The processing circuitry is adjustable to optimize the amplification of the echo signal based on the height of the tank. A corresponding processing circuitry and method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pulse radar apparatus uses different frequencies, for example, frequencies one of which is a multiple or a submultiple of the other for a signal which becomes a reference of a control pulse for controlling a gate operation for a reception signal and a signal which becomes a base of generation of a transmission pulse. As a result, even if noise is caused by the gate operation, its influence can be removed in the processing of reception signals having different frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar measuring device which, with a simple design, ensures reliable distance determination even when a mixed signal is zero, and a method for operating a radar measuring device. The radar measuring device includes: A high-frequency oscillator (11) which emits two different carrier frequency signals (F1, F2), A first switching device (14) for switching the carrier frequency signals (F1, F2) as a function of first pulse signals (P1) and emitting radar pulse signals (T1, 2), A transmission antenna (16) and a receiving antenna (18), A second switching device (24) for switching the carrier frequency signals as a function of a delayed second pulse signal (P2) and emitting delayed radar pulse signals (S1, 2), A mixing device (21) for mixing received radar signals (R1, 2) with the delayed radar pulse signals (S1, 2) and emitting mixed signals (M1, 2).

Abstract: The present invention is related a method and system for irradiating a target location or material with high-amplitude narrow pulses of electromagnetic (EM) energy at a periodic or quasi-periodic rate. The method and system comprises generating at least three electromagnetic signals simultaneously in space from at least three sources, each signal having the same repetition rate and a different frequency, and directing each signal to at least one predetermined target, and adjusting the phase of each signal, so that its peak field occurs at the same instant as the occurrence of the peak fields of all the signals at the target.

Abstract: The invention solves a problem of fluctuation in performance in the conventional peripheral monitor for monitoring periphery of a vehicle that measures a distance to other vehicle or any other object by transmitting radio waves and informs a driver of the distance due to variation in environmental conditions such as water drop sticking onto the cover. A peripheral monitor 1 including a transmission antenna 2 for radiating transmission waves through the cover, a receiving antenna 3 for receiving reflected waves through the cover, and a data processor for measuring a distance to any object are disposed together in a cover 7. A transmission frequency at which reflected wave quantity is minimized is detected by detecting a first reflected signal level from the cover 7, and this frequency is a command to a variable frequency oscillator to conduct a transmission at this frequency at all times.

Abstract: A short-range radar system includes short-range radar sensor means and means (41) for HF-impulse generator for the sensor means. The means for HF-impulse generation are embodied for emitting impulses with adjustable pulse duration (51, 53).

Abstract: To provide a radar system for controlling a gate power supply and drain power supply of a MMIC (microwave monolithic IC), protecting the MMIC at the time of start and shut-off, and simultaneously avoiding an occurrence of a failure in the MMIC due to a residual charge and an abnormal supply potential at the time of shut-off. A power supply control means controls the gate and drain power supplies at the rise time so that an output voltage of the gate power supply rises earlier than that of the drain power supply. Another power supply control means controls the gate and drain power supplies at the fall time so that an output voltage of the gate power supply falls later than that of the drain power supply. Another power supply control means turns off the drain power supply of the FET among power supplies when it is detected by a voltage monitoring means that even either of output voltages of the power supplies is not within said specified range.

Abstract: A radar based sensor detection system comprises a microwave source operative to provide a continuous wave signal at an output. A pulse-former is coupled to the output of the source and is operative to provide at an output a variable length pulse that increases the transmitted energy of the radar system according to the range of object detection. A modulator is coupled to the output of the pulse-former for providing a modulated pulse signal when required. A transmit/receive switch coupled to the output of the modulator is selectively operative between a first transmit position and a second receive position. A transmit channel coupled to the transmit/receive switch transmits the pulse signal when the switch is operated in the transmit position. A receiving channel coupled to the transmit/receive switch receives the modulator signal when the switch is operated in the receive position.

Abstract: A pulse radar system has a high-frequency source, which supplies a continuous high-frequency signal and is connected on the one side to a transmission-side pulse modulator and on the other side to at least one mixer in at least one receive path. A pulse modulator is connected upstream of the mixer with regard to its connection to a receiving antenna. The mixer evaluates a radar pulse reflected by an object together with the signal of the high-frequency source. This system does not require a ZO switch and is insensitive to interference.

Abstract: A guided wave radar measurement instrument comprises a probe defining a guided wave radar transmission line. A pulse circuit is connected to the probe for generating a very fast stream of pulses on the transmission line and receiving reflected pulses returned on the transmission line. The reflected pulses represent a characteristic of a material being measured. An equivalent time sampling circuit is connected to the pulse circuit operable to sample reflected pulses to build a time multiplied picture of the reflected pulses and comprises a ramp generator circuit generating a saw tooth ramp signal used to selectively delay sampling reflected pulses to build the time multiplied picture. In one aspect of the instrument, the saw tooth ramp signal has a controlled ramp start for each cycle and retrace at an end of the cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmit-receive FM-CW radar apparatus which switches between transmission and reception by time division control, wherein amplifiers capable of controlling gain are provided in a transmitter signal path and a receiver signal path, respectively, and wherein the gain in the leading edge portion of a receive timing interval or the gain in the trailing edge portion of a transmit timing interval is suppressed by controlling the gain of the amplifier provided in the receiver signal path or the gain of the amplifier provided in the transmitter signal path, respectively.

Abstract: An FM-CW radar system comprises a modulating signal generating means for changing a modulating signal to be applied to a FM-CW wave, a calculating means for calculating a distance or relative velocity with respect to a target object by performing processing for detection by fast-Fourier transforming a beat signal occurring between a transmitted signal and a received signal, and a control means for determining a detection range based on the calculated distance, and for performing control to change the modulating signal, wherein the modulating signal is changed by changing one parameter selected from among a modulation frequency, a triangular wave frequency, and a transmit wave center frequency. The detection range is set to a distance obtained by adding a prescribed distance to the shortest distance detected, or to a distance obtained by subtracting a prescribed distance from the distance of a fixed object.

Abstract: A radar gauge adapted to sense fluid level in a tank and including a radar gauge circuit in which radar transmission and level sampling are controlled by a transmit frequency and a sample frequency respectively. A first frequency separation between first and second frequencies is controlled by a control input. The first and second frequencies can be divided to generate the transmit and sample frequencies, separated by a second frequency separation. At least one frequency difference is evaluated and the evaluation used to generate the control input, stabilizing the first frequency difference, and to correct the gauge output.