CN1231746C

CN1231746C - Method and apparatus for directly digitizing microwave signals

Info

Publication number: CN1231746C
Application number: CN 02816348
Authority: CN
Inventors: 罗伯特·劳恩
Original assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
Current assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
Priority date: 2001-08-20
Filing date: 2002-08-20
Publication date: 2005-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-20
Also published as: CN1545615A; AU2002333481B2; EP1419367A1; WO2003019120A1; HK1070417A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for direct digitization of microwave signals (6) reflecting on a surface (8) for a filling product (7) located in a container (1). According to one aspect of the invention, the frequency of the microwave signals (6) reflecting on the surface (8) for the filling product are constantly scanned in accordance with the inventive method and the resulting analog values are converted into digital values, wherein successive digital values are stored in different buffer storages (16a, 16b) and the buffer-stored digital values are read out from said buffer storages (16a, 16b) and stored in an end storage unit (17; 17a, 17b) that is accessed by an evaluation unit (18) for determining the level of filling. Alternatively, it is also possible to include several A/D converters.

Description

The method and apparatus that is used for the microwave signal Direct Digitalization

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of method and apparatus, be used for the microwave signal of the filling material surface reflection of the filling material of container carry out Direct Digitalization, and relate to a kind of packed height measuring equipment according to transmission time principle and launched microwave signal.

Reduce some essential characteristics and represent with reduced form, microwave signal is produced by the emitter in the packed height measuring equipment of described type (with pulse or continuation mode), launch through antenna then, tubaeform, the shaft-like or microstrip antenna on the filling material surface direction for example, or use waveguide (bar, cable or also available rope) to guide to the filling material surface.Echoed signal-in receiving trap feed-in receiving circuit, in most cases receiving trap is equal to a transmission antenna for the microwave signal that the filling material surface reflection goes out-also be called usually, perhaps by means of the top waveguide of mentioning, then to signal sampling.The analogue value that sampling process obtains is converted into digital value, so just can use for determinator.Determinator is determined filling face height according to digital value.

Background technology

Above-mentioned such packed height measuring equipment according to transmission time principle and special launched microwave signal is well-known.Therefore, but list of references DE4240491A for example, and wherein the equipment of the type has been disclosed substantially.In order to handle the microwave signal that reflects and receive, can use different mimic channels or device to generate so-called envelope (envelope) now, then filling face height is measured in its digitizing thus.It has been general known that envelope generates, and therefore just need not further to explain this technology (for example reference: DE44 07 396 C2 here; M.Scholnick, " Introduction to Radar Systems ", 2 ^NdEd.1980, McGraw-Hill; Peter Devine, " Radar Level Measurement-TheUser ' s Guide " VEGA Controlls Ltd., 2000, ISBN 0-9538920-X).

In the prior art field, use the frequency of microwave signal to reach 1 to 30GHz or higher.Because high-frequency will use different mimic channels or device to determine the face of filling accurately according to the microwave signal that receives.Particularly, also used so-called " frequency mixer " in addition, realized envelope " extension " in time by it, use common A/D converter (about 25 microseconds of pulsed frequency) that envelope is sampled, can obtain an enough good sampling dot matrix (lattice) (being used to obtain enough degree of accuracy of determined filling face height).This means that especially microwave pulse is transformed another frequency domain and time domain by means of frequency mixer of the prior art and corresponding oscillator.Therefore, pulse can prolong in time, and for example time change factor is approximately 160,000, and the pulsewidth of the 1-2ns before the conversion is approximately 160-320 μ s after conversion thus.Pulse after time extends is sent to A/D converter subsequently, it with the sampling dot matrix of about 25 μ s to signal sampling.Therefore for the pulse length of 160 μ s, nearly six sampled values of each pulse.According to these numerical value, the degree of accuracy when determining filling face height approximately is 5mm.It must be noted that the degree of accuracy of determining filling face height also depends on the size of each echo-pulse sample magnitude, the steepness of pulse side slope, and the degree of accuracy of A/D converter.

Generally speaking, based on microwave reflection, especially microwave pulse is determined the equipment of filling face height before it should be noted that, carries out a kind of simulation process to the received signal to obtain to determine the desirable degree of accuracy of filling face height.And often there are some shortcomings in the use of analog device or Analogical Circuit Technique.Therefore aspect the dimensional structure of circuit, must consider the manufacturing variation of device tolerance and device, also must monitor in process of production.Analog device also can show temperature dependency, and this also must consider, and it can cause a lot of test jobs.Temperature dependency and device tolerance can cause the generation property of output signal and degree of accuracy to reduce in addition, must it be reduced or compensate by extra work.A very important shortcoming of this mimic channel is to pay the adjustment that could realize duty under a large amount of work.At last, mimic channel is also relatively responsive to the influence of disturbing.

Summary of the invention

Therefore the present invention is based on the technical matters that exists when this device is provided, and by the quantity of the mimic channel device in minimizing the said equipment type, thereby has reduced above-mentioned shortcoming at least.

This technical matters solves like this:

A kind of method that is used for the microwave signal of the filling material surface reflection of the filling material of container is carried out Direct Digitalization, wherein the microwave signal of filling material surface reflection is not sampled when frequency changes, the consequent analogue value converts digital value to, and continuous digital value is stored in a plurality of different intermediate store, the digital value of intermediate storage is read and is stored into from above-mentioned intermediate store again in the terminal storing unit, and a determinator is visited described terminal storing unit to measure filling face height.

And a kind of method that is used for the microwave signal of the filling material surface reflection of the filling material of container is carried out Direct Digitalization, wherein the microwave signal of filling material surface reflection is not sampled when frequency changes, the consequent analogue value converts digital value to, wherein use a plurality of different A/D converters that the continuous analogue value is converted to digital value, store into then in the terminal storing unit, a determinator is visited described terminal storing unit to measure filling face height.

A kind of device that is used for the microwave signal of the filling material surface reflection of the filling material of container is carried out Direct Digitalization also is provided, comprise receiving circuit, the microwave signal of reflection is by this circuit of feed-in, this circuit is configured to amplify microwave signal, but do not change its frequency, an A/D converter that is connected with above-mentioned receiving circuit, to sampling through the microwave signal of amplifying, and the consequent analogue value converted to digital value, the a plurality of intermediate storage means that are connected with A/D converter, the terminal storing unit that is connected with intermediate storage mean, and control device, be used for continuous digital value is deposited in a plurality of different intermediate storage means, and deposit the digital value of intermediate storage in terminal storing unit again, the determinator numerical value that can use described terminal storing unit to store is measured filling face height like this.

And a kind of device that is used for the microwave signal of the filling material surface reflection of the filling material of container is carried out Direct Digitalization, comprise-receiving circuit, the microwave signal of reflection is by this circuit of feed-in, this circuit is configured to amplify microwave signal, but do not change its frequency,-a plurality of A/D converters of being connected with above-mentioned receiving circuit, to sampling through the microwave signal of amplifying, and the consequent analogue value converted to digital value,-the terminal storing unit that is connected with above-mentioned A/D converter, be used for storing each digital value, and-control device, be used for controlling corresponding A/D converter to sampling continuously through the microwave signal of amplifying, and the analogue value is converted to digital value respectively, and deposit the corresponding digital value in terminal storing unit, the determinator numerical value that can use described terminal storing unit to store is measured filling face height like this.

The present invention proposes a kind of method that is used for the microwave signal of the filling surface reflection of the filling material of container is carried out Direct Digitalization, wherein the microwave signal of filling material surface reflection is not sampled when frequency changes, the consequent analogue value converts digital value to, and continuous digital value is stored in the different intermediate store.The digital value that is stored in the intermediate store is read and is stored into from middle storer again in the terminal storing unit, and determinator can this numerical value of access and is used for determining filling face height.

For another optional replacement scheme that this provided is, the microwave signal of filling material surface reflection is not sampled when frequency changes, the consequent analogue value converts digital value to by a plurality of A/D converters, and the analogue value continuous under each situation converts digital value to by different A/D converters.Digital value is stored in the storage unit, and determinator can this numerical value of access and is used for determining filling face height.

In a kind of another kind of preferred embodiment of creative method, the microwave signal of filling material surface reflection does not deposit in the analog memory cell with first rate when frequency changes.The analogue value that deposits in is exported with second speed that is lower than first rate then, and is converted to digital value by an A/D converter, owing to be intermediate storage, A/D converter can have quite low sampling rate.Afterwards, digital value is deposited in the storage unit, and determinator can this numerical value of access and is used for determining filling face height.Based on the FISO principle (F.F. goes out slowly) of this embodiment, can use the A/D converter of sampling rate quite low " common " to substitute the Direct Digitalization that the very expensive A/D converter with high sampling rate is realized the analogue value (microwave signal that receives).According to the FISO principle and be applicable to that substantially the circuit of specific purpose for example is the compuscope85G of Tectronics company.In addition, DE 3013256 A1 for example, US 5,200, also described suitable circuit in 983 and US5,144,525.

According to first aspect of the present invention, creative device has comprised a receiving circuit, wherein feed-in the reflection microwave signal, and this receiving circuit is configured to amplify microwave signal, but its frequency does not change, also comprised an A/D converter that is connected with above-mentioned receiving circuit, it is configured to the microwave signal after amplifying is sampled, and the consequent analogue value converted to digital value, the a plurality of intermediate storage means that are connected with A/D converter have in all cases also been comprised, also comprised a terminal storage device that is connected with intermediate storage mean, and control device, be used for continuous digital value intermediate storage in different intermediate storage means, and the digital value of intermediate storage is deposited in terminal storing unit again, and determinator can utilize this numerical value to determine filling face height then.

According to second aspect of the present invention, the creative device that is used for the microwave signal of the filling surface reflection of the filling material of container is carried out Direct Digitalization has comprised a receiving circuit, wherein feed-in the microwave signal that reflects, and this receiving circuit is configured to amplify microwave signal, but its frequency does not change.And provide a plurality of A/D converters that are connected with receiving circuit, each converter all to be configured to the microwave signal after amplifying is sampled, and the analogue value that produces is converted to digital value.Also be provided with a terminal storing unit in addition, it is connected with A/D converter, is used for storing each digital value.Also be provided with a control device at last, be used for making each A/D converter in an alternating manner to the microwave signal after amplifying sample (when adopting in turn or sampling successively) more than two A/D converters, and in all cases the analogue value is converted to digital value, also be used for each digital value is deposited in terminal storing unit, determinator can utilize this numerical value to determine filling face height then.

The present invention no longer carries out the thought of time " extension " based on the use frequency mixer to the microwave signal that receives for the first time, and is to use the microwave signal Direct Digitalization of in time " extending " of one or more A/D converters to receiving.Although there is not the extension on the execution time like this, and the memory device that uses has the coml access times, still can obtain to reach required sampling rate with enough measuring accuracies, above-mentioned intermediate store is provided or has used a plurality of A/D converters, although the microwave signal frequency of " extend " is very high, also can obtain service time in the prior art extending (use analog device) and the identical sampling rate that obtains.In case each digital value deposits terminal storing unit in, promptly digital value is handled and measured subsequently according to general method.This means now because do not re-use frequency mixer, be very high signal digitalized of frequency, promptly use intermediate store and/or a plurality of A/D converter or both to be used in combination can to compensate to obtain required very high sampling rate.

If only used an A/D converter to come microwave signal is carried out digitizing, and/or definite thus envelope, advise so two intermediate store will be set between A/D converter and terminal storing unit at least, wherein digital value is alternately to write in the intermediate store.Therefore, the high frequency A/D converter also can use general storage chip such as SRAM or DDR-SRAM, cycling time about 2.5-5ns.The intermediate store of using is many more, and storage chip work is slow more.

Use under the situation of a plurality of A/D converters, but the A/D converter alternation in each pulse, corresponding value is stored in the terminal storing unit, can reduce the sampling rate of single A/D converter like this.

Therefore, can realize the very high digitizing of frequency with general device, in fact can eliminate the shortcoming of frequency mixer of the shortcoming, particularly front of analog device according to the present invention.

Especially meaningfully distribute one or more intermediate store to each A/D converter, the circulation of the circulation of the converter of each A/D converter and storage circulation and other A/D converter is independently like this.

Therefore in a plurality of intermediate store that are connected in series, can use the slower memory chip of work, also cost efficient more.

A/D converter and/or each intermediate storage mean can be connected with a terminal storing unit, also can all be connected single terminal storage chip with determination unit successively certainly, thus can be for the determinator visit.

Usually will use commercial device to keep the required high sampling rate of high-frequency microwave signal of " extend " that A/D converter receives in processing is the problem place.Use alternately storage and different intermediate storage means, can realize for the first time that up to the present a plurality of A/D converters are used alternatingly.

A/D converter can reach the high impulse time of sampling required to the very high frequency(VHF) microwave signal, and the part power that needs can be up to 5 watts; But, especially when 10ns is between 0.3 μ s, can on the 4-20mA two-wire circuit, operate when A/D converter is 1ns when operating between 0.5 μ s in the time interval.The above-mentioned time interval has been enough to satisfy the sampling required to microwave signal.According to the explanation of front, the creative device that is used for Direct Digitalization can be set to the single structure unit that other devices with the packed height measuring equipment separate.Yet also such device or sort circuit can be set directly at the inside of packed height measuring equipment.The shell of putting into the packed height measuring equipment equally also is very suitable.

In a word, mandatory declaration is in order carry out Direct Digitalization, preferably to use one or more A/D converters, being used in combination with intermediate store.Under some occasion, also can save intermediate store.At this moment, the digital output value of at least one A/D conversion to write direct determinator can the terminal storing unit of access in.The digitized possible sample frequency of envelope depends on the speed of terminal storing unit substantially.The speed of now available A/D converter enough obtains required sample frequency, can be with corresponding speed write storage unit but the digital value of respective numbers is necessary.Terminal storing unit is stored soon more, need not to use under the situation of any intermediate store, and sample frequency or sampling rate are just high more.

Another optional embodiment of the present invention has correspondingly used the sampled value that obtains from the echoed signal that receives continuous in time for envelope.Because in order to determine filling face, measure the launched microwave pulse and receive time between the echoed signal that the filling material surface reflection goes out, to preset a maximal value to determine the maximum measurement range of equipment to this time.In this time, echoed signal was normally sampled by the A/DD converter with the time interval that equates.When from envelope, determining filling face, just launch next pulse, echoed signal is sampled, and determines filling face once more.If making, the generation of sampled value can realize that sampling rate doubles, because the sampling of second envelope has been offset in the same position of sampling instant in the echoed signal circulation on half sampling time.In order to obtain having the envelope of the sampling rate of doubling, must generate two envelopes that have than low sampling rate.In order to determine filling face, also just need two circulations here.When echoed signal seldom changes, can adopt this method between circulation; Each change all can make synthetic envelope change and therefore cause measuring mistake.Make the sampling rate that also can obtain three times or four times in this way, or the like.By means of this variation, intermediate store or use a plurality of A/D converters equally yet can realize the Direct Digitalization of envelope does not need to interconnect.In other words: only use an A/D converter, by respectively several envelopes being sampled with low sampling rate, also can reach high sampling rate, not need the interconnection of intermediate store simultaneously, next be that the digital value that A/D converter produces is deposited in available terminal storing unit.Envelope is to be used to measure purpose, and the form that it at last can digital value in terminal storing unit provides, and is therefore combined by several envelopes here, and each envelope all is that the time is continuous, is sampled by A/D converter with " low " frequency respectively.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the embodiment that is used for the microwave signal of the filling surface reflection of the filling material of container is carried out the creative device of Direct Digitalization has comprised a receiving circuit, wherein feed-in the microwave signal that reflects, and this receiving circuit is configured to amplifying signal, but does not change the frequency of signal.Also be provided with at least one analog memory cell in addition, wherein through amplification but the simulating signal that does not change frequency deposit in first rate.And provide at least one A/D converter that is connected with analog memory cell.A/D converter is read the analogue value with second speed that is lower than first rate, converts thereof into digital value then.Afterwards, digital value deposits a final memory cell that is connected with A/D converter in.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, be provided with a control module, it has guaranteed that the microwave signal of the analog form that receives and may be exaggerated is read into and stores with high sampling rate.Control module or another control module guarantee that simulating signal reads from storer with a lower speed then, and simulating signal is converted to digital value by A/D converter then, and are stored in the storage unit that determination unit can visit.

Description of drawings

In order to further specify and better to understand, will describe several embodiments of the present invention in detail below.As shown in the figure:

Fig. 1 contains the diagram of the container of packed height measuring equipment,

Fig. 2 is according to the diagram of the electron device of the packed height measuring equipment of first embodiment of the invention,

The detail drawing of embodiment and relevant sampling and Stored Procedure figure among Fig. 3 Fig. 2,

Another embodiment of the device that Fig. 4 is creative,

The detail drawing of embodiment and relevant sampling and Stored Procedure figure among Fig. 5 Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 is according to the diagram of the electron device of one type of prior art syringe,

The diagram of Fig. 7 microwave pulse,

The diagram of Fig. 8 envelope,

The diagram of Fig. 9 monopulse, and

Figure 10 carries out Direct Digitalization to a plurality of envelopes and is used to produce that a determinator can obtain and the variation of the creative method of the digital envelope of the filling face of mensuration height diagram.

Figure 11 is according to the diagram of the preferred embodiment of another aspect that the present invention is based on the FISO principle.

Embodiment

Explain the principle method of work and the theory structure of packed height measuring equipment with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 6-9.As seen from Figure 1, in the enclosing region of container 1, laid a packed height measuring equipment 2, it is made up of electronic unit 3 and box horn 4.Packed height measuring equipment 2 is connected on a far-end control panel or the similar device by two-wire circuit 9.By above-mentioned two-wire circuit 9, can be arranged to the 4-20mA two-wire circuit especially, realize communication and to the power supply of packed height measuring equipment 2.Produce microwave pulse in the electronic unit 3, send by the direction of the filling material 7 of box horn 4 in container 1.Microwave pulse 5 is filled 8 reflections of thing surface, is received by box horn 4 once more as echoed signal 6 then.

The generation of microwave pulse 5 or pulse train, and the processing of the pulse 6 of reflected back will be described in detail by means of Fig. 6-9.Microwave pulse produces in pulse producer 10, through the directional coupler transmission of circulator 11 or box horn 4, and launches herein.Next, by the directional coupler transmission of circulator 11 or prime amplifier 12, purpose is to amplify the microwave signal that receives to the echoed signal that receives once more.Connected a frequency mixer 19 on the down direction of prime amplifier 12, it is connected with a local oscillator 20 successively.The echoed signal that receives is mixed with the fixed frequency signal of local oscillator 20 in frequency mixer 19, and echoed signal is transformed to a scope (especially in the kHz scope) that frequency is lower.In the

conversion process oscillator

10 and 20 is carried out suitable frequency modulation, the time that can obtain echoed signal extends; About needing more detailed content in this respect, for example can be referring to DE 31 07 444C2.

The output signal of frequency mixer 19 is low pass filtering device 13 filtering subsequently corresponding to microwave pulse group 21 among Fig. 7 and the monopulse 23 among Fig. 9, then by A/D converter 14 digitizings.Use low-pass filter 13, can form the envelope 22 among Fig. 8.In order to make A/D converter that a bigger dynamic range be arranged, can before A/D converter 14, put into a logarithmic amplifier or controllable amplifier.

The digital value of A/D converter 14 is stored in the storer 17, is used for further processing.Signal processor or determinator 18 can be visited above-mentioned storer, are not described in detail here, because it is consistent with prior art.Control module 15 carry out the startup of A/D converters and will change after value record in storer 16.Another way is that control module 15 or pulse producer 10 can pre-determine the startup moment that pulse produces, and start the measurement process thus.

Still it should be noted that according to existing realization result herein,

device

14,15,17 and 18 in most cases are the ingredients of microprocessor or are realized by microprocessor.If pulse train is used as transmission pulse, before the logarithm processor, must add a rectifier so.

The situation of contrast prior art, the creativeness of first embodiment are embodied in has removed frequency mixer 19 and relevant local oscillator 20; Referring to Fig. 2.For this reason, be provided with A/D converter 14 and relevant storer 17 in Fig. 3, what promptly A/D converter 14 used is the echoed signal of " not extending ".And the sampling rate in order to obtain to expect that measuring accuracy is required, and can use common storage chip, and A/D converter 14 and a plurality of

intermediate store

16a, 16b is connected, these intermediate store are connected to again successively by a plurality of storage chip 17a, on the terminal storing unit 17 that 17b forms.Certainly, also can be each

intermediate store

16a, 16b provides terminal storing unit 17, as shown in Figure 3.

When first data value deposited among the intermediate store 16a, intermediate store 16b just can be used to store next data value.Simultaneously, the data value of having stored is write terminal memory 17 by intermediate store 16a, and intermediate store 16a is again available to the 3rd data value like this.Therefore, all data values are finally all at

terminal storing unit

17 or 17a, in the 17b.If that use is single

terminal storing unit

17a, 17b, so first, the 3rd, the 5th data value, be stored in by that analogy among the storage unit 17a, and second, the 4th and the 6th data value are stored among the storage unit 17b.Two terminal storing unit 17a, the determined successively device 18 of 17b uses.

Compare the embodiment among Fig. 2, do not select to use circulator or directional coupler 11 among Fig. 4.If the monopulse 23 among use Fig. 9 also can not re-use the rectifier that may use in low-pass filter 13 and the prime amplifier 12.Embodiment among Fig. 3 correspondingly has been used in combination A/D converter 14 and terminal storing unit 17.As the realization result's of Fig. 3 another kind of situation, the device among Fig. 5 also can be applicable among the embodiment of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, and it has comprised a plurality of A/D converter 14a, 14b.Use two or more A/D converters can increase sampling rate.

These two A/D converter 14a are connected a

terminal storing unit

17a and 17b respectively with 14b.First numerical value of echoed signal is obtained by A/D converter 14, and is stored among the terminal storing unit 17a.Next numerical value is just changed by A/D converter 14b, and is stored among the relevant terminal storing unit 17b.The next numerical value of echoed signal is changed by first A/D converter once more then.As A/

D converter

14a, 14b one of them when carrying out the numerical value digitizing, realize memory function in another " branch ", like this for next pulse, A/D converter can reuse.

Another embodiment of creative method has been described among Figure 10.Therefore, first envelope 24 is by an A/D converter sampling that has default sampling rate, and the just corresponding analogue value is converted into digital value, and does not use the time commonly used in the prior art to extend.These digital values directly are stored in the terminal storing unit that does not herein illustrate subsequently, preferably do not use intermediate store.Another envelope 25 that the microwave signal of another reflected back produces is sampled with the sampling rate identical with first envelope, and in the sampling process of first envelope 24 and second envelope 25, pulse is cancelled out each other, and the sampling time is reduced by half.The numerical value of the Direct Digitalization of second envelope also is written in the terminal storing unit.So, two

envelopes

24,25 that produce are continuously joined together, there has been the digital value of sufficient amount can express a common envelope in the terminal storing unit, according to this common envelope, determinator can be determined filling face height.By different envelopes is repeatedly sampled, and as the required single envelope of determinator with digital store, can realize the Direct Digitalization of low frequency, data can directly deposit the terminal storing unit that determinator can be visited in.

It among Figure 11 another preferred embodiment of the present invention.The difference of equipment shown in this embodiment and Fig. 1 is not use the A/D converter of high sampling rate, but adopts the A/D converter 14 of low sampling rate.Can use the A/D converter 14 of low sampling rate, be before A/D converter 14, to have laid an analog storage device 30, wherein analog memory cell 30 can read in receiving circuit 11 with very high sampling rate, 12,13 microwave signals that receive and can be exaggerated, and be stored in the analog memory cell 30.Afterwards, A/D converter 14 can be with low rate sense data from analog storage device 30.Reading in of envelope is divided into two steps.By circuit 13, the signal that receives is read in the analog storage device 30 with very high sampling rate.If required signal provides in analog storage device 30, this simulating signal of having stored is just read from analog storage device 30 with low rate, and by A/D converter 14 digitizings, and be stored in the number storage 17 (RAM).As mentioned above, signal processor 18 can conduct interviews and is used for calculating level it.Analog storage device 30 can design according to the compuscope85G of above mentioned Tectronics company.The circuit that is fit to has also been described in the document above-mentioned.Do not mention this special-purpose in these documents.

Certainly, also can interosculate the different characteristic of the independent embodiment that describes of the present invention.

Reference numerals list

1 container

2 packed height measurement devices

3 comprise the shell of electronic unit

4 box horns

5 microwave pulses of launching

6 microwave pulses that reflect

7 fillers

8 filler surfaces

9 4-20mA two-wire circuits

10 oscillators

11 circulators

12 preamplifiers

13 low-pass filters

14 A/D converters

The 14a A/D converter

The 14b A/D converter

15 control modules

The 16a intermediate store

The 16b intermediate store

17 terminal storing unit

17a terminal storage chip

17b terminal storage chip

18 determinators

19 frequency mixer

20 local oscillators

21 microwave pulses

22 envelopes

23 monopulses

24 first envelopes

25 second envelopes

26

27

28

29

30 analog storage devices

Claims

1. method that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization, wherein the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection is not sampled when frequency changes, the consequent analogue value converts digital value to, and continuous digital value is stored in a plurality of different intermediate store (16a, 16b), (16a reads and stores into terminal storing unit (17 in 16b) to the digital value of intermediate storage from above-mentioned intermediate store again; 17a, 17b) in, a determinator (18) is visited described terminal storing unit (17; 17a is 17b) to measure filling face height.

2. the method described in claim 1, it is characterized in that the microwave signal (6) that receives changed by single A/D converter (14), the digital value that obtains is stored in a plurality of different intermediate store (16a, 16b), just write intermediate store (16a, also there is terminal storing unit (17 in 16b) digital value simultaneously continuously; 17a, 17b) in, (16a 16b) can be used for the digital value that storage sends here from A/D converter (14) to intermediate store once more like this.

3. the method described in claim 1 is characterized in that the microwave signal (6) that receives changed by single A/D converter (14),

The digital value that-A/D converter (14) produces be stored in a plurality of different intermediate store (16a, 16b) in,

-intermediate store (16a, 16b) digital value in is read out, and is stored in other intermediate store, and

Digital value in-other intermediate store is read out, and deposits terminal storing unit (17 in; 17a, 17b) in.

4. the method described in claim 1, it is characterized in that terminal storing unit comprised a plurality of storage chips (17a, 17b).

5. method that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization, wherein the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection is not sampled when frequency changes, the consequent analogue value converts digital value to, wherein use a plurality of different A/D converter (14a, 14b) the continuous analogue value is converted to digital value, store into then in the terminal storing unit, the described terminal storing unit of a determinator (18) visit is to measure filling face height.

6. the method described in claim 5, it is characterized in that each A/D converter (14a, digital value 14b) is stored in distributes to each A/D converter (14a, intermediate store (16a 14b), 16b), and digital value is read from middle storer, deposits terminal storing unit (17 in; 17a, 17b) in.

7. the method described in claim 6 is characterized in that

-from middle storer (16; 16a, 16b) middle reading number value deposits in other intermediate store then, and

-reading number value from other intermediate store deposits terminal storing unit (17 in; 17a, 17b) in.

8. a device that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization comprises

-receiving circuit (11,12,13), the microwave signal of reflection (6) is by this circuit of feed-in, and this circuit is configured to amplify microwave signal, but does not change its frequency,

-the A/D converter (14) that is connected with above-mentioned receiving circuit (11,12,13) to sampling through the microwave signal of amplifying, and converts the consequent analogue value to digital value,

-be connected with A/D converter (14) a plurality of intermediate storage means (16a, 16b),

-with intermediate storage mean (16a, the terminal storing unit that 16b) is connected (17), and

-control device (15), be used for continuous digital value deposit in a plurality of different intermediate storage means (16a, 16b) in, and deposit the digital value of intermediate storage in terminal storing unit (17 again; 17a, 17b), determinator (18) numerical value that can use described terminal storing unit to store is measured filling face height like this.

9. the device described in claim 8, it is characterized in that intermediate storage mean (16a, 16b) and terminal storing unit (17; 17a has also connected another intermediate storage mean between 17b).

10. the device described in claim 8, it is characterized in that terminal storing unit comprised a plurality of storage chips (17a, 17b).

11. the device described in claim 9, it is characterized in that terminal storing unit comprised a plurality of storage chips (17a, 17b).

12. as each described device in the claim 8 to 11, the working time that it is characterized in that A/D converter (14) is 1ns-0.5 μ s at interval.

13. the device described in claim 12, the working time that it is characterized in that A/D converter (14) is 10ns-0.3 μ s at interval.

14. a device that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization comprises

-be connected with above-mentioned receiving circuit (11,12,13) a plurality of A/D converters (14a 14b), to sampling through the microwave signal of amplifying, and converts the consequent analogue value to digital value,

-with above-mentioned A/D converter (14a, the terminal storing unit (17 that 14b) is connected; 17a 17b), is used for storing each digital value, and

-control device (15), (14a 14b) samples continuously to the microwave signal of process amplification, and the analogue value is converted to digital value respectively, and deposits the corresponding digital value in terminal storing unit (17 to be used for controlling corresponding A/D converter; 17a, 17b), determinator (18) numerical value that can use described terminal storing unit to store is measured filling face height like this.

15. the device described in claim 14, it is characterized in that each A/D converter (14a, 14b) and terminal storing unit (17; 17a can connect one or more intermediate storage means respectively between 17b).

16. want 14 or 15 described devices as right, it is characterized in that at least one A/D converter (14; 14a, working time 14b) is 1ns-0.5 μ s at interval.

17. the device described in claim 16 is characterized in that, A/D converter (14; 14a, working time 14b) is 10ns-0.3 μ s at interval.

18. one kind according to transmission time principle work and launch the packed height measuring equipment of microwave signal, comprised a kind of device that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization, this device comprises:

19. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 18, it is characterized in that intermediate storage mean (16a, 16b) and terminal storing unit (17; 17a has also connected another intermediate storage mean between 17b).

20. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 18, it is characterized in that terminal storing unit comprised a plurality of storage chips (17a, 17b).

21. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 19, it is characterized in that terminal storing unit comprised a plurality of storage chips (17a, 17b).

22. as each described packed height measuring equipment in the claim 18 to 21, the working time that it is characterized in that A/D converter (14) is 1ns-0.5 μ s at interval.

23. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 22, the working time that it is characterized in that A/D converter (14) is 10ns-0.3 μ s at interval.

24. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 18 is characterized in that this equipment is connected to two-wire circuit (9), communicates and powers by this two-wire circuit.

25. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 24 is characterized in that the two-wire circuit is the two-wire circuit (9) of a 4-20mA.

26. one kind according to transmission time principle work and launch the packed height measuring equipment of microwave signal, comprised a kind of device that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization, this device comprises:

27. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 26, it is characterized in that intermediate storage mean (16a, 16b) and terminal storing unit (17; 17a has also connected another intermediate storage mean between 17b).

28. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 26, it is characterized in that terminal storing unit comprised a plurality of storage chips (17a, 17b).

29. the packed height measuring equipment described in claim 27, it is characterized in that terminal storing unit comprised a plurality of storage chips (17a, 17b).

30., it is characterized in that A/D converter (14 as each described packed height measuring equipment in the claim 26 to 29; 14a, working time 14b) is 1ns-0.5 μ s at interval.

31. packed height measuring equipment as claimed in claim 30 is characterized in that A/D converter (14; 14a, working time 14b) is 10ns-0.3 μ s at interval.

32. packed height measuring equipment as claimed in claim 26 is characterized in that this equipment is connected to two-wire circuit (9), communicates and powers by this two-wire circuit.

33. packed height measuring equipment as claimed in claim 32 is characterized in that the two-wire circuit is the two-wire circuit (9) of a 4-20mA.

34. method that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization, wherein the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection is not sampled when frequency changes, the consequent analogue value is converted to digital value by A/D converter (14), deposit then in the terminal storing unit (17), after this filling material surface (8) at least one other microwave signal (6) of reflecting is sampled when frequency does not change, but offset by first sampling, the consequent analogue value converts digital value to by A/D converter (14), also deposit in subsequently in the terminal storing unit (17), and all the digital values of storage are expressed an envelope, and determinator (18) can obtain described digital value of having stored and is used to measure filling face height.

35. a device that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization has comprised

-terminal storage the device (17) that is connected with A/D converter (14) is used for storing each digital value, and

-control device (15), make A/D converter (14) sample through the microwave signal of amplifying to first, and the analogue value converted to digital value, A/D converter (14) is at least one other sampling in the counteracting mode through amplifying microwave signal then, these analogues value are also converted to digital value, and the digital value that all are stored in the terminal storing unit (17) can be obtained by determinator (18), is used to measure filling face height.

36. method that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization, wherein the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection is not sampled when frequency changes, the consequent analogue value deposits analog storage device (30) in first rate, the analogue value of storage is read from analog storage device (30) with second speed that is lower than first rate again, convert digital value to by A/D converter (14), deposit terminal storage device (17) then in.

37. a device that is used for the microwave signal (6) of filling material surface (8) reflection of the filling material (7) of container (1) is carried out Direct Digitalization comprises

-with at least one analog storage device (30) that above-mentioned receiving circuit (11,12,13) is connected, be used for the analogue microwave signal (6) that storage sends here from receiving circuit (11,12,13),

-at least one A/D converter (14) is used for the microwave signal of having stored is sampled, and the consequent analogue value is converted to digital value,

-control module (15), make and sample with first rate through the microwave signal of amplifying, and store in the analog storage device (30), and make simulating signal be read out with second speed that is lower than first rate, converted to digital value by A/D converter then, at last each digital value is stored in the terminal storage device (17), can obtain by determinator (18) and be used to measure filling face height.