Wadeco’s MWS-RF range finder offers the latest microwave engineering for distance measurement under the most extreme conditions. The device utilises the FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) microwave method. The overall performance is greatly enhanced over pulsed radar techniques as a result of the greater signal bandwidth.
The MWS-RF unit outputs and receives the signal continuously, so the distance data is continuously acquired by the microprocessor. This allows for intelligent signal processing, such as detecting a signal from the background noise, which results in maximum signal to noise (S/N) ratio. Processing is carried out in the frequency domain where a signal can be integrated over many samples, greatly enhancing the signal strength. As the target peak is tracked, it may be smoothed with a selected sliding average, depending on the application conditions.
False measurements caused by double reflected waves are eliminated through the use of circular polarised microwaves. In the past, microwave devices were plagued with false detections due to the phase interference of multi-reflected signals self-cancelling at the detector. This has been eliminated using circular polarised microwaves.
Wadeco has been able to keep the electromagnetic field vector perfectly circular as it traverses the waveguide. If a circular beam were to travel down a waveguide it would undergo slippage as it passes around bends and circular becomes elliptical. Wadeco has solved this with a patented device to correct this effect and achieve perfect operation, thus the uniqueness of the range finder. This allows for use up to 3 metres or more of stainless steel waveguide to remove the sensitive electronics from the high temperature environment. The antenna though may be subject to 600°C temperatures and even much higher with the use of a radiation shield. The antenna requires no additional cooling devices and the controller is protected from the heat as a result of being located some distance from the antenna. The range finder has been specifically designed for high temperature applications, in some cases exceeding 1600°C.
A high degree of precision and accuracy is achieved; ±10 mm at a range of 50 m for a flat metal surface has been measured. In the 22 GHz unit the relative precision is of the order of a 1 mm for stationary metal targets. The accuracy is not affected by fluctuating temperature nor does it deteriorate over extended periods.
The unit utilises advanced filters, which eliminates spurious signals. These filters are built into both software and hardware. As a result the unit is far more versatile in its ability to be useful in difficult-to-operate circumstances as spurious target objects are rejected. The target is acquired very quickly with the display updates every second. Time from power up to target acquisition is only 5 seconds.
MWS-RF comes with advanced signal monitoring software, which also allows the system parameters to be programmed into the controller with a simple click of the mouse. Use of the recording and reviewing capabilities allows the system parameters to be optimised off-line. Data may be recorded for review at a later time. Data may be reviewed in real or accelerated time. Software displays a FFT spectrum, the received signal and various preset values. The display also indicates the internal temperature and any abnormal conditions.
For more information contact Veni Reddy, Allpronix, +27 (0)11 795 9500, [email protected], www.allpronix.com
| Tel: | +27 11 795 9500 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.allpronix.com |
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