Importance

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Abstract

An ultrasonic level detector includes a transducer for generating and receiving bursts of sonic energy at a surface to locate the position of the surface. In response to receiving a burst of energy reflected from the surface, the transducer generates an electrical signal, which is then supplied to a variable gain amplifier. After amplification, the electrical signal is supplied to a comparator and a peak detector. The comparator generates a timing signal upon the electrical signal exceeding a threshold. A window generator circuit generates a receive window that controls whether the electrical signal is supplied to the comparator and the magnitude of the threshold on the comparator. The peak detector determines the maximum amplitude of the electrical signal, which may be used to vary the amplifier gain and the number of pulses included in an excitation signal which drives the transducer. Upon receipt of the timing signal, a microprocessor determines the distance between the transducer and the detected surface.

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First Claim