A novel approach for a high-precision multitarget-level measurement system based on time-domain reflectometry

A novel approach for a high-precision multitarget time-domain reflectometry (TDR) level measurement system is presented with a greatly improved performance. It fulfills the growing needs of today´s industrial level measurement applications. Starting with the well-known concept of the TDR, a novel concept for frequency stabilization and pulse generation lead to a higher performance compared to conventional industrial systems with respect to their precision, resolution, and dynamic range. This paper focuses on the description of the improved signal generation unit, comprising the generation of two RF signals with a small frequency offset and a good phase-noise performance and the generation of short electromagnetic pulses, optimized for the detection of thin interface layers. To determine the stability, resolution, and dynamic range of the improved TDR system, a prototype system is presented