Installation Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction Accu-Wave
1-4 TN Technologies
Extensive Alarms
You can set up as many as 16 process alarms in addition to system fault alarms and
warning alarms.
Quick and Easy Setup
The menus take you through the setup procedure step–by–step. Built-in help screens are
provided at appropriate points in the menu structure.
Multiple Readouts
You can select up to six of the following values for display: level, distance, volume,
unfilled volume, percent full, percent empty, percent distance, percent level, signal
strength, or alarm relay status. The screen automatically displays the measurement values
three at a time in alternation. The measurement values can also be sent to a remote
terminal or a computer.
Marker Sweep Software
TN Technologies’ patented Marker Sweep software continually adjusts the transmitter
output signal to maintain linearity. This highly consistent microwave signal ensures
reliable, stable system operation and accurate level measurements.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
The gauge uses DSP hardware and software to process the received microwave signal
(the echo) and to provide accurate, real-time measurements of the distance to the surface
of the process material.
How the Accu-Wave Works
The sensor generates a microwave signal composed of electromagnetic waves – two
perpendicular oscillating fields (electric and magnetic) that travel together. The
transmitted signal is reflected from the surface of the process material. This echo is
detected and evaluated for changes in frequency to determine the distance to the liquid or
solid material in the tank.
The Marker Sweep software continually adjusts the signal output to maintain the linearity
of the transmitted frequency sweep. This highly consistent microwave signal ensures that
changes in level are reported accurately in real-time. Dynamic Process Tracking software
ensures quick system response to changing process levels by automatically reducing the
response time when level changes occur. A variety of tools are provided in the menus to
“fine tune” the signal in order to eliminate many of the problems associated with
measuring levels in an active process.
TN’s exclusive DSP software processes the microwave signal and converts it to
measurement information displayed in the readout. You can also program measurements
to drive alarms, or open and close switches. The alarms, user inputs, and selected outputs
are saved in non-volatile memory.