Reference Manual
00809-0100-4731, Rev FA
April 2003
1-5
APEX
™
and APEX Sentry
™
Radar Gauge
Components of the
APEX and
APEX Sentry Radar
Gauges
The top of the APEX and APEX Sentry Radar Gauges is an aluminum gauge
housing (see Figure 1-1). The gauge housing includes advanced radar
electronics for signal processing.
The radar electronics is the heart of the gauge. It produces an
electromagnetic wave by using an oscillator that converts direct current (dc)
power into a radar signal. It also receives the return signal.
The radar signal passes from the electronics through a waveguide containing
an alumina ceramic process barrier. The waveguide is the entire path from
the electronics to the antenna.
The antenna is a cone-shaped device made of stainless steel. The antenna
controls the signal beamwidth by helping to keep the radar signal focused on
its target (the product in the tank) so it does not spread out over the entire
vessel and give false echoes. A larger antenna provides a more focused,
narrow beam. (Refer to Appendix A: Reference Data for further information
regarding beamwidth.)
Figure 1-1. Cross-sectional View
of the APEX Radar Gauge
Aluminum
Gauge
Housing
Waveguide
Alumina
Ceramic
Antenna
Flange
Radar
Electronics
Teflon
Vapor Seal
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