The VEGA Radar Story
A success story
The most successful level measurement radar in the world is called eric®. In 1997 eric® revolutionised the market and quickly became the world market leader in level measurement with radar technology. Its reliability and compact dimensions are the factors that make eric® so versatile to this day. On the basis of plics® technology, eric® accomplished with VEGAPULS 68 a real breakthrough in measurement of coarse bulk solids under difficult conditions.
Our road to 100,000 and Beyond
1987 First concepts for a radar level measuring instrument
1991 First presentation of a radar instrument at the Achema exhibition
1995 Introduction of the intelligent echo signal processing software ECHOFOX©
1997 First 2-wire radar instrument in the world
1998 Market leader in the radar sector (6,300 units sold worldwide)
2003 Introduction of the product concept plics®
2004 First ever 2-wire radar instrument for bulk solids
2004 Radar instrument No. 100,000
2005 VEGAPULS 68 ushers in ERA II of bulk soilds measurement
2007 No more compromises with VEGAPULS 67
1987 – First concepts for a radar level measuring instrument
The heavy dependency of existing measuring principles on process parameters such as pressure and temperature called for the consideration of new solutions for measuring levels in automated processes. Microwave technology promised a higher quality of measurement and offered tremendous potential for technological advancement.
1991 – First presentation of a radar instrument at the Achema exhibition
After four years of development, the first radar instrument ready for series production was introduced. In contrast to all other instruments on the market, the VEGA instrument operates according to the pulse method. This technology offered more development potential than the traditional FMCW method.
1995 – Introduction of the intelligent echo signal processing software ECHOFOX©
The latest microprocessor technology and increasingly larger memory capacity enable the construction of a completely digital signal processor with fuzzy logic algorithms. The practical experience gained through 20 years of working with level measurement technology, especially in the area of ultrasonics, was integrated into a sensor for the first time.
1997 – First 2-wire radar instrument in the world
The rapid development of radar microelectronics and the low-current PULS radar method allow for the first time the construction of a microprocessor-controlled sensor powered only by the 4-20mA signal cable. The easy connection of these sensors represents a great advantage for the user.
1998 – Market leader in the radar sector (6,300 units sold worldwide)
The combining of cost-effective 2-wire technology with the advantages of radar level measurement enables the use of the sensors in many areas of industry for the first time. Applications in which the use of microwave technology was not possible, or simply too expensive, can now be equipped with radar instruments.
2003 – Introduction of the product concept plics®
The implementation of the sensor-spanning product concept plics® for radar level measurement simplifies tremendously the installation and commissioning of a measurement loop with radar sensors. The modular construction of the plics® sensors allows connection to practically any evaluation or control system.
2004 – First ever 2-wire radar instrument for bulk solids
The use of the most up-to-date microwave components increases the sensitivity of the radar instruments a thousandfold. This allows reliable measurement even in processes with extremely harsh ambient conditions, such as e.g. silos for bulk solids. The development of new, precision focussing antenna systems, like the parabolic antenna, and the adaptation of the ECHOFOX© signal processing to typical application requirements optimise the radar instruments for the measurement of bulk solids.
2004 – Radar instrument No. 100,000
13 years after the introduction of the first VEGA radar measuring instrument, more than 100,000 measuring applications have been equipped with this technology. This is striking evidence of the versatile application potential of radar technology in level measurement and reflects the confidence customers have in VEGA technology.
2005 - VEGAPULS 68 becomes a welcomed addition to the VEGA radar level measurement family.
Perfect for measuring tasks with bulk solids. Where other measuring techniques had serious defiencies, but had to be accepted as the best available technology, the new compact VEGAPULS 68 is ushering in ERA II of bulk solids measurement.
2007 - No more compromises with VEGAPULS 67
Before there was VEGAPULS 67, ultrasonics were implemented in many cases, just for price reasons. If contactless level emeasurement was required, the systems deficiencies of ultrasonics had to be accepted. However, VEGAPULS 67 puts and end to these compromises and provides radar technology at ultrasonic prices.
If after reading this blog post, you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to email us, or call 01444 870055 .
This entry was posted
on Monday, March 10th, 2008 at 3:38 pm and is filed under About VEGA, Aggregates & Mining, Bulk Solids Handling, Cement, Flour and Milling, Information, Level Measurement, Radar, VEGA Product News.
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