Resolution mode switching for pulsed radar

A computer program product, comprising:

• a memory comprising a non-transitory data storage medium that includes stored program instructions for a resolution mode switching algorithm and a level finding algorithm executable by a processor to enable said processor to execute a method of pulsed radar level sensing for level finding having two or more resolution modes (RMs), said computer program product including:
• code for first level scanning performed with first transmitted radar pulses launched by a probe into a tank having at least one material therein, wherein said first transmitted radar pulses have a first pulse width and wherein said first level scanning is over a first scan distance;
• code for analyzing first echoes generated responsive to said first transmitted radar pulses to determine at least one approximate level for said material in said tank;
• code for second level scanning performed with second transmitted radar pulses launched by said probe into said tank with a first measurement window including said approximate level that is less than (<) said first scan distance, said second transmitted radar pulses having a second pulse width that is less than (<) said first pulse width, and
• code for analyzing second echoes generated responsive to said second transmitted radar pulses to determine a revised level measurement for said material in said tank.

A pulsed radar level gauge system, comprising:

• a processor having an associated memory storing a resolution mode switching algorithm and a level finding algorithm;
• a variable pulse width generator (VPGen) block that includes pulse width setting circuitry coupled to receive control signals originating from said processor;
• a transceiver for coupling to a probe in a tank having at least one material therein including an input coupled to an output of said VPGen block for transmitting radar pulses and an output coupled through a sensor to an input of said processor for processing echo signals received responsive to said radar pulses;
• said resolution mode switching algorithm when implemented by said processor causing:
• controlling said VPGen block to cause first transmitted radar pulses launched by said probe into said tank to provide first level scanning, said first transmitted radar pulses having a first pulse width and wherein said first level scanning is over a first scan distance;
• controlling said VPGen block to cause second transmitted radar pulses launched by said probe into said tank to provide second level scanning with a measurement window that is less than (<) said first scan distance, said second transmitted radar pulses having a second pulse width that is less than (<) said first pulse width;
• wherein said level finding algorithm analyzes first echoes generated responsive to said first transmitted radar pulses to determine an approximate level, and analyzes second echoes generated responsive to said second transmitted radar pulses to determine a revised level measurement for said material in said tank.