This blog post was published by VEGA Americas.
Why does a large dynamic range improve visibility?
For most of us, the bat species Microchiroptera is not the first thing that springs when trying to think of examples of the astounding achievements of evolution. But with its echo-locating system, it is the top performer among mammals when it comes to seeing in the dark, which means it can more easily locate the smallest of insects for food. Radar sensors function according to a similar principle. The better they can hear their "locating sounds" – or, if figuratively applied to radar sensors, the greater the dynamics, – the better the visibility of the level echo.
The dynamic range makes the difference in level measurement with radar. For example, when condensation and buildup on the antenna literally block the view, or in poorly reflecting media, this is where the sensors dynamic range provides the sensitivity required to reliably detect even the smallest signals. In this way, 80 GHz radar sensors from VEGA, with their uniquely high 120 dB, achieve a full view – under all process conditions.
And by the way: also among the many bat species there are considerable differences in dynamics. The loudest of their echo-locating calls – just like the 80-GHz radar sensors VEGAPULS 64 – can reach up to 120 dB.