There are many different applications that use specific circuits using microwave technology. The most common include those in the heating industry, in communications and in remote and location sensing.
Utilizing specifically designed microwave circuits in each of these sectors or specialized areas is essential to gather information and to send it effectively and efficiency using microwaves.
Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits
There is one very important type of circuit known as the monolithic microwave integrated circuit, which is often shortened to the acronym MMIC. This is a circuit that is able to operate on the typical microwave frequency of 300 MHz to 300 GHz, and these are found in many different applications. Most commonly they are found in cell phones and other devices that need to be able to send and receive large amounts of data but have small space allocations within the device.
These MMICs are easy to mass produce and can be as small as 1 millimeter squared to up to ten millimeters squared. As they are small and can be produced in large quanities, they are relatively low in cost, which is important for both manufacturers of devices as well as for consumers.
Advantages
The advantages of microwave circuits and using microwaves are actually beneficial for more that cost-effectiveness. With the short wavelengths used in the design of the devices, they can use a very short antenna, which is an important consideration in all types of commercial and military types of equipment.
However, in addition to just much small antennas, there is also the possibility to use lower-powered transmitters. This means smaller components as well as less weight, something that is always a concern for telecommunication equipment in any sector, including in military use.
As all microwave circuits are designed using electromagnetic theory rather than traditional circuit theory, there are some differences in design components that can be challenging. There is less use of capacitors, inductors and resistors in the designs, and instead, there is more use of materials that distribute resistance, inductance and capacitance throughout the system. New technology in components used with the systems and the circuits themselves only enhance the distributive resistance, boosting efficiency.
This can translate into more durable types of equipment using the circuits focused on microwave technology. It also can be used to enhance the speed of transmission of data, faster circuits on computerized devices, and even longer distances for the ability to capture and receive data.
