What are Microwave Generators?
Microwave Generators are systems which are used to generate stable and continuous high power microwave signals. These systems can be tuned to output a specific power level at a particular frequency. Traditionally, Microwave Generators used a device called the magnetron (also called cavity magnetron) to generate high power, high frequency microwave signals, but most high power microwave generators are now based on solid state technology (GaN or GaAs).
The magnetron was invented during the World War II and it has been used to generate microwave signals for decades. It consists of two permanent magnets flanking a copper ring. Magnetron systems are equipped with a single microwave source and operate at high voltage. The output frequency of a magnetron is determined by the cavity’s physical dimensions and the magnetron cannot amplify the power of an applied microwave signal. It only acts as an oscillator, with limited control of frequency, power, phase, and the signal source. The magnetron is controlled by an analog voltage, constraining users from controlling and monitoring the system remotely.
Solid-state microwave generators (SSMG), offer various improvements when compared to their magnetron-based counterparts. They digitally generate the desired frequency, allow the output frequency to be changed and provide more control. These generators produce more precise and stable frequencies with lower noise along with having a longer lifetime. Solid-state microwave generators can be controlled by a software suite that constantly monitors and adjusts key operating parameters to provide the required amount of microwave energy to the target, tuning the frequency and controlling phase over 360 degrees. This is why Solid-State Microwave Generators are used in many industrial, scientific and medical applications today.
