The ability to generate and amplify RF signals using solid-state semiconductor devices is nothing new – this technology is the cornerstone of modern wireless communications. But solid-state RF energy has enormous potential beyond data transmission applications. It’s increasingly being used for the purposes of heat and energy generation, enabling greater efficiency and control than what’s possible with the conventional magnetron tubes that – among other things – have been powering the microwave ovens in our homes for the past 50 years.

One of the major deficiencies of magnetron tube-based RF energy delivery is the inability to measure and adapt to energy that’s irradiated and reflected within the cavity where the energy is outputted. Magnetrons deliver open-loop, crudely-averaged energy output, whereas with multi-antenna, solid-state RF energy sources, forward and reflected power levels can be easily assessed and adapted to with closed-loop, precision control over the frequency, output power, phase and RF signal modulation. Solid-state RF transistors can also provide 10X longer lifespans than magnetrons, ensuring significantly higher reliability.