Generally, we know that micro means small, so we may think microwaves means small waves. But actually, microwaves means waves with a high-frequency range of almost 300 MHz to 300 GHz. Through this article you will get to know more about what is microwave, its uses, and career in this field.
INTRODUCTION:
Microwave can be defined as the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with large infrared waves and short radio waves. Microwave engineering relates to the learning and design of microwave components, systems, circuits. Microwave devices are classified into information transmission types and power types. Information transmission type can be used in transmission devices and systems like radio communication, television, radar, radio navigation, radio control, etc. These microwave devices and systems are the most important tools for scientific research in fields like radio-frequency spectroscopy, solid-state physics, nuclear physics, and radio astronomy.
WHY ACTUALLY WE NEED MICROWAVES:
- Microwaves also used as radio waves, but they have higher frequencies than other radio waves. With higher frequencies, they also have more energy. So we will use microwaves in ovens.
- In recent times microwaves are mostly used in point-to-point communication links, wireless networks, microwave radio relay networks, radar, satellite communication, and spacecraft communication. It is also used in the medical sector for medical diathermy and cancer treatment.
- Microwaves are used in satellite communication as they have a smaller wavelength, which allows antennas to point them directly at a receiving antenna. As microwaves are high-frequency signals, it is easy to carry a large amount of information.
- These are also used in mobiles. A mobile encodes the sound of the caller’s voice in microwaves by altering the frequency of the waves. These encoded microwaves then travel to the mobile tower i.e respective SIM tower, through the air and eventually to the receiver of the person being called. Now the receiver decodes these microwaves and changes them back to sounds to which we listen.
SCOPE AND
QUALIFICATION:
Microwave engineer field is highly technical and is mostly based on electronics engineering. Basically, candidates with a background in electronics engineering can get into these industries because it requires a minimum degree of BE/B-Tech/BS in ECE/EEE as a necessary qualification.
WHAT ARE THE SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE A MICROWAVE ENGINEER:
- Excellent diagramming and documentation skills.
- Familiar with digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques, and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK, and QAM.
- Experience in designing, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Digital communication theory with prominence on system noise figure and bit error rate.
- Knowledge of different manufacturing technologies and techniques used in the manufacture of high-frequency modules.
- RF/microwave design using Agilent ADS, HFSS, or AWR microwave office.
- Experienced with handling and testing sensitive, high-frequency LNA’s, SSPAs, and converters.
- Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems.
- Experience in systems-level software tools.
- Schematic and layout using a PCB design tool.
- Experience in active device characterization and modeling.
- Experience in MATLAB, Python, C++, or equivalent tools for designing and analyzing RF systems.
- Experience with RF circuit design in GaAs, GaN, and SiGe RFIC components.
- Python and Lab-view programming experience for test automation.
- Good oral communication skills for explaining technical concepts.
- Possess an excellent time and project management skills.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR MICROWAVE ENGINEERING:
- Microwave/RF
Engineer:
The role of an RF engineer is to collect, research, and analyze the information to improve radar design. - Microwave Network
Engineer:
The role of a microwave network engineer is to design integrated circuits and electronic components for microwave devices.
- Microwave
Application Engineer:
The role of a microwave application engineer is to debug, develop, and deploy test solutions for microwave devices.
- RF Design Engineer:
The role of an RF design engineer is to design and development of RF components from requirements.
- RF FW Test Engineer:
The role of the RF FW test engineer is to develop, execute, and automate tests for characterizing key performance metrics of the microwave systems.
- Telecom Engineer:
The role of a telecom engineer is to design and develop telecommunication equipment in microwave systems and make sure that data is transmitted through wired or wireless communication.
- Managing all parts of the microwave network and check appropriate delivery.
- Making plans using detailed drawings.
- Responsible for MLA list and identification of WAP, POP, and WDP systems.
- Preparing estimates and budgets.
- Collect desktop surveys and run internet connectivity accordingly.
- Creating accurate project specifications.
- Monitor and select suitable equipment and check compliance to project objectives.
- Completing regulatory documents concerning safety issues.
- Monitor and collect reviews of all quality control sites and perform related analyses.
- Finishing projects on time and within budget.
- Perform physical path survey and use different balloon tests and flash.
- Coordinate with suppliers and operation management and perform suitable analysis of microwave projects.
- Provide technical support to all microwave engineers.
NOTE: Above mentioned skills and
responsibilities vary for different companies.
PAY SCALE:
The average salary of a Microwave engineer is around
3-6L/Yr.