Generally, microwave radio signals are electromagnetic waves that generate high frequencies that can range about 500 MHz to 300 GHz. Aside from having high frequency, these electromagnetic waves also have short wavelengths. Microwaves are commonly used in different types of technology such as satellites, mobile phones, home appliances, etc. Most systems depend on microwaves when it comes to transmitting data. That is why most industries considered this type of radio communication as one of the most worthwhile technologies.
Terrestrial communication also relies on microwave radio communications. The fact is, they are using microwave radio relay systems on approximately 35 percent of their communication. There are different types of microwave radio communication systems. For instance, long-haul microwave systems and feeder service or intrastate microwave systems. They can operate a range between 15 miles to 4,000 miles.
Microwave radio communication sends data via microwaves. They can effectively send data regardless if you are using short-haul systems or long-haul systems. But today, we are already using modern technology such as WiFi, 3G, and LTE, are we still going to use microwave radio communication?
How Does It Work?
One of the greatest advantages of microwave radio communications is its ability to transmit huge amounts of information. Obviously, this is because they are using high frequencies. With the help of microwave repeaters, microwave communication systems are capable of transferring information from very long distances.
What the repeater does is it will receive the transmitted signal coming from one antenna. Then, this will be transformed into an electrical signal which will then be retransmitted as a microwave signal at its strongest strength.
Microwave radio communication systems will spread its signals through the atmosphere. Transmitters and receivers will be relaying these signals. This means that microwave radio systems are capable of transmitting lots of data channels by utilizing two points. Most of all, it is not dependent on physical components such as fiber optics or wire cables.
Why Should We Use Microwave Radio Communication?
Contrary to other types of stations, microwave radio systems do not need lots of legal and property requirements when connecting to other stations. When using other types of stations, sometimes they require you to purchase “right-of-way” when communicating with other stations.
Every station of the microwave radio system only requires a small piece of land. This is because this type of communication is very powerful, hence, it does not require huge towers and other types of structures in the event that there is an emergency breakdown.
Since microwave radio communications are operating in high frequencies, then they are capable of storing large amounts of data. This means that it is the most cost-effective option for businesses and enterprises that are using a lot of systems.
Microwave radio communications only require a small antenna. This is because microwaves are operating at extremely high frequencies which means that they transmit more rapidly. Most importantly, you only need smaller infrastructure in communicating.
With other kinds of signals, you might experience interference due to high mountains. But this will not happen to microwaves since they have strong signals. They can travel through these obstacles. Microwave radio communications do not require too many repeaters, hence it is much cheaper to intensify them.
Microwave radio communications only need less maintenance, so you can always depend on them. Ultimately, it is much cheaper compared to other types of stations.
What Are the Disadvantages of Microwave Radio Communications?
Regardless of what type of industry you are involved in, it is important to look at the drawbacks of using microwave radio communication before choosing this type of signal.
Unfortunately, obtaining the signals that have been transferred is quite challenging. Since microwave radio communications can travel so fast and can store a lot of data, then it involves scrupulous circuitry. This is something essential if you want to take advantage of microwave’s high frequencies.
Since designing the circuitry is very challenging, then most systems that opt for microwave frequencies have to build their own machinery and electronic ranges. Typically, these businesses and enterprises must look for design and engineering companies that can customize their microwave transmitters and receivers.
With microwave radio communication, implementing the measuring procedures are a bit complicated. Most often, you need to listen to the reception rather than trusting the information that has been transferred with the signal.
Unlike other signals, microwaves can only spread in a straight line. Even though they can travel in a lot of channels without affecting its stored data, but the sad thing is that they can only travel in one direction. This means if your goal is to spread a signal, then you need to broadcast numerous times in multiple directions. This is the reason why microwaves in space are very difficult to capture. If you want to capture microwaves, then you must receive the signal in a straight line.
Since microwave communication systems do not use any physical cables or costly attenuation equipment, then it is much cheaper compared with other types of data transmissions. Rooftops, mountains, and hills are great foundations for microwave transmission towers.
Since microwave radio systems cannot go through solid objects, then this is a great problem for cities that have several tall buildings. Although, there are ways in solving this problem. You could put up repeaters between two towers if something is obstructing them. Also, signals have the ability to bounce off solid objects. Microwaves can even bounce off the moon.
Another disadvantage of microwave signals is that electromagnetic interference, or EMI, can hinder or damage its execution. EMI can come from electric motors, wind turbines, electric power transmission lines, etc. Also, transmission from microwave signals can be affected by rain, fog, and snow.
If you consider using microwave radio communications for your transmitting needs, then you need to remember that it requires a range of devices in order for its software to work. Some of these devices that you need include multiplexers, amplifiers, frequency multipliers, links, filters, oscillators, couplers, etc.
At SEI, you can find affordable RF and microwave products. SEI started producing microwave components in 1990. We are an affiliate of Senah, Inc., which is a California corporation. If you need more information about the products that we offer, then you can contact us at 408-662-4887/ 408-374-1031.