Magnetron Microwave Parts
How does the microwave oven work?
Microwave oven has become an integral part of our kitchen and our lives. We enjoy the convenience of microwave oven but we hardly notice what goes inside the equipment. In this article, we will discuss the basic working of a micro wave oven.
The internal circuit of Microwave oven can be divided into two parts - a control circuit and the high voltage circuit.
The control circuit consists of the power supply, switches and buttons and interlocks that control the operation of the microwave oven.
The high voltage circuit consists of the high voltage transformer in order to raise the domestic voltage to a high voltage suitable for creation of microwaves, a magnetron, a device to create the required frequency of waves, a wave guide to control the direction of the microwaves and the cooking chamber.
In the first part, when all the switches, timers and interlocks are in conducive (on) state, power supply is fed to the high voltage circuit. This first part takes care of the safety requirements like door interlock. High voltage is generated by a step-up transformer (along with an electronic circuit) which converts the domestic 115 or 220 volt supply to as high as 3000 volts.
Taking this high voltage input, the magnetron generates the microwaves with a wave length of around 12 cms that are used in domestic ovens. Additionally, many microwave ovens will have various power levels. This can be achieved by either varying the output radiation through the input voltage or simply by turning off and on, the magnetron unit.
The generated radiation is directed through a metal channel called wave guide which feeds the energy into the cooking chamber. Normally, the cooking platform has a revolving arrangement in order to allow uniform distribution of heat across the food item.
This is the top view summary of the functioning of the microwave. Next time when we press the button, let us remember that we are instrumental in implementing the high technology inside the closed door of our oven and appreciate the scientists and technologists who made this possible.