Microwave semiconductor and solid state components

The paper first reviews microwave semiconductor and solid-state components by type - presenting their past, present and future - and then projects their status in the year 2000. The discussion focuses on solid-state amplifiers, oscillators, microwave mixers, filters, RF subsystems, and microwave semiconductor materials. The discussion reveals that the current revolution within the amplifier area has been caused by the FET. However, the IMPATT diode will dominate the pulsed power output area for the foreseeable future. Within the next 20 years, monolithic circuits - multiple functions on a single semiconductor chip - will dominate much of the semiconductor components, with gallium arsenide and silicon still being the major semiconductor materials. Also, additional materials - such as indium phosphide or tertiary III-IV compounds - will be used extensively. In general, the solid-state evolution will continue, with major emphasis being placed on reducing cost and size.