Advanced microwave electronic technologies

Microwave Integrated Circuits (MICs) based on silicon and gallium arsenide technologies have had considerable impact on microwave systems over the past 15 years. This technology has been applied to a variety of avionics equipment and has resulted in an increased functional capability as well as a reduction in cost. The application of this technology has generally been at the function level and not the line replaceable unit or system level. Based on projected microwave/millimeter wave discrete device improvements that will increase the capability of hybrid integrated circuits, and on the rapid development of monolithic integrated circuits, it is projected that even larger applications of MICs will be realized in the next decade. Several applications of this technology to tactical Air Force systems of the future will be discussed.