Millimeter wave applications and technology trends

Over the past two decades millimeter wave technology was fostered by military needs and applications, as it offers a number of commonly known advantages, such as narrow beamwidth with relatively small antenna dimensions, high radar resolution and high radar cross section, as well as small size and lightweight equipment. However, wide spread application was hampered due to the lack of suitable power sources and the comparatively high component costs. As corresponding research and development efforts were ongoing worldwide since the early 1970's, today's component technology, e.g. planar and quasi-planar technology for hybrid integration, is not only available, but mature and wide spread. Two major market oriented employment areas can be distinguished nowadays, communications and traffic-control systems, the earlier being either point-to-point orlan systems, the later incorporating radar- and beacon-systems. Millimeter wave systems have found an increasing interest for such purposes, due to their specific advantages, as well as the lack of frequencies for new services. While the military market is decreasing, commercial applications of millimeter waves are increasing rapidly.