Specifications

Ver SG 9/200 14 Sharp Electronics Corporation
The Microwave Oven
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Unlike most cooking appliances in which the food to be cooked is overwhelmed with
heat, a microwave oven operates essentially at room temperature. In fact, if anything, the
food heats the oven.
Meet the key components of a microwave oven:
1. Cavity Provides frame for microwave oven.
2. Door Provides access to cavity.
3. Magnetron Generation of microwave power.
4. Waveguide Couples magnetron antenna to oven cavity.
5. Stirrer Antenna Reflects microwave energy to ensure even
cooking.
6. Power Supply Supply filament and high voltage to
magnetron.
7. Power Cord Connects to electrical outlet.
The main function of the power supply is to convert AC line voltage to the high voltages
required by the microwave energy generator, the magnetron. When the magnetron is
energized it generates high frequency energy which then passes down the waveguide to
the cavity. As the stirrer antenna turns, it provides even absorption in the food load.
Without the stirrer antenna, the food load would be subject to standing hot and cold spots
where the microwaves are not evenly distributed.
The food load is supported on a ceramic shelf positioned off the floor of the oven for a
reason. This position permits some of the energy to be reflected from the oven floor into
the food from below. If this were not done the bottom of the food would lag behind in
cooking giving uneven doneness.