White Paper: 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Specifying Integrated Microwave Assemblies

Thirty years ago, the original IMAs were known as MICs — microwave integrated circuits — that integrated several microwave components into a single housing. These products created multifunctional performance by combining individual circuits fabricated on alumina carriers in a precisely machined aluminum package. Today’s technology has greatly increased the complexity, density, and functionality of IMAs. The machined package has been replaced by multi-layer microwave circuit boards, and techniques have evolved for combining the surface-mount devices, MMICs (monolithic microwave integrated circuits), and alumina MIC substrates — all on a single surface.