The RF Energy Alliance (RFEA) has released its initial solid-state RF energy (SSRFE) specification, "The RF Power Amplifier (PA) Roadmap: Residential Appliances." The document marks the first time cross-value chain representatives have collectively defined and specified current and future SSRFE PA modules. Notably, the Roadmap demonstrates that PA modules can be cost competitive to current magnetron-based solutions within a decade. This establishes mass-market viability of what has been considered a cost-prohibitive and complex technology.
A clean, highly efficient and transformative heating and power technology, SSRFE is commonly understood as an alternate power source for magnetron-powered applications (e.g., microwave furnace). Spearheaded by Ampleon, E.G.O. Group, Huber+Suhner, ITW, Rogers Corporation and Whirlpool R&D, the Roadmap sets parameters for five PA module generations targeting cooking applications. More than 40 characteristics are defined per module, ranging from operational lifetime requirements and environmental conditions over efficiency and size to RF output and interface standards.
“The RF Energy Alliance views this Roadmap as the first agreed-upon approach to solid-state RF energy design,” said Dr. Klaus Werner, Executive Director, RFEA. “You’ll soon see elegantly-designed cooking appliances delivering exceptional culinary experiences with remarkable energy efficiency. What’s more exciting, though, is what comes next as RFEA continues to build on this foundation. We’re at a critical turning point for many power- and heat-dependent industries as we’ve just begun to tap the true potential of solid-state RF energy.”
"The RF PA Roadmap: Residential Appliances" is available only to Alliance members. Companies and academia interested in joining can learn about RFEA membership at rfenergy.org /membership.
The Roadmap’s companion document, the RFEA system architect’s guide, is slated for release in Q2 of 2016.