A microwave oven's magnetron provides a powerful heating element

A microwave oven's magnetron provides a powerful heating element. This element is usually powered by an AC or DC voltage and can be anything from 2.5 V to 15 V and a few A to a hundred A. This voltage is applied before the cathode voltage and must be adjusted to avoid the "back-bombardment" effect. This voltage is controlled by an electronic circuit.

Magnetrons are a specialized form of vacuum tube. Unlike conventional ovens, they produce fairly powerful microwave RF without the use of a separate amplifier or oscillator. They work by producing waves from an electron stream that resides in resonant cavities. These waves are then coupled to a waveguide and sent to the oven chamber. The microwave oven magnetron was developed by Raytheon employee Percy Spencer.

Magnetrons have many advantages, including low cost and mass market appeal. Microwave ovens with magnetrons cost less than $100 for a basic unit and up to one thousand dollars for a more powerful unit. This makes them a cost-effective alternative to other microwave technologies. It's important to note that magnetrons are incredibly strong and can potentially electrocute a child if they try to open the box.

Microwave oven magnetrons are useful for many purposes. They can be used to produce microwaves and control other devices. For example, a microwave oven magnetron can be adjusted to produce varying frequencies and create interesting effects.