Theory Of Operation; Microwave Operation - Whirlpool MH9180XL Service Manual

Traditional microwave technology is only able
to generate microwave energy at full power. In
order to reduce the power when cooking, de-
frosting, or reheating food, the microwave cycles
on and off, intermittently heating the food at full
power, so that the food is still heated with full-
power, but for less time. This makes it difficult
to achieve slow, or simmer-type cooking.
A microwave operates at full power whenever
the magnetron is on. Reducing the power level
only reduces the time that the magnetron is on.
50% Power Cycling On & Off
(Old Technology)
Old Technology
Power Level Magnetron On
0 0 Seconds
1 4 Seconds
2 6 Seconds
3 8 Seconds
4 11 Seconds
5 13 Seconds
6 16 Seconds
7 18 Seconds
8 20 Seconds
9 22 Seconds
10 24 Seconds

THEORY OF OPERATION

MICROWAVE OPERATION

Magnetron Off
24 Seconds
20 Seconds
18 Seconds
16 Seconds
13 Seconds
11 Seconds
8 Seconds
6 Seconds
4 Seconds
2 Seconds
0 Seconds
Newest developed technology has the ability
to control the level of microwave energy. When
cooking, defrosting, or reheating at reduced
power levels, the food receives constant en-
ergy that is evenly dispensed, producing true
slow, or simmer-type cooking.
50% Power On Continuously
(New Technology)
New Technology
Power Level
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3-1
Magnetron On Magnetron Off
0 Seconds 24 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds
24 Seconds 0 Seconds