The modern explosively and electrically driven high-power microwave devices produce non-nuclear EMP effects. High-power microwave weapons have proven capable of gigawatt-class power output that can disrupt or even destroy modern electronics, but at comparatively short range. They can also be employed for counter-personnel applications such as crowd control or perimeter security.
Electronic effects that can be generated by radiofrequency systems can be characterised in Four main types :
- Upset - Altering the electrical state of a node (Jamming)
- Lock-Up - Electrical reset is required (System Reboot)
- Latch-Up - Electric Power to a node is cut-off (Blown fuse )
- Burnout - Physical damage to the electronics (Melting of Circuit Boards)
DRDO has developed High Power Microwave (HPM) modules and Terahertz devices. The Microwave Power Module (MPM) was developed by MTRDC. This compact RF Power Module is capable of giving continuous RF Power in very wide frequency band and could be used as transmitter for naval defence and civilian radars, communication and Electronic Warfare systems.
