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Distributed-element circuits are electrical circuits composed of lengths of transmission lines or other distributed components. Used mostly at microwave frequencies, they perform the same functions as conventional circuits composed of passive components, such as capacitors, inductors, and transformers. They are made by patterning the conducting medium itself, rather than connecting pre-manufactured components with the medium. A major advantage is that they can be produced cheaply on printed circuit boards for consumer products, such as satellite television. They are also made in coaxial and waveguide formats for applications such as radar, satellite communication, and microwave links. Distributed element circuits were used in radar in World War II, and later in military, space, and broadcasting infrastructure. Improvements in materials science led to broader applications, and they can now be found in domestic products such as satellite dishes and mobile phones. (Full article...)