--- title: Heterogeneous Integration for Electronics Design in RF and Microwave description: Here’s what you can expect when you use heterogeneous integration for electronics package design with IPDs and thin film interposers. image: https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Heterogeneous%20Integration%20for%20Electronics.png --- [![Knowlescapacitors](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Knowlescapacitors_September2018/Images/knowlesPDWhite250w.png)](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/) - Capacitors - [Capacitor Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors) - [Aerospace & Defense](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Aerospace-and-Defense) - [High Q](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/High-Q) - [SMD Capacitors](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/SMDCap.aspx) - [MLCCs with Leads](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Leaded-MLC-s.aspx) - [Single Layer Capacitor](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Single-Layer-Capacitor.aspx) - [AEC-Q200](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/AEC-Q200.aspx) - [Broadband Blocks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Broadband-Blocks.aspx) - [Capacitor Assemblies](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/CAP-Assemblies.aspx) - [Trimmer](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Trimmer.aspx) - [Aluminum Capacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/aluminum-electrolytic/) - [Film Capacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/film-paper-film-capacitors/) - [Supercapacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/ultracapacitors/) - RF and Microwave - [RF & Microwave Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products) - [Filter Technology](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Filter-Technology) - [5G Filters](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/5G-Filters) - [Bandpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Bandpass-Filters.aspx) - [Lowpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Lowpass-Filters.aspx) - [Highpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Highpass-Filters.aspx) - [Cavity Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Cavity-Filters.aspx) - [Couplers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Couplers.aspx) - [High Frequency RF Crossover](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/RF-Crossover) - [Custom Design Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Custom-Design-Filters.aspx) - [Gain Equalizers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Gain-Equalizers.aspx) - [Power Dividers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Power-Dividers.aspx) - [Resonators](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Resonatros.aspx) - [Ceramic Resonators](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Ceramic-Resonators) - [Bias Filter Networks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Bias-Filter-Networks.aspx) - [SatCom Products](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/SatCom-Products) - [Self Bias Networks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Self-Bias-Networks.aspx) - EMI - [EMI Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI) - [EMI Filters](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI/EMI-Filters) - [Planars and Discoidals](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI/Planars-and-Discoidals) - Non Magnetic - [Non-Magnetic Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components) - [Non-Magnetic Hardware](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Hardware.aspx) - [Non-Magnetic Inductors](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Inductors.aspx) - [Non-Magnetic MLC's](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Non-Magnetic.aspx) - [Non-Magnetic Trimmers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Trimmers.aspx) - Thin Film and Substrates - [Heatsinks & Standoffs](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Heatsinks-Standoffs) - [Mounting Shorts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Mounting-Shorts) - [Submounts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Submounts) - [Build to Print](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Build-To-Print) - [Substrates](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Substrates.aspx) - Solutions - [Inductors & Baluns](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/inductors-and-baluns) - [Military and Defense](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/rf-and-microwave-components-for-military-and-defense) - [mmWave for 5G](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-5g-filter-solutions) - [SatCom Products](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Solutions/SatCom-Products) - [High Reliability for Medical](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/high-reliability-capacitors-medical-implantable) - [High Voltage for Electric Vehicles](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-capacitors-for-electric-vehicles) - [Contact](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Contact.aspx) - [Careers](https://www.knowles.com/careers) - [Company](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Company.aspx) - Support - [Blog](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog) - [White Papers & Webinars](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/resources) - [Catalogs](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Catalogs.aspx) - [Video FAQs](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/videos) - [Capacitor Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-capacitor-basics) - [Build To Print Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/build-to-print-basics) - [Filter Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/filter-basics) - [RF Components for Radar](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-radar-funadamentals) - [Design Tools](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Design-Tools.aspx) - [Product Compliance](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/product-compliance) - [Quality](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Quality) - [Resources](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Resources.aspx) - [LOGIN](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Special-Pages/Login.aspx) - - Capacitors - [Capacitor Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors) - [Aerospace & Defense](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Aerospace-and-Defense) - [High Q](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/High-Q) - [SMD Capacitors](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/SMDCap.aspx) - [MLCCs with Leads](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Leaded-MLC-s.aspx) - [Single Layer Capacitor](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Single-Layer-Capacitor.aspx) - [AEC-Q200](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/AEC-Q200.aspx) - [Broadband Blocks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Broadband-Blocks.aspx) - [Capacitor Assemblies](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/CAP-Assemblies.aspx) - [Trimmer](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Trimmer.aspx) - [Aluminum Capacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/aluminum-electrolytic/) - [Film Capacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/film-paper-film-capacitors/) - [Supercapacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/ultracapacitors/) - RF and Microwave - [RF & Microwave Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products) - [Filter Technology](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Filter-Technology) - [5G Filters](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/5G-Filters) - [Bandpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Bandpass-Filters.aspx) - [Lowpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Lowpass-Filters.aspx) - [Highpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Highpass-Filters.aspx) - [Cavity Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Cavity-Filters.aspx) - [Couplers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Couplers.aspx) - [Custom Design Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Custom-Design-Filters.aspx) - [Gain Equalizers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Gain-Equalizers.aspx) - [Power Dividers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Power-Dividers.aspx) - [Resonators](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Resonatros.aspx) - [Ceramic Resonators](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Ceramic-Resonators) - [Bias Filter Networks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Bias-Filter-Networks.aspx) - [SatCom Products](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/SatCom-Products) - [Self Bias Networks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Self-Bias-Networks.aspx) - EMI - [EMI Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI) - [EMI Filters](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI/EMI-Filters) - [Planars and Discoidals](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI/Planars-and-Discoidals) - Non Magnetic - [Non-Magnetic Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components) - [Non-Magnetic Hardware](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Hardware.aspx) - [Non-Magnetic Inductors](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Inductors.aspx) - [Non-Magnetic MLC's](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Non-Magnetic.aspx) - [Non-Magnetic Trimmers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Trimmers.aspx) - Thin Film and Substrates - [Heatsinks, Standoffs & Submounts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Heatsinks-Standoffs) - [Mounting Shorts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Mounting-Shorts) - [Submounts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Submounts) - [Build to Print](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Build-To-Print) - [Substrates](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Substrates.aspx) - Solutions - [Inductors & Baluns](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/inductors-and-baluns) - [Military and Defense](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/rf-and-microwave-components-for-military-and-defense) - [mmWave for 5G](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-5g-filter-solutions) - [SatCom Products](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Solutions/SatCom-Products) - [High Reliability for Medical](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/high-reliability-capacitors-medical-implantable) - [High Voltage for Electric Vehicles](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-capacitors-for-electric-vehicles) - [Contact](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Contact.aspx) - [Careers](https://www.knowles.com/careers) - [Company](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Company.aspx) - Support - [Blog](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog) - [White Papers & Webinars](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/resources) - [Catalogs](http://dev.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Catalogs.aspx) - [Video FAQs](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/videos) - [Capacitor Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-capacitor-basics) - [Build To Print Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/build-to-print-basics) - [Filter Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/filter-basics) - [RF Components for Radar](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-radar-funadamentals) - [Design Tools](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Design-Tools.aspx) - [Quality](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Quality) - [Product Compliance](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/product-compliance) - [Resources](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Resources.aspx) - [LOGIN](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Special-Pages/Login.aspx) - ## Knowles Precision Devices Blog # Heterogeneous Integration for Electronics Design in RF and Microwave Posted by [Peter Matthews](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/author/peter-matthews) on Jul 12, 2023 8:30:00 AM ![Peter Matthews](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Peter.png) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Heterogeneous integration (HI) refers to the process of combining a set of electronic components with different functions and material compositions into a single, compact system. Particularly in radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications, HI-based designs accommodate higher functional density and better performance when implemented with application-specific requirements in mind. Integrated Passive Devices (IPDs), like conductors, resistors, vias, traces, and bridges, play a significant role in HI because they’re largely responsible for the resulting performance optimization when components combine. #### ![Heterogeneous Integration for Electronics](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heterogeneous%20Integration%20for%20Electronics.webp?width=1200&height=627&name=Heterogeneous%20Integration%20for%20Electronics.webp) #### The Role of HI and IPDs in Electronics Design IPDs in HI-based designs present a world of possibilities when it comes to performance and manufacturing optimization. Here’s what you can expect: ##### Improved Performance Integrating different materials and technologies results in performance gains. For example, semiconductor materials like Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Gallium Nitride (GaN), and Silicon (Si) maximize efficiency and power output when combined in amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators. This combination is uniquely suitable for applications like radar, satellite communications, and 5G networks.  IPDs in HI-based designs offer better electrical performance than their discrete counterparts. With lower parasitic effects, tighter tolerances, and more consistent temperature stability, IPDs improve signal integrity, reduce signal loss, and improve overall integrated system performance. Further, some IPDs are specifically designed to improve EMI performance in densely packed electronics to meet or exceed regulatory requirements. ##### Higher Functional Density With multiple functions in a single system, naturally, functional density increases. This can reduce system size and weight, which is essential for mobile devices, wearables, aerospace systems, and other applications where size is highly constrained. In addition, a mix of digital, analog, and mixed-signal components enhances system performance by enabling more complex systems. ##### Lower Cost Reducing the number of separate components, package complexity, and assembly steps can reduce overall costs. Further, integrating components can simplify the overall design process and reduce the bill of materials (BOM). With IPDs, designers also have the benefit of simpler manufacturing, which translates to faster time-to-market, higher yields, and reductions in production costs.  ##### High Reliability Reducing the number of interconnects and solder joints improves the reliability of RF and microwave systems by limiting sources of failure. The use of IPDs also reduces the number of discrete components. From a materials perspective, IPDs can be designed with more robust materials, which improves their durability and long-term reliability. ##### Enhanced Thermal Management By integrating heat-dissipating materials and structures, thermal management systems in HI-based designs are more efficient at removing heat. ##### Design Flexibility HI is useful for custom, application-specific designs. With the right mix of IPDs, engineers can fulfill a wide range of industry-specific requirements. #### Interposers in Heterogeneous Integrations Along with IPDs, thin film interposers play an important role in enabling advanced forms of packaging, including HI. The electrical and manufacturing properties of these building blocks are particularly advantageous in RF and microwave applications because of the performance and efficiency gains they offer. Careful consideration for all application-specific requirements, material choices, and manufacturing processes ensures optimal performance and desired reliability in the end product. For more information on thin film interposer design and Knowles Precision Devices’ build-to-print services, see our [Build-to-Print Best Practices Guide](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/getmedia/f41bed79-0db3-48db-bb6d-41354de3d8aa/KNO-BTP-Thin-Film-Best-Practice-Guide-1022) and our in-depth [Build-to-Print Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/build-to-print-ebook)ebook. [![Download Ebook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4681461/ff6fcba8-6f1c-4535-98a9-4f7644994906.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4681461/ff6fcba8-6f1c-4535-98a9-4f7644994906) Topics: [Build to Print](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/build-to-print) ## Insights Into Precision Passive Devices Knowles Precision Devices is a premier global source for Capacitors, RF Filters, EMI Filters, Resonators, non-magnetic components and advanced dielectric materials. An umbrella for the brands of **Compex**, **DLI**, **Johanson MFG**, **Novacap**, **Syfer** and **Voltronics**, Knowles Precision Devices serves a variety of markets including military, aerospace/avionics, medical equipment, implantable devices, EMI and connector filtering, oil exploration, instrumentation, industrial electronics, automotive, telecoms and data networks. This Blog will provide insights into: - Filters for 5G and mmWave - Capacitors for High Voltage - Capacitors for High Reliability and much more. Subscribe below to stay informed. ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Post By Topics - [Capacitor (154)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/capacitor) - [RF and Microwave (84)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/rf-and-microwave) - [Military and Aerospace (47)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/military-and-aerospace) - [Filtering (36)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/filtering) - [Medical (34)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/medical) - Industries - [Automotive](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Automotive.aspx) - [Industrial](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Industrial.aspx) - [Medical](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Medical.aspx) - [Military](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Military.aspx) - [Space](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Space.aspx) - [Telecom](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Telecom.aspx) - Company - [About](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Company.aspx) - [News](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/News.aspx) - [Quality](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Quality.aspx) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.knowles.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms & Conditions](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/getattachment/Knowles-T-C.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US) - [Knowles Electronics, LLC](https://www.knowles.com/) © Knowles Capacitors All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Peter Matthews", "url" : "https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/author/peter-matthews" }, "dateModified" : "2023-07-12T12:30:00.308Z", "datePublished" : "2023-07-12T12:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Heterogeneous Integration for Electronics Design in RF and Microwave", "image" : [ "https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Heterogeneous%20Integration%20for%20Electronics.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/heterogeneous-integration-for-electronics-design-in-rf-and-microwave", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Knowles%20Corporate%20logo_blue.png" }, "name" : "Knowles Precision Devices" } } ```