A brief History of mixed Circuit and Module Technology(4)

From full customization to today's COTS

Previous views on the continued use of hybrid circuits and modules in military systems remain valid. It is important, however, to recognize that commercial pressure on military equipment manufacturers is greater than ever, especially in terms of costs and timing.

The fully customized hybrid design is expensive and takes a relatively long time to develop. Alternative monolithic IC solutions are increasing year by year. While large defence companies are still developing new hybrid designs, the trend towards manufacturing outsourcing is discernible as production declines.