In order to be commercially successful, design and technology of compound semiconductor devices and circuits increasingly have to take into account needs and constraints of systems. This is why Fraunhofer IAF does not focus as much on achieving record performance data, e. g. transistors with the highest frequency or laser chips with the greatest output power, but rather on achieving a carefully balanced set of parameters for each device, circuit or module in order to guarantee an optimum overall performance of the whole system.

Combining the best set of devices available does not necessarily guarantee highest functionality and reliability in the subsequent use in systems. Therefore, Fraunhofer IAF has acquired new competencies in research and development (R&D) with the aim of optimizing devices and circuits for use in specific systems.