Integrated Circuit(IC)

Integrated Circuit(IC)
Integrated Circuit(IC)

Integrated circuit(IC) or monolithic integrated circuit (also referred to as an IC, a chip, or a microchip) is a set of electronic circuits on one small flat piece (or “chip”) of semiconductor material, usually silicon. Large numbers of tiny MOSFETs (metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors) integrate into a small chip and this results in circuits that are orders of magnitude smaller, faster, and less expensive. The IC’s mass production capability, reliability, and building-block approach to integrated circuit design has ensured the rapid adoption of standardized ICs in place of designs using discrete transistors.

What is the size of an IC?

At present, IC critical dimensions (or smallest dimensions of IC elements) are in the order of 10 nanometers (nm: 10-9m), which is extremely small.

How does IC work?

IC are a combination of diodes, microprocessors, and transistors in a minimized form on a wafer made of silicon. Transistors -These components are used to store voltages. They can be utilized to amplify the given signal. It is used as switches working in digital circuits.

What is IC number?

Reading an IC part number is a simple process which will allow the reader to determine the chip’s manufacturer and technical specifications. All IC chips have a two-part serial number. The second part of the serial number indicates the IC’s technical specifications.

How do you test IC?

Touch the IC with your finger just by starting the voltage supply to it. Notice if the IC is getting heat up as it naturally gets and if you are not able to touch it after few 10-12 seconds.

Types :

  1. SSI: Small scale integration. 3 – 30 gates per chip.
  2. MSI: Medium scale integration. 30 – 300 gates per chip.
  3. LSI: Large scale integration. 300 – 3,000 gates per chip.
  4. VLSI: Very large scale integration. More than 3,000 gates per chip.

Advantages :

  1. IC’s are smaller in size and hence the circuit is simplified.
  2. Space required by Integrated Circuit is very less.
  3. Power consumption is less.
  4. They are economical.
  5. It has the ability to operate at extreme temperatur

Disadvantages :

  1. Integrated Circuit (IC) cannot produce high power.
  2. If any component on IC is faulty and then the entire IC has to be replaced.