What is an integrated circuit (IC)?

An integrated circuit (IC), also known as a microchip, computer chip, or simply chip, is a small electronic device made up of multiple interconnected electronic components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors. These components are etched onto a small piece of semiconductor material, usually silicon.

What is a silicon integrated circuit?

The concept was to embed a number of transistors and other devices onto a single piece of silicon and to form the interconnections within the silicon itself. Before the integrated circuit, electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, diodes, inductors, and capacitors, were manually wired together on a board.

Why are capacitors important?

Capacitors are important in realizing most circuits. A capacitor stores energy in an electric field between two “plates”. The basic equation for a capacitor is . As with most integrated devices, there are trade-offs between the desired aspects of the device and the undesired elements.

What is a digital integrated circuit?

Integrated circuits may be monolithic — one piece of silicon, where components are added in one layer, or they may be more complex, such as chiplets that have more than one piece of silicon. The digital integrated circuit consists of transistors, contacts, and interconnects.

What components were used before the integrated circuit?

Before the integrated circuit, electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, diodes, inductors, and capacitors, were manually wired together on a board. The integrated circuit allowed for more powerful, lightweight, miniaturized applications by integrating components onto one chip of material.

What are the three types of integrated circuits?

The three main types of integrated circuits are analog, digital, and mixed signal circuits. Integrated circuits may be monolithic — one piece of silicon, where components are added in one layer, or they may be more complex, such as chiplets that have more than one piece of silicon.