Integrated Circuit (IC)

What is an Integrated Circuit?

An integrated circuit (IC) is a small electronic device that contains a large number of electronic components, such as transistors, diodes, resistors, and capacitors, fabricated onto a single piece of semiconductor material.

Types of Integrated Circuits

• Digital ICs: Microprocessors, microcontrollers, logic gates
• Analog ICs: Operational amplifiers, voltage regulators, filters
• Mixed-signal ICs: Combine digital and analog functions

Advantages

• Small size
• Low power consumption
• High reliability
• Low cost

Applications

• Computers and smartphones
• Telecommunication systems
• Automotive systems
• Medical devices
• Consumer electronics

Classification

• Based on integration level: SSI, MSI, LSI, VLSI
• Based on technology: Bipolar, MOS, BiCMOS