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Understanding Integrated Circuit
Variation A
Another name for a chip, an integrated circuit (IC)
is a small electronic device made out of a semiconductor
material. Integrated circuits are used for a variety of
devices, including microprocessors, audio and video
equipment, and automobiles. Integrated circuits are
often classified by the number of transistors and
other electronic components they contain:
SSI (small-scale integration): Up to 100 electronic
components per chip
MSI (medium-scale integration): From 100 to 3,000 electronic
components per chip
LSI (large-scale integration): From 3,000 to 100,000 electronic
components per chip
VLSI (very large-scale integration): From 100,000 to 1,000,000
electronic components per chip
ULSI (ultra large-scale integration): More than 1 million
electronic components per chip
Variation B
A circuit of transistors, resistors, and capacitors
constructed on a single semiconductor wafer or chip,
in which the components are interconnected to perform
a given function.
Variation C
A complex set of electronic components and their
interconnections that are etched or imprinted onto
a tiny slice of semiconducting material.
Variation D
A microelectronic computer circuit incorporated
into a chip or semiconductor; a whole system rather
than a single component
Variation E
A device made of interconnected electronic components,
such as transistors and resistors, that are etched or
imprinted onto a tiny slice of a semiconducting material,
such as silicon or germanium. An integrated circuit smaller
than a fingernail can hold millions of circuits. Also called
chip, microchip.
Variation F
A miniaturized electrical circuit built on a microchip.
Variation G
An entire electronic circuit contained on one piece
of silicon. The first integrated circuit began with a
single board (originally plastic), onto which strips of
conducting material were sprayed; electronic components
could then be inserted directly onto the board.