What is an Integrated Circuit? Types, Uses, & Applications of Integrated Circuit

[John Snow]

The arrival of the 21st century witnessed technological advancements that are taking the world by storm. Integrated Circuits in recent years have been one of the most important technological developments and this section contains a detailed description of ICs.

What is an Integrated Circuit?

Often called a chip or Microchip, Integrated Circuit is a series of transistors with a place on silicon. When compared with the standard circuits, Integrated Circuit appears smaller in size. The semiconductor wafer with innumerable resistors, transistors and capacitors with fabrication.

Types of Integrated Circuit

Integrated circuits come in different variants that justify their diversified functionalities. Let’s have a look at them:

● Digital Integrated Circuit

As a part of subtypes, Digital Integrated circuit components are available as memory chips and programmable ICs, interfaces ICs, and power management ICs. The primary function of a Digital Integrated circuit is to perform at signal amplitude levels of smaller numbers.



● Analog Integrated Circuit

Linear or Analog integrated circuits are one of a kind due to their specific use of components. These circuits work wonders in receiving or sending signals from and to the environment.



● Mixed Analog Digital Integrated Circuit

This feels like a hybrid circuit that includes both the Analog and Digital variants in one. These mixed ICs help convert digital data to analogue data and vice versa with ease. The revolutionary idea was to facilitate the integration of Analog and Digital circuits for unveiling better technologies.



● Logic Gate Integrated Circuit

These are combination circuits that utilize different signals for the concerned output. Inputs might be more than one but the output will always be one.



● Switching Integrated Circuit

This circuit facilitates the switching of operations within the various components, leading to a more collaborative execution.



● Timer Integrated Circuit

This is a monolithic IC that aids in précised time cycles with a 50 to 100% duty cycle keeping track of the elapsed time.



● Amplifier Integrated Circuit

Audio and operational are the two amplifier integrated circuits available. The one-ended output gets derived from the various inputs via this high-voltage amplifier.

Uses of Integrated Circuits

Integrated Circuits have a variety of uses that makes them one of the most sought-after requirements in the various commodity industries:

● Radar

● Wristwatches

● Computers

● Televisions

● Small signal amplifiers

● Counters

● Video processor

● Memory devices

● Voltage regulators

● Flip flops

● Microcontrollers

● Logic devices

● Juice makers

● Audio amplifiers

● Microwave amplifiers

● Radiofrequency decoders and encoders

● Timers

● Clock chips

● Calculators

● Memory chips

● Temperature sensors



Advantages

● Integrated circuits are small in size, facilitating better integration.

● Lower production expenditure and greater reliability.

● Lesser power consumption and easier replacement.

● Improved functionalities, even at higher temperatures.

● Increased operational speed and small signal suitability.

Final Thoughts

With its range of benefits, Integrated circuits are becoming the requirement of the day for technological advancements. Though there might be a few drawbacks, those are considerable after keeping the advantages in hindsight.