Definition

Noun: A complete electronic circuit, containing transistors, diodes, resistors, and sometimes capacitors, fabricated as a single, miniature unit on a thin slice of semiconductor material (typically silicon). It is a self-contained system, not a collection of separate components.

Usage

The term "integrated circuit" refers to the physical microchip itself. It is used when discussing the design, manufacture, or function of this fundamental component in modern electronics. - It is a countable noun (e.g., an integrated circuit, several integrated circuits). - Often abbreviated as IC.

Examples

• The invention of the integrated circuit revolutionized the field of electronics.
• This device contains a custom integrated circuit that handles all the signal processing.
• Engineers are working to make integrated circuits smaller and more powerful.

Advanced Usage

• "System on a Chip (SoC)": A highly advanced type of integrated circuit that integrates all or most components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip.
• "Monolithic Integrated Circuit": The standard type of IC where the entire circuit is fabricated on a single piece of semiconductor material.

Variants and Related Words

• IC (n.): The standard abbreviation.
• Microchip (n.): A common synonym, though it can sometimes refer more broadly to any microprocessor or memory chip.
• Chip (n.): A very common, informal term for an integrated circuit.
• Semiconductor Device (n.): A broader category that includes integrated circuits, transistors, and diodes.

Synonyms

• Microchip
• Chip
• Silicon chip

Related Phrases

• "Fabricate an integrated circuit": To manufacture an IC.
• "Integrated circuit design": The engineering process of planning the layout and function of an IC.

Noun

1. a microelectronic computer circuit incorporated into a chip or semiconductor; a whole system rather than a single component