Integrated circuits are advanced electrical circuits. They are capable of processing an enormous amount of data. A good example of integrated circuit design is the microprocessor in your computer. Your microprocessor knows which keys on the keyboard you press and the manner in which you move your mouse. It takes this information to operate the computer. But what exactly are integrated circuits and where did they come from?
Circuit Components
Components of an integrated circuit design include transistors, resistors, capacitors, and diodes. Here is a closer look at them.
Transistors
A transistor is similar to an “on/off” switch. It can kill power to a circuit or amplify the current. In a computer, a transistor stores data and in stereos it makes sound signals stronger.
Resistors
Resistors decrease the electric current in a circuit with the principle of resistance. When you turn the volume down on your radio or television, you are utilizing a resistor.
Capacitors
Capacitors have the ability to store energy and release it all at once. They can produce a camera flash or provide enough current to start an electric motor.
Diodes
A diode is like a filter and can allow current through in some cases and stop the flow of current in other cases. A good example is a photoelectric cell.
Arrangement
How you arrange integrated circuit design determines what you get. For example, one arrangement may create an amplifier while another one might make a computer or alarm system.
Vacuum Tubes
Before the transistor emerged on the scene, bulky vacuum tubes did their job. These tubes were similar to light bulbs and they could easily burn out too. Transistors were smaller and virtually maintenance free. Transistors made it possible to create much smaller integrated circuit design and this led to miniaturization.
As technology advanced, the need grew for an integrated circuit capable of handling many operations. Finally in 1958, Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit chip. Less than a year later, Robert Noyce introduced an integrated chip which worked better and was more suitable for mass production. You may have heard of the company Mr. Noyce co-founded. It is known as Intel.
Today’s Integrated Circuit Design
Modern chips utilize silicon technology. The circuits are created in silicon chips making mass production simple and cost effective. The process uses photolithography and a special ultra violet light shines through a mask and then onto a silicon chip. Once this film has been developed the circuit is imprinted onto the chip. During the process, an integrated circuit is created layer by layer. This method can create powerful circuits capable of processing an extremely high amount of information.
