Integraallülitus

Integraallülitus, often known as an integrated circuit (IC) or microchip, is a miniaturized electronic circuit manufactured on a semiconductor wafer, typically silicon. These circuits contain a vast number of transistors, resistors, capacitors, and other electronic components that are interconnected to perform specific functions. The creation of an integrated circuit involves complex photolithography and etching processes, where patterns are precisely transferred onto the semiconductor material.

The development of the integrated circuit in the late 1950s by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce revolutionized electronics. Before ICs, electronic devices relied on discrete components connected by wires, making them bulky, unreliable, and expensive. Integrated circuits allowed for the integration of multiple components onto a single chip, leading to smaller, more efficient, and more affordable electronic devices. This innovation paved the way for the digital revolution and the widespread adoption of computers, smartphones, and countless other modern technologies.

Integrated circuits are broadly categorized into analog, digital, and mixed-signal types. Analog ICs process continuous signals, while digital ICs handle discrete values, forming the basis of digital logic. Mixed-signal ICs combine both analog and digital functionalities. They are ubiquitous in virtually all electronic devices today, from simple calculators to sophisticated supercomputers, and their continuous miniaturization and increased complexity are driving further advancements in technology.