Introduction to Classifications and Benefits of Integrated Circuits

Since its first introduction in the year 1958, Integrated Circuits (ICs) have made greater inroads into the technological advancements than any other electronic component. Use of these circuits has helped in the miniaturization of a large number of computers, mobiles, laptops and other electronic devices.

Classification of ICs

These can be classified into analog & digital ICs.

1. Analog ICs

The input and output signals in this type of ICs are continuous. The output signal level is a linear function of input signal level. These output signal levels depend upon the input signal levels.

Applications of analog ICs

It is commonly used as radio frequency amplifier and audio frequency amplifier. Well-known examples of analog ICs are timers, comparators and voltage regulators.

2. Digital ICs

Digital ICs operate with binary data such as 1 and 0. Where 0 indicates 0 volt and 1 indicates +5volt in different digital circuits. Transistors are main components of such circuits. The transistors used in these ICs may be bipolar or field effect depending upon the applications of ICs. The number of transistors incorporated in a single IC chip is increasing, as the technology in the electronic industry is improving day-by-day.

Applications of digital ICs

Some of the popular examples of digital ICs are counters, microprocessors, logic gates, flip flops, logic gates, XOR gate and many more.

Types of sub-classifications of ICs

1. Based on the number of transistors incorporated in a single chip

ICs can be classified into different types, depending upon the number of transistors incorporated in a single chip, like

• Small Scale Integration (SSI)
• Medium Scale Integration (MSI)
• Large Scale Integration (LSI)
• Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)
• Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI)

2. Depending upon the active devices used in ICs

ICs can be classified into as bipolar ICs and unipolar ICs, depending upon the active devices used in the integrated circuits.

3. Sub-classification by modern electronic component distributors

• Mixed-signal ICs can be further sub-categorized by integrated circuits distributor and wholesaler as data acquisition integrated circuits. Some of the popular data acquisition ICs are digital potentiometers, digital to analog converter and analog to digital converter.
• Analog integrated circuits are further sub-categorized by the wholesalers of integrated circuits as radio frequency circuits and linear ICs.
• Digital circuits can be sub-classified by modern Altera integrated circuits distributor into interface ICs such as serializer or deserializer and level shifters. Also, it can be classified into logic ICs and memory chips.
  

Advantages of ICs

• These circuits are thousands time smaller than discrete circuits.
• Owing to miniaturized circuit, the integrated circuit is appreciated for its lightweight.
• It is suitable for small signal operation.
• It is known for its excellent ability of operating at extremely high temperature.
• As many complex circuits can be fabricated into single chip, these circuits are known for their improved functional performance.
• Due to their compact/small design, these circuits are valued for their lower energy/power consumption.
• Elimination of soldered joints and fewer interconnections ensures enhanced functionality.
• Close matching of temperature coefficients and components ensures better efficiency.
• Due to absence of parasitic capacitance effect, the operating speed of these circuits increases compared to discreet circuits.
• It is cost effective to replace them than to repair them.
• It is available at very low cost as mass production of an IC costs as much as an individual transistor.

Conclusion

ICs are one of the more fundamental concepts of electronics. They are complex circuits that contain thousands of electrical components such as capacitors, transistors, diodes and resistors. Today, these electrical components are used in automobiles, computers, mobiles, laptops and many other electronic devices.

Quick View of Different Requirements for Becoming a HR Consultant

Human resource professionals in any organization or consulting firm carry out many important work activities. They play important role in hiring right kind of candidates for available positions in the organization. Also, they suggest the management team how to strategically manage professionals as business resources.

Roles and Responsibilities of Human Resource Professionals

With advancement in technology, the role and responsibilities of human resource professionals have changed over a period of time. Recruitment is one of the important business processes that they handle in any business organization. Through series of examinations, both technical and non-technical, they identify new talent and train them to meet hiring demands efficiently. Key responsibilities of HR professionals include:

1. Identifying hiring needs
2. Developing the position description
3. Recruitment plan development
4. Development of organizational chart
5. Development of other recruitment related documents
6. Conducting recruitments showing good faith efforts to broaden diversity
7. Understanding of collective bargaining agreements’ specific provisions with respect to filling of bargaining unit positions
8. Reviewing recruitments and providing oversight of the recruitment process
9. Routing online recruitment requests to Human Resources for job classification
10. Shortlisting the candidates

• Essential Information

Human Resource (HR) consultants are in great demand in human resource consulting firm. They help to match up the job opening with experienced and qualified candidates. They help a business succeeded in achieving their desired objectives and goals, by assisting in the hiring process.

• Desired Professional Skills

To become successful, applicant should have strong verbal and written communication skills. They should be familiar with human resource software, database program and other customer relationship software.

Knowledge of labor laws, compensation structures and employee benefits is recommended for individuals interested in pursuing a career as HR consultant. They should have knowledge of employee recruitment, hiring and retention procedures.

• Education Qualification

To become a consultant, applicants are required to complete a bachelor’s degree from any reputed institute or university in the US. But only bachelor degree is not enough to make a successful career in this field. So, students also complete different certifications, gain expertise and even complete master’s program in human resource management. Read below to learn about the education qualification needed to become a HR consultant.

1. Bachelor’s Degree

HR consultants are required to have bachelor’s degree, as per the guidelines of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, exact majors and programs of bachelor’s degree can differ. Most of the consultants have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, business management or behavioral science.

In most of the esteemed universities in the United States of America (USA), human resource programs are not typically available in a bachelor’s degree program. Organizational developments, human resources administration, human resources management are some of the minor specializations available for students.

2. Gain Experience

It was found during a survey that employers in the US prefer to hire HR specialists with at least two years of experience in the industry. They work as associate, assistant, specialist or recruiter in entry level HR positions, for the purpose of gaining appropriate experience.

3. Certification

HR professionals may obtain more certifications once employed in any organization or HR consulting firm. These certifications help them gain more skills and expertise.

Professional in human resources and senior professional in human resources are some of the popular certifications offered by “The HR Certification Institute”. Membership with an industry organization, in addition to certifications, help one get better positions.

4. Master’s Degree

Some consultants pursue Master’s degree in labor relations or business administration. Master’s degree is pursued by these consultants while specialization in human resources at bachelors degree program. Many human resources consulting firm in the United States require applicants to have Master’ Degree for advanced HR consultant’s position.

Some of the Common Courses Taken up by Consultants

• Labor history
• Labor economics
• Contract negotiating
• Contact mediating
• Industrial relations
• Labor relations
• Business management

• Career Outlook

Human resources experts and specialists earn a median annual salary of $58, 350, as per BLS. Most of HR consultants in the U.S were making between $34, 120 and $99, 920 per year, as of May 2016. Between 2014 and 2024, demand for specialists will grow by 5% and those working as consultants will have better job prospects, as per the predictions made by BLS.

How to Become HR Consultants and Why the HR Department Is Important?

HR Department ensures that a company’s human capital serves the best interest of the organization. Also, they work to ensure that the organization is effectively using its resources to achieve its stated goals.

How to Become a HR Consultant?

1. Education and Certification

Individuals must be equipped with a rock-solid education coupled with plenty of experience to succeed in HR consulting. To start your career in HR consulting, individual must have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources or related field.

HR professionals can distinguish themselves as leader in the profession, by getting professional certification. Professionals can get “Certified Human Resources Consultant Certification” from Human Resource Management Institute (HRMI), to set themselves apart from rest of the HR professionals in this domain.

“Certified Resource Analyst, Human Resource Certification” from National Academy of Management Consultants (NAMC) is considered an excellent way for professionals to move forward in career.

2. Role and Responsibilities of HR

Basic role of an HR is to understand inefficiencies and issues in the human resources and adopt efficient ways to resolve them. They should have a deep understanding of everything - from labor laws to organizational management to equal opportunity employment. Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting training sessions related to specific program
• Conduct audits of HR activities for ensuring compliance
• Develop methods to comply and analyse data for special projects and reports
• Assist with the development and coordination of recommended changes regarding workflow
• Prepare and maintain reports related to specific projects
• Ensure that policies and procedures are established

3. Desired Qualities And Competencies For HR Consultants

• Self Confidence

They should be sure of themselves for best performance.

• Practical and Theoretical Knowledge

They must have the experience necessary for understanding what solutions have worked in the past and about how to improve upon past mistakes.

• Ability to Explain Ideas And Concepts In A Simplified Manner

They should understand complex ideas in human resources and should be able to explain problems and solutions in terms that every employee can understand.

• Trustworthy

They must be able to develop a strong relationship with their clients. Also, they must display integrity to gain trust.

• Excellent Listening Skills

In order to understand problems completely, HR must carefully listen to the needs of their clients. This helps them to implement solutions that address specific needs of the clients.

4. Average Annual Salaries of HR Professionals

The annual, mean salary for Human Resource (HR) consultants is about $90,000, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2014. This finding reveals that every leading human resource consulting firm in the US is paying handsome salaries to its consultants so that they can serve their clients better.

Some of the average salaries paid by different states of the US in the year 2014 were:

• Maryland: $98,700
• Washington: $98,280
• New York: $102,420
• Massachusetts: $101,090
• Virginia: $101,040

Importance of Human Resource Management

For large conglomerates and small businesses alike, the human resources can be helpful for much more than simply handling the open enrolment season once a year or processing payroll. Human resources consulting firm may be contracted to address specific human resource issues. Regardless of the reason for their consulting efforts, the goal is always the same: to leave the organization with a productive and an efficient HR department.

• Training and Development

Department of HR in any organization conducts needs assessments for company’s current workforce for determining the type of skills and training required for improving the skills of their employees. In their growth phase, organizations can benefit from identifying training needs for existing staff. Training professionals is much less expensive than the cost of hiring additional staff or more experienced candidates.

• Employee Satisfaction

HR department is usually given responsibility of determining the level of employee satisfaction, which is often a vague measurement at best. HR professionals determine what underlies employee dissatisfaction and also addresses those issues for motivating their employees in the most efficient manner.

Cost Savings

The cost for hiring a new professional or replacing workers for really small business ventures can be excessive. HR experts work to minimize expenses regarding advertisement, job posting, enrolling new employee in benefits plans and training new employees. It is achieved through a well-constructed recruitment and selection process.

• Performance Improvement

HR Department decides the performance appraisal of the employees.

• Sustaining Business

HR experts develop succession planning to identify employees with the requisite capabilities and promise to eventually transition into leadership roles with the organization. It can guarantee the company’s stability and future success.