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.