An integrated circuit or IC is a small semiconductor on which thousands of tiny resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors are embedded. Today, nearly every electronic device you see, from your handheld smartphones to your PCs and televisions, uses integrated circuits. It can be said that they are the fundamental building block of most modern electronic devices, thanks to their advanced IC components.
Advantages of Integrated Circuits
Integrated circuits were first invented in the 1960s and set the stage for modern-day solid-state electronics that replaced transistors. Over the last half-century, they have helped develop smaller, faster, more efficient electronics. Let’s go deeper to take a look at some of the advantages they have offered.
1. Compact Size and Low Weight
One of the biggest advantages of integrated circuits is their compact size. These circuits’ small size has allowed the development of smaller-scale miniaturized electronics. They can easily have up to hundreds of transistors and other IC components embedded within them. At the same time, they are lightweight.
2. Low Power Consumption
The incredibly reduced size of integrated circuits also means they don’t need as much power to charge them up. As a result, your electronic devices will consume less power.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Another major advantage of integrated circuits is their incredibly low production costs. This is because you can simultaneously produce hundreds of similar circuits on a single small semiconductor wafer. The low production costs further mean that you can easily replace them if they get damaged rather than getting them repaired.
4. Reliability
Integrated circuits are much more reliable; one can easily fabricate even the most complex circuits with lower chances of error. This is followed by a lack of soldered joints, which saves manufacturers from one of the main causes of faulty electronic circuits – bad soldering. Moreover, nearly all the components are embedded inside the silicon chip, so there is a lower chance of their getting damaged due to vibration or mishandling.
Components of an Integrated Circuit
Here we will discuss some of the integrated circuits’ most common components (IC components).
1. IC Batteries
Integrated circuit batteries or IC batteries are a combination of a battery and an integrated circuit. They allow you to store batteries to power any electronic device. These components are usually found in medical devices such as pacemakers or portable electronics, which need to store energy for longer periods.
2. Touch Screen Controllers
Touch screen controllers or touch screen sensors are a type of semiconductor device that allows you to convert the actions a user takes on a screen to create signals that the associated device can read. They are mainly used in the engineering of display screens which act as control panels for the operation of machinery. Touch screen controllers are further seen in smartphones, touch screen monitors, ATMs, and tablets.
3. I/O Expanders
I/O expanders are generally used to help increase the number of signal connections available for connecting input or output devices. They are typically used in conjunction with microcontrollers and microprocessors and can help expand the functions of existing systems, such as those in keypads or LED controls.
The Growing Need for Reliable Integrated Circuit Components
Every appliance we use in our day-to-day activities, such as smartphones, PCs, and televisions, all carry integrated circuits. Various types of ICs, such as digital ICs, analog ICs, and mixed-signal ICs, are further being used in a wide range of industries. Popular applications include the automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, telecommunication, information technology, healthcare, and defense industries. The main drive behind this rapid demand for ICs is a need for smaller, more reliable, faster, and cost-effective devices. As a result, the demand for IC electronic components is consistently on the rise.
About Gfook Electromic
If you desire to find a reliable distributor of IC components, consider Gfook Electromic. Gfook Electromic is one of the leading global semiconductor and electronic components distributors. With years of experience, they have been providing clients in a wide range of global industries with high-quality, reliable, cutting-edge IC components. You can find nearly all types of semiconductor and electronic components on their website; check out the complete catalog here!