An Integrated Circuit(IC), or we can call it IC, chip, or microchip is a small semiconductor-based electronic device minuscule chip consisting of fabricated transistors, resistors, and capacitors, and other metallic connections required for a complete electrical circuit. In this article, we will discuss it in five aspects.

Ⅰ. What is an Integrated Circuit?

Integrated circuit structure diagram

An Integrated Circuit (IC), also known as an IC chip or a microchip, is a compact semiconductor-based electronic device made up of manufactured transistors, resistors, capacitors, and other metallic connections that make up a full electrical circuit. Texas Instruments' Jack Kilby and Fairchild Semiconductor's Robert Noyce built the first integrated circuit in the 1950s. Digital, analog, and mixed integrated circuits are the three types of integrated circuits. The most common electronic gadgets and equipment use integrated circuits as their building blocks. It can be utilized in practically any electrical device or appliance on the market today. It can be found in practically every piece of modern electric equipment or appliance. This includes computers, televisions, cellphones, and even toys designed for children. ICs have transformed the world of electronics by being employed in practically every electronic equipment.

The entire circuit is built around this chip. It is about the size of a human fingernail and is quite small in compared to basic circuit circuits built of many components. Monolithic chips are currently the most widely utilized integrated circuits.

Ⅱ. Why Integrated Circuit is important?

The integrated circuit (IC) is a single unit made up of millions of electronic components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors. Its introduction transformed the electronics industry and opened the way for gadgets such as cell phones, laptops, CD players, televisions, and a variety of other household appliances. Because of their tiny size, great reliability, and efficiency, ICs are used in practically every electronic product today. Electronic devices would be more slower and larger without ICs.

Furthermore, the widespread use of chips aided in the dissemination of advanced electronic gadgets to all corners of the globe.

Ⅲ. Integrated Circuit VS Discrete Circuit

Differences between Discrete Circuit and Integrated Circuit

(1)The Integrated Circuit (IC) is a single unit made up of millions of electronic components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors. Its introduction transformed the electronics industry and opened the way for gadgets such as cell phones, laptops, CD players, televisions, and a variety of other household appliances. Because of their tiny size, great reliability, and efficiency, ICs are used in practically every electronic product today. Electronic devices would be more slower and larger without ICs. Furthermore, the widespread use of chips aided in the dissemination of advanced electronic gadgets to all corners of the globe.

(2)The Discrete Circuit is a circuit composed of individual electronic components connected together. If discrete components are used to implement circuits or systems with complex functions, it will inevitably result in a large number of components, increase in size, weight, and power consumption, and poor reliability.

(3) In comparison to discrete circuits, ICs have two major advantages: cost and performance. The cost is minimal because the chips are printed as a unit, with all of their components, rather than being built one transistor at a time, using photolithography. Packaged integrated circuits also utilize a lot less material than discrete circuits. Because of their compact size and close proximity, the IC's components flip quickly and require very little power. The fundamental downside of integrated circuits is the high expense of designing and fabricating the photomasks necessary. Because of the high initial cost, ICs are only financially viable when large volumes of production are expected.

Ⅳ. Why Integrated Circuit is shortage?

(1) Supply outnumbers demand.

With the rise of intelligent equipment in recent years, even the production of many items now requires clever equipment! As a result of the increased chip demand, a mobile phone now requires hundreds of chips to function, and an intelligent car will likewise require a large number of chips. As a result, demand is soaring, and several chip manufacturers are running out of stock!

(2) Issues with the manufacturing process

There is significant snow in a certain city in the United States at the time of the black swan in 2020, and that city happens to be where many silicon wafer producers converge. The chip fabrication speed has been slowed due to a power outage in Taiwan. There's also the drought in Taiwan, which is the worst in 50 years, making it difficult for TSMC and other chipmakers to secure enough water, which is necessary for chip manufacturing.

(3) The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is the underlying cause of the catastrophe.

Consumers and organizations have begun to purchase new laptops and servers to satisfy the needs of professionals working remotely and youngsters learning at home as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, which has resulted in a boom in demand for electronic items. As a result, despite a 6.5 percent drop in worldwide semiconductor sales between 2018 and 2019, sales in 2020 are expected to climb by 6.5 percent. In 2021, the fast expansion will continue. As a result, it's not surprise that manufacturers are having trouble keeping up.

Ⅴ. Where can I find Integrated Circuit?

Utmel Electronic is a reputable electronic component distributor. It has gained the trust of all clients due to its low price, quick delivery, and good quality. We stock a large variety of semiconductors, relays, boards, and modules, and we place a strong emphasis on customer service and technical assistance. You can get a free download of 10 million datasheets. To maintain regular production, 5 million alternative parts are required. To save time, we provide you with more rare components. More importantly, the data is updated and supplemented on a regular basis.