Integrated Circuit

An integrated circuit (IC) is a semiconductor device that contains multiple electronic components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors fabricated onto a single piece of silicon substrate. ICs perform specific functions ranging from simple logic operations to complex processing tasks, with all components interconnected through microscopic pathways etched into the chip. They are the fundamental building blocks of modern electronics, found in everything from simple calculators to smartphones and computers. ICs are typically packaged in protective housings with metal pins or contacts that allow them to be easily mounted on circuit boards.