Computer Hardware, Laptop Repairing and Networking : Integrated Circuit

An integrated circuit, or IC, is small chip that can function as an amplifier, oscillator, timer, microprocessor, or even computer memory. An IC is a small wafer, usually made of silicon, that can hold anywhere from hundreds to millions of transistors, resistors, and capacitors. These extremely small electronics can perform calculations and store data using either digital or analog technology.

Digital ICs use logic gates, which work only with values of ones and zeros. A low signal sent to to a component on a digital IC will result in a value of 0, while a high signal creates a value of 1. Digital ICs are the kind you will usually find in computers, networking equipment, and most consumer electronics.

Integrated circuits are usually called IC’s or chip. They are complex circuits which have been etched onto tiny chips of semiconductor (Silicon). The chip is packaged in a plastic holder with pins spaced on a 0.1” (2.54mm) grid which will fit the holes on strip board and breadboards. Very fine wires inside the package link the chip to the pins.