Integrated Circuit
An integrated circuit is a microelectronic device comprising many miniature transistors and other electronic components on a single thin rectangle of silicon or sapphire, approximately 1/16" to 5/8" on a side, and 1/30" thick, also known as a chip. An integrated circuit can contain dozens, hundreds, or millions of electronic components. To make a chip, impurities are added to the supporting material or substrate, in specific places to create P-type and N-type regions. Then, by projecting light onto light-sensitive chemicals, polysilicon or aluminium tracks are etched into the top 1/1000" of the substrate to make the electronic circuits. Chips come in analog, digital and hybrid types. The most complete integrated circuit is a microprocessor.
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Related Links
Smithsonian - The Chip CollectionIntegrated Circuit - About.com