What are Integrated Circuits (ICs)?
An integrated circuit (IC), popularly known as a silicon chip, computer chip or microchip, is a miniature electronic circuit rendered on a sliver of semiconducting material, typically silicon, but sometimes sapphire. Owing to their tiny measurements and incredible processing power — modern integrated circuits host millions of transistors on boards as small as 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inches) square and 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) thick — they are to be found in virtually every modern-day appliance and device, from credit cards, computers, and mobile phones to satellite navigation systems, traffic lights and airplanes. Essentially, an integrated circuit is a composite of various electronic components, namely, transistors, resistors, diodes and capacitors, that are organized and connected in a way that produces a specific effect. Each unit in this ‘team’ of electronic components has a unique function within the integrated circuit. The transistor acts like a switch and determines the ‘on’