Question

Integrated circuit is defined as:
A. A single electronic circuit on a small piece of semiconductor material.
B. A set of electronic circuits on a small piece of semiconductor material.
C. A circuit capable of generating dc currents.
D. A plate of semiconductor material used to connect external multiple circuits.

Answer 1

Hint: Integrated circuit also known as IC is a small chip made up of semiconductor material. It is used at a large scale. Some of the uses of integrated circuits include televisions, wristwatches, radar etc. Earlier, the circuit elements were large and bulky and thus, it was not possible to use them in large machines. So, to solve this problem, scientists developed integrated circuits.

Complete step by step answer:
Integrated circuits are sets of electronic circuits on one small piece or chip of semiconductor. This piece of semiconductor is generally silicon. It is a device which is made up of interconnected electronic components such as transistors and resistors. Large numbers of circuit elements are integrated into a smaller chip. This makes the circuit smaller, faster and less expensive. It can work as an amplifier, oscillator etc.
There are different types of IC’s. Few of them are Analog IC’s, Digital IC’s, Mixed IC’s etc. Digital IC’s are used in microprocessors, computers, signal processors etc. Analog IC’s are used in operational amplifiers, sensors etc. Examples of Mixed IC’s include Analog to Digital Converter (ADC), Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), etc.
Hence, the correct answer is option B i.e. a set of electronic circuits on a small piece of semiconductor material.

Note:
As the IC’s are smaller in size, usage of power is less. It does not have soldered connections due to which there is no possibility of failure due to small rise in temperature. It consists of both active and passive devices. It has some disadvantages too. Low noise and high voltage cannot be attained easily. Its components are voltage dependent. And the inductors cannot be fabricated easily.