An integrated circuit (IC ) , is a small piece of silicon on which a large number of electronic devices are constructed. A common name for this is a chip. The chip is usually enclosed in a plastic or ceramic case and the pads on the chip are connected to metallic pins on the case.
The introduction of the integrated circuit in 1959 revolutionalized the design of computing systems and resulted in the creation of a new field of science called microelectronics. This science is a branch of physics and electronic engineering which specialises in the production and incorporation of new materials and techniques into the integrated circuit environment.
Logic
Already, the binary number systems have been discussed, so a number of mathematical tasks, can be performed. However, it is also important to create logical statements with symbols, so that problems in computing can be readily solved.
In the 1850’s George Boole, an Irish man developed Boolean algebra, which today finds application in design and analysis of digital systems. The term Logic is applied to digital circuits.
Boolean Algebra is the mathematical language of digital logic. Variables in digital logic are represented by ( e.g A,B,C,X,Y,Z etc ), they indicate the state, i.e. 1 or 0. There are only three operators: AND, OR and NOT. These operations are performed using circuit elements known as logic gates. These gates are constructed using, in general transistor technology.
Transistors
The original transistors were built in the 1950’s from a material called germanium. However, it was soon found that the element silicon was a far more useful. The term transistor is a combination of the word transfer and resistor in that it regulates the flow of electronic current through a combination of conductivity and resistance.
