Electronic Microchips: Concept, Uses and Classification of ICs

Electronic circuits are considered the foundation of the modern technological revolution, an important part of playing an irreplaceable role in all areas of life and in the field of electronics industry today. In the article below, join RX Tradex to delve into the concept of electronic microchips, learn about the use and classification of electronic microchips.  

1. What is an electronic microcircuit? The origin of electronic microchips

What is an electronic microchip? An electronic circuit, also known as an IC (Integrated Circuit), is a system of electronic components such as transistors, resistors, capacitors and other components that are all integrated on an electronic circuit board. 

These components are combined and interconnected in a specific way to perform electronic functions and features, from data processing to device control.

How did electronic microchips originate? Electronic microchips can be known thanks to the development of the electronics and information technology industry. 

In the early years of the electronics industry, electronic components were manually connected to form electronic circuits. However, with the advancement in manufacturing processes and technology, the demand for compact, high-performance and energy-efficient electronic circuits has led to the birth of electronic circuits.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the first integrated circuits appeared, allowing hundreds or even thousands of electronic components to be integrated on a small printed circuit array. This has opened the door for the strong development of the electronics industry such as computers, mobile devices and IoT (Internet of Things) technology.

2. Uses of electronic microchips

Electronic microchips play an undeniable role in almost all fields, especially in the study of physics. One of the important uses of electronic circuits is the ability to shrink the size of the aggregate circuit, thereby significantly increasing the accuracy of the device.

In the field of logic circuits, ICs (Integrated Circuits) also play an equally important role. Typically, there are two main types of ICs: programmable ICs and non-programmable ICs. Programmable ICs are usually functionally fixed and often have special properties of temperature, voltage, and working power limits, which are different from non-programmable ICs.

3. Classification of electronic microchips

With the development of modern technology, electronic microchips are not simply one type but there are many different types. Currently, integrated electronic circuits have many rich and diverse designs, bearing many similarities. To classify electronic microchips, we need to consider many criteria such as technology, use, processing signal, degree of integration,…

3.1. Classification based on integration levels

Integration levels represent the number of electronic components integrated across an array of printed circuits or microchips. Common classifications of ICs are divided into such types as: MSI, SSI, LSI, ULSI, VLSI(GPU, CPU, ROM, PLA, RAM,..

3.2. Classification based on IC use

Today, electronic circuits have many uses and are applied in many different fields. Here are some types of microelectronic circuits that are classified based on the specific use of ICs:

• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main microprocessor in a computer, performing calculations and managing system operations.
• Memory is memory that stores digital data, helping computers store and access information quickly.
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a chip miniaturization technology used to monitor and identify living objects or organisms without direct contact.
• Logic Integrated Circuits: Includes different types of logic ICs to perform logic and control operations in electronic systems.
• Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC): Designed for specific applications such as controlling toasters, cars, or washing machines.
• ASSP (Application-Specific Standard Product): A standard product for specific applications, not customized to specific customer requirements.
• Sensor Integrated Circuits: Specializes in processing signals from physical, chemical, and biological sensors such as accelerometers, light, magnetic fields, and toxins.
• DSP (Digital Signal Processing): Specializes in processing digital signals such as audio, images, and control data.
• ADC and DAC (Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Converters): Convert between analog and digital signals and vice versa.
• FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays): Are microchips that can be reprogrammed by the user, allowing the creation of complex and flexible systems.
• Microcontroller: Consists of all the components of a small computer, commonly used in embedded systems and control devices.
• Power Integrated Circuits: Handle large currents and voltages, such as high-power amplification or mains network control.
• SoC (System-on-a-Chip): A system integrated on a single chip, including all the functions needed for a complete system.

3.3. Technology-based classification

Based on technology, electronic microchips are classified into typical types as follows:

• Monolithic , also known as a monocrystalline microconductor circuit, is integrated on a monocrystalline semiconductor substrate through a doping process. Common technologies in this category include TTL, CMOS, CCD, BiCMOS, DMOS and BiFET.
• Thin film circuits or film circuits: Components created through vapor deposition on a glass substrate, usually high-precision resistance networks. This type of IC is commonly used in thin-film transistors (TFTs) for flat panel display applications.
• Thick film hybrid: Combines multiple chips, conductors and passive electronic components on a ceramic, embedded coated substrate for protection.

3.4. Classification based on processing signals

The processing signals of electronic circuits are classified into three main types as follows:

• Analog IC: This type of IC is designed to process analog signals.
• Digital IC: This IC was created to process digital signals.
• Composite IC: This type of IC is capable of handling both analog and digital signals.

4. Pros and cons of electronic circuits

Although it has many uses and has significant applications in many fields, besides that, ICs can still have certain advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of using electronic circuits:

4.1. What are the advantages of ICs?

• The IC is designed with a compact size, up to 1000 times lighter than discrete electronic circuits to increase durability and reduce power consumption.
• The working speed of the IC is also optimized, not affected by the effect of wasting capacitance.
• The entire IC can be easily replaced without having to check each part individually if an internal part of the IC fails.
• All ICs are tested for both low and high temperature performance, ensuring good performance in all conditions.
• Suitable for those signals that have a small frequency and are not affected by external factors.

4.2. What are the disadvantages of IC chips?

• It is prone to errors because some types of integrated circuits (ICs) are structurally complex due to the very small internal circuit size.
• Not suitable for high power application as the power consumption of most ICs does not exceed 10 watts.
• It is not possible to integrate inward because components such as inductors or transformers often have to be connected from the outside to the IC.
• High-end PNP type ICs are usually impossible to assemble.
• Improper operation is possible if the IC is mishandled or exposed to excessive heat.
• Difficulty in achieving a low temperature coefficient.
• Making ICs with low noise, it is difficult to make capacitors with capacitors larger than 30pF.
• The saturation resistance value of the transistor in a large IC.
• In the modern technology industry, IC development is becoming increasingly important. ICs are widely used in equipment and systems such as production lines, mask production lines, and robots that automate production processes. A good understanding of the concept and characteristics of ICs is extremely important for those working in electronics.

5. Should plastic containers for electronic microchips be used?

The use of plastic containers to store electronic microchips plays an important role in the protection and organization of electronic components. Plastic containers can provide a protective environment for microchips from external factors such as dirt, moisture, and impact. At the same time, it also helps to organize and preserve microchips neatly and conveniently.

However, the use of plastic containers can also bring some disadvantages. In some cases, plastic containers can retain internal temperature, causing temperature increases and affecting the performance of electronic circuits. In addition, some plastics can conduct electricity and generate static electricity, which can cause problems or affect the operation of electronic microchips.

Depending on the purpose and needs of use, we can consider whether to use plastic containers or not. It is necessary to carefully consider the pros and cons to make sure that this is appropriate and does not cause any problems for electronic microchips.

6. Conclusions

It can be seen that electronic microchips play an extremely important role in areas such as life, manufacturing, especially the field of electronics industry. Above is some knowledge about what electronic microchips are and the classifications of microchips and their uses as mentioned by RX Tradex. Hopefully, the above article can help your business understand electronic microchips. To better understand how to apply this technology in projects or find more suitable electronics manufacturing solutions to optimize efficiency, you can participate in NEPCON Vietnam 2024, to be held on September 9 in Hanoi. Register to attend the exhibition at http://ldp.ink/NEV24.