The integrated circuit (IC or chip) is a minaturized electronic
circuit. An integrated circuit is an assembly of interconnected
components on a small semiconductor chip, usually made of
silicon. One chip can contain millions of microscopic components
and perform many functions. These components are fabricated
together on a slice of silicon crystal (known as a wafer) that
contains many ICs arranged in rows. Manufacture of ICs involves
a succession of processes, including photolithography, high-
temperature diffusion, oxidation, and metallisation. The wafer
is then separated into chips, which are individually packaged.
The IC was invented independently by two researchers. The
integrated circuit was invented in the United States in
different forms by Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments and Robert
Noyce at Fairchild Semiconductor. With this new semiconductor
technology, computers, communications devices, and all sorts of
consumer electronics became possible. The integrated circuit
controls the functions of the quartz