Integrated circuit
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Image:SEM integrated circuit (400x).jpg
Optical Microscope image of an integrated circuit showing defects.
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An integrated circuit more often called a silicon chip, or computer chip, is a piece of specially prepared silicon (or another semiconductor) into which a very complex electronic circuit is etched using a photographic technique. Silicon chips can contain computer processors, memory and special devices. The chip, which is very fragile, is normally surrounded by a tough plastic package, and electrical contacts are provided through legs sticking out of the package.
