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used instead of one that has been separated into individual circuits. In lsi and vlsi, a variety of circuits can
be implanted on a wafer resulting in further size and weight reduction. ICs in modern computers, such as
home computers, may contain the entire memory and processing circuits on a single substrate.
Figure 1-6.—Large-scale integration device (lsi).
Large-scale integration is generally applied to integrated circuits consisting of from 1,000 to 2,000
logic gates or from 1,000 to 64,000 bits of memory. A logic gate, as you should recall from NEETS,
Module 13, Introduction to Number Systems, Boolean Algebra, and Logic Circuits, is an electronic
switching network consisting of combinations of transistors, diodes, and resistors. Very large-scale
integration is used in integrated circuits containing over 2,000 logic gates or greater than 64,000 bits of
memory.
Q12. Define integrated circuit.
Q13. What are the three major types of integrated circuits?
Q14. How do monolithic ICs differ from film ICs?
Q15. What is a hybrid IC?
Q16. How many logic gates could be contained in lsi?
FABRICATION OF MICROELECTRONIC DEVICES
The purpose of this section is to give you a simplified overview of the manufacture of
microelectronic devices. The process is far more complex than will be described here. Still, you will be
able to see that microelectronics is not magic, but a highly developed technology.
