How Integrated Circuits Are Classified? Detailed Answer

Image source Elprocus‍

Understanding different classes of IC

An IC is a complex device that is made up of many interconnected transistors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, and other components.

The difference between types of ICs lies in how these components are arranged and packaged.

For example, A discrete transistor has a single packaging and is used for applications such as amplifiers and oscillators, while an IC transistor is a tiny transistor packaged into a single chip with other components.

ICs are grouped into three categories based on the complexity of their internal circuitry. It is possible to group them even further into sub-categories such as voltage, current, or impedance.

In this article, we are going to do a complete breakdown of the different classes of ICs. We will then try to analyze the differences between these classes.

Analog ICs

Analog ICs are circuits designed to perform continuous mathematical operations such as adding, multiplying, dividing, averaging, and other functions.

They are continuously variable and can be used for sensing and controlling applications such as temperature, pressure, and light intensity. These ICs work using continuous signals such as voltages, currents and other varying quantities.

They are excellent for producing output that is proportional to the input. These ICs contain operational amplifiers (op-amps) and comparators. The op-amp is a transistors that can add, subtract, multiply and divide. A comparator is an analog circuit that compares two inputs and produces an output when the two input signals are either equal or different.

Analog ICs are very useful in electronic devices that need to measure or control a variable input such as temperature, pressure or light intensity. For example, a variable resistor is a resistor whose resistance changes depending on the amount of current flowing through it.

Digital ICs

Image source: EasyTechjunkie

Digital ICs generate or receive digital signals. A digital signal is a signal that only has two values, such as 0 or 1. Digital ICs are designed to perform Boolean logic, which is the process of combining discrete values such as 0 or 1 to produce new values.

This can be thought of as combining digital signals to produce a new digital signal. These ICs can be used for network communications such as the internet, computers and microcontrollers.

They are also used to produce logic gates – circuits that combine two binary inputs to produce a single binary output. Digital ICs are used in computers because computers use a binary system.

Binary systems use two values, 0 and 1. All data is processed using these two values, which makes computers very efficient since every operation can be done in either 0 or 1.

Mixed signal ICs

Mixed signal ICs are circuit chips that include both analog and digital components. They are used in applications where both analog and digital signals are required such as communication systems, modems, and communications between computers.

These are used in applications that need both digital and analog circuits to work together.

Mixed signal ICs may contain analog, digital, and discrete circuits in a single package. Common applications for mixed signal ICs are radio frequency (RF) communications, wireless communication, and audio applications.

SSI: Small scale integration

SSI stands for small scale integration, which means that the components on the IC are closely packed together.

SSI ICs are designed to perform a single task such as addition, subtraction, or multiplication. Each IC performs one function and they can be used together to form a larger circuit.

SSI ICs are designed to be used in small electronic devices such as timing circuits, voltage regulators and oscillators. They are also used in test equipment and computers.

MSI: Medium scale integration

MSI stands for medium scale integration. These ICs are designed to do the same tasks as SSI ICs, but they have more complex circuitry and can perform more tasks.

They are used in applications where more complex circuitry is required and there is more space on the printed circuit board (PCB).

MSI ICs are used in consumer electronics such as audio amplifiers, computer parts such as memory and microprocessors, and test and measurement equipment.

LSI: Large scale integration

LSI stands for large scale integration, which means that the components on the IC are further apart. LSI ICs are designed to perform more complex tasks such as data processing and other arithmetic operations.

They are used in more complex circuits, especially in computers where more circuitry is required to process data. LSI ICs are used in computers, telecommunications systems such as modems, and data processing systems.

VLSI: Very large scale integration

VLSI stands for very large scale integration, which means that the components on the IC are even further apart.

An example of a very large scale IC is the single chip microcomputer with ROM, RAM, hex inverter, decoder, function generator, port expander, analog comparator, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, clock generation circuits, parallel processors, and programmable interrupt controllers. They are most commonly used when a circuit has to be extremely reliable, rugged, economical, and complex.

Choosing the best IC supplier in China

When it comes to choosing the right IC supplier in China, it’s important to find a supplier that has a wide variety of ICs and components. There are a lot of online IC distributors in China. Before choosing one, take your time to find out their credentials.

Do they have what it takes to deliver the best integrated circuits that will fit into your application area?

This is where ICRFQ comes in. We are a leading IC distributor in China that can supply a wide variety of integrated circuits, microcontrollers and other electronic components.

We have dedicated and professional staff who can work with you to find the best IC supplier in China.

We are proud of the excellent customer service that we provide to our customers.

We are committed to providing the best quality products at a reasonable price. As an IC distributor in China, we constantly strive to improve our service by upgrading our online services and products so we can provide you with a reliable and efficient service for your electronic component needs.

Conclusion

You now have a full understanding of the different classes of integrated circuits and what they stand for.

You can easily identify the right class that will perfectly fit your application.

And once you do so. Proceed to contact a reputable IC supplier in China.

If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:

Electronic Components Distributors In the USA

Electronic Components Distributors In UK

Electronic Components Distributors In China

Electronic Components Distributors In India

Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore

Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia

Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam

Electronic Components Distributors In South Korea

Electronic Components Distributors In Taiwan

Electronic Components Distributors In Hong Kong