Why Integrated Circuits Are Considered To Be Economical? Detailed Answer

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An integrated circuit, also known as IC, is a device that integrates different electronic functions into a single chip.

These chips are manufactured by combining discrete components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors on a single semiconductor substrate.

Integrated circuits have multiple applications in the electronics industry. They are used in telephones, computers, televisions, and other devices. Due to their compact size and high-performance capabilities, integrated circuits are widely used in automobiles for engine control and monitoring of various sensors.

This article explains why integrated circuits are considered economical devices.

Understanding the economy of electronic component

Recently, you must have heard that the price of some products going up.

One of the main reasons was the cost of producing the electronic components that will be used by the products.

And this is where the economy on ICs comes in.

The ICs are manufactured by combining various electronic components on a single chip.

They are very cheap and mass-produced, which makes them very affordable.

The economy of integrated circuits can be explained with an example: A car’s engine control unit is basically an IC that controls most of the functions of an automobile engine like fuel injection timing, spark timing, and other functions.

To understand how much this tiny chip costs, let’s look at some numbers: The cost to manufacture a single car engine control unit is around $60 to $80.  It includes all the components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors along with other small components that help in manufacturing it like gold plating, etc.

The cost to manufacture this tiny device is so low because it uses integrated circuits that are mass-produced at a very low price per piece.

So whenever you buy any product that has this kind of control unit inside it you should feel lucky because you got it at such a cheap price compared to what it actually cost.

Reduced design time

Integrated circuits have a shorter design time compared to discrete circuit boards. Due to their compact size, designers can fit more circuits into a limited space. In addition, these circuits are easy to solder and remove for testing and debugging, thereby reducing design time. Integrated circuits are used for high-volume production, and designers can use existing ICs, which reduces the development time. Designers can use pre-programmed microcontrollers available in the market or create a controller from scratch.

They are small size

Integrated circuits are smaller in size compared to discrete circuits. This feature enables designers to build larger and more complex systems with a smaller footprint. In addition, these circuits can be stacked together to increase the number of circuits in a given area.

This reduces the space required, making it ideal for space-constrained applications. Integrated circuits are available in both large and small sizes.

Large ICs are usually used in computers and other high-end applications, whereas small ICs are used in low-end applications like toys and other household appliances.

Lower manufacturing costs

Integrated circuits are manufactured in large quantities as compared to discrete circuits and are produced on large wafers.

The larger production quantities and use of the common process for different circuits reduce the overall manufacturing costs. In addition, these devices can be made with lower-grade materials and less-sophisticated fabrication processes.

Unlike discrete circuits, there is no requirement for using expensive components, such as transistors, diodes, and capacitors, which are usually costly.

Moreover, ICs are available in surface-mounted and through-hole packages, enabling designers to mix and match different components to create circuits.

High reliability

Integrated circuits are reliable devices with a long life. They are manufactured under strict quality control guidelines, and the components used in these circuits have a long shelf life. In addition, designers follow proper design, assembly, and testing guidelines to reduce errors that can impact the reliability of circuits.

These circuits are available in different grades, and designers can select the device with the desired reliability level.

For critical applications, designers can use military-grade integrated circuits, which offer a high level of reliability.

Low power consumption

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As you already know, power is a major factor of production. So, the higher the power you will consume, the higher the cost of the device.

And this is where ICs come to save the day.

They can cut costs during the manufacturing process and even after they have been installed in the final device.

The amount of power consumed by an integrated circuit is less compared to discrete circuits.

This feature is especially useful for applications that run for long hours. Integrated circuits consume less power as compared to discrete circuits. This is mainly because discrete circuits use discrete transistors, diodes, and other components that consume high power.

In addition, integrated circuits are available in a low-power version, which makes them ideal for low-power applications.

Minimal weight

There will always be a big weight disparity whenever we try to compare the weights of ICs and other types of circuits.

Integrated circuits are lighter compared to discrete circuits.

This feature makes them ideal for applications in which the weight of the system is crucial.

For example, in airplanes, integrated circuits are used to control the lift and speed of the plane.

Integrated circuits are designed using lightweight materials, such as ceramic and plastic to reduce the overall weight.

In addition, designers can stack several circuits together in a single board to increase the number of circuits while reducing the overall weight.

Naturally, the lesser the weight, the lower the cost.

Wide Variety Of Choices

Integrated circuits are available in a wide variety, and designers can select a device that meets their requirements.

These ICs are available in different packages, such as SOIC, DIP, IC, etc., which help designers choose the device based on their design requirements.

Moreover, ICs are available in different voltage ratings, and designers can select the device based on their application.

Integrated circuits are available in TTL, CMOS, ECL, etc., which are suitable for digital and analog circuits.

Just like many other products, the more options that you have, the lower the cost.

Easy replacement

Integrated circuits can be easily replaced if they fail in the field.

This is because these circuits are surface mounted, which makes them easy to remove and replace.

In contrast, discrete circuits are mounted on a PC board, making them difficult to repair.

Integrated circuits are available in a through-hole version, which makes them easier to repair. However, designers can replace the malfunctioning device with a new one by soldering the replacement chip during the manufacturing phase.

Ability to operate at extreme temperature conditions

Integrated circuits are designed to operate at different temperatures, which makes them suitable for applications in extreme conditions.

For example, designers can use these circuits for computers that are used in outer space where the temperature is very low.

These circuits are available in special grades such as SOIC, SOT23, etc., which can operate even at very high temperatures.

Initially, companies will spend tons of resources just to make the circuits suitable for harsh conditions. The advent of ICs has cut down such costs by a big margin.

Suitable for mass production

In the business world, if a company can produce large quantities of a product, it will be able to cut down the production cost.

This in the end will affect the price of the product: They will be cheap.

Integrated circuits are manufactured using mass production techniques, which make them suitable for large-scale production.

In contrast, discrete circuits are manufactured using custom techniques, making them difficult to manufacture in large quantities. Manufacturers will have to focus on producing one product at a time.

Integrated circuits are available in high-volume production, and manufacturers produce a large number of circuits per day.

This helps them reduce manufacturing costs and make these circuits affordable for customers.

Buy from the right integrated circuit manufacturer

Do you want to enjoy the low cost of integrated circuits? You should consider buying from the right sources.

In this context, focus on reliable manufacturers and suppliers.

Choosing a good manufacturer will ensure that you get quality products at a reasonable price.

Where can I get these integrated circuit suppliers and companies in China?

It will be safer if you go through sourcing agents.

The right sourcing agent such as ICRFQ will connect you to reputable integrated circuit companies in China.

Using our knowledge and experience in the field of electronics, We can help you get the right IC supplier.

Just send us the specifications and other details of what you want.

Conclusion

Integrated circuits are economical devices that use fewer components compared to discrete circuits. This makes them smaller in size, lighter in weight, and consume less power. They are available in different grades with different temperature ratings and voltage ratings.

At this point, it will be prudent to appreciate the low cost of manufacturing and even using integrated circuits.

Actually, this is the main reason they are always considered economical.

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