The Advantages And Limitations of Integrated Circuits(IC)

Advantages-  Some advantages of ICs over a discrete circuit are given below-

(i) An IC is much smaller in size and weight.

(ii) Low cost because a large number of circuits or components can be produced simultaneously on a small semiconductor wafer.

(iii) The IC is much more reliable due to absence of solder joints.

(iv) Temperature differences between parts of a circuit are small.

 (v) Easy replacement as it is more economical to replace them than to repair them.

(vi) Low power requirements.

(vii) Operating speed is high due to absence of parasitic capacitance effect.

(ix) Improve functional performance as more complex circuits can be fabricated for getting better characteristics.

Limitations- Some limitations of ICs are given below-

(i) High grade p-n-p is not possible.

(ii) Limited power rating as it is not possible to manufacture high power ICs.

(iii) Difficult to fabricate an IC with low noise.

(iv) Low temperature coefficient is difficult to be achieved.

(v) Quite delicate in handling as these can not withstand rough handling.

(vi) Voltage dependence of resistors are transistors.

(vii) Operation at low voltage as ICs function at fairly low voltage.

(viii) Large value of saturation resistance of transistors.

(ix) Need of connecting inductors and transforms exterior to the semiconductor chip as it is not possible to fabricate inductors and transformers on the chip surface.