Chapter 7
Packing Parts Together on Integrated Circuits
In This Chapter
Corralling components into a chip
Speaking the language of bits
Thinking logically about gates
Reading into IC packages
Pondering IC pinouts
Boosting signals with op amps
Timing, counting, and controlling everything in sight
Space exploration, programmable pacemakers, consumer electronics, and much more would be nothing but the idle dreams of creative minds were it not for the integrated circuit. This incredible innovation — really, a series of incredible innovations — makes possible your cellphone, laptop, iPod, GPS navigation system, and so much more.
An integrated circuit (IC) incorporates anywhere from a few dozen to many millions of circuit components into a single device that fits easily into the palm of your ...
