Monolithic integrated circuit (source code)

= Monolithic integrated circuit

A <monolithic integrated circuit> has its circuit elements fabricated in or on one <semiconductor die>. Their connections are essential: an unconnected collection of <transistors> does not implement the intended <electrical circuit>.

An original ideal example separates function from fabrication. Connect two <resistors>, $R_1=10\,\mathrm{k\Omega}$ above $R_2=20\,\mathrm{k\Omega}$, in a <series circuit> across an ideal $3\,\mathrm V$ <voltage source>. With no load <electric current> drawn from their meeting point, <Ohm's law> and the <Kirchhoff cycle law> give
$$
I=\frac{3\,\mathrm V}{R_1+R_2}=0.1\,\mathrm{mA},\qquad
V_{\rm out}=IR_2=2\,\mathrm V.
$$
These equations apply to either a <discrete circuit> or an idealized <monolithic integrated circuit> realizing those same <electrical resistances>. Integration changes construction; the <electrical circuit> equations still determine the output. A real load, unwanted <capacitance> or finite <resistor tolerance> changes the ideal calculation. Manufacturing many functions together also couples their fate: a fatal defect can discard an entire <semiconductor die>, motivating the <Poisson defect yield> model.