MICROELECTRONICS AND MICROMINIATURIZATION

The intensive effort of electronics to increase the reliability and performance of its products while reducing their size and cost led to the results that hardly anyone could predict. The evolution of electronic technology js sometimes called a revo­lution: a quantitative change in technology gave rise to qualita­tive change in human capabilities. There appeared a new branch of science — microelectronics.

Microelectronics embraces electronics connected with the realization of electronic circuits, systems and subsystems from very small electronic devices. NJicxaelfifitrQnics jaLa-name ft* extremely small electronic components and circuit assemblies, made by film or semiconductor techniques. A microelectronic technology reduced transistors and other circuit elements to dimensions almost invisible to unaided eye. The point of this extraordinary miniaturization is to make circuits long-lasting, low in cost, and capable of performing electronic functions at extremely high speed. It is_ known that the speed of response depends on the size of transistor: the smaller the transistor, the faster it is. The smaller the computer, the faster it can work.

One more advantage of microelectronics is that smaller de­vices consume less power. In space satellites and spaceships this is a very important factor.

Another benefit resulting from microelectronics is the reduc­tion of distances between circuit components. Packing density increased with the appearance of small-scale integrated circuit, medium-scale 1С, large-scale 1С and very-large-scale 1С. The change in scale was pieasured_by the number of transistors on a chip. There appeared a new type of integrated circuits, micro­wave integrated circuit. The evolution of microwave 1С began with the development of planar transmission lines.Then new 1С components in a fineline transmission line appeared. Other more exotic techniques, such as dielectric waveguide integrat­ed circuits emerged.

Английский язык. Основы компьютерной грамотности 26

Microelectronic technique is continuing to displace other modes. Circuit patterns are being formed with radiation having wavelength shorter than those of light.

Electronics has extended man's intellectual power. Micro­electronics extends that power still further.