IC / Integrated Circuit / Chip

Comes in many different packages and types. An IC is basically a miniaturized circuit and can be found in almost every domestic electronic item from your computer right through to your kids electronic toys.

As technology increases the IC's start to contain a lot more semiconductor devices & passive components making them a lot more advanced and running down costs.

Many diy projects are now using IC's as it allows the amateur a cheap way to include advanced functions that would otherwise be beyond reach , scope or even cost of most non professionals.

The Arduino is one such example of what can now be achieved by many more people due to the advances in technology.

References

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_circuit