World of Linear Integrated Circuits
Linear integrated circuits (ICs) are basic building blocks in contemporary electronics, and they have a significant impact on a broad range of applications, ranging from audio amplifiers to precision measurement systems. Unlike digital ICs, which are in discrete states (0s and 1s), linear ICs operate in a continuous state, handling analog signals. This article explores the nature, types, vaapplications, and future directions of linear integrated circuits. What are Linear Integrated Circuits? Linear integrated circuits are semiconductor devices that amplify or manipulate analog signals. They operate within a linear region, such that the output signal is directly proportional to the input signal. This linearity is necessary for use in applications where there is a need for precise signal manipulation, including audio processing, signal conditioning, and instrumentation. The most widely used form of linear IC is the operational amplifier (op-amp), which can carry out a range of mathe...