ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What describes a device that combines several semiconductors and other components into one package?

1. Transistor

2. Integrated circuit

3. Relay

4. Modem

The correct answer is: Integrated circuit

An integrated circuit is comprised of multiple semiconductors and other electrical components, all interconnected and combined into a single package. This design allows for a more compact and efficient use of space compared to having individual components on a circuit board. Integrated circuits can perform a variety of functions depending on their design, such as amplifying signals, performing calculations, or serving as memory storage. Transistors, while fundamental building blocks of integrated circuits, are individual components that control the flow of current rather than a combination of multiple components. Relays are electromechanical switches used to open or close circuits and do not combine semiconductors. Modems, while they can include integrated circuits within their design, primarily serve to modulate and demodulate signals for communication over various media. Therefore, the definition of an integrated circuit aligns perfectly with the description of a device that integrates numerous components into one cohesive unit.