Silicon Chip

A microchip.

A silicon chip is an almost pure piece of silicon, usually less than one centimeter square and about half a millimeter thick. It contains hundreds of thousands of microminiature electronic circuit components, mainly transistors, packed and interconnected in layers beneath the surface. These components can perform control, logic, and memory functions. There is a grid of thin metallic strips on the surface of the chip; these wires are used for electrical connections to other devices. The silicon chip was developed independently by two researchers: Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments in 1958, and Robert Noyce (b. 1927) of Fairchild Semiconductor in 1959.

While silicon chips are essential to most computer operation today, a myriad of other devices depend on them as well, including calculators, microwave ovens, automobile diagnostic equipment, and VCRs.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: electronic equipment consisting of a small crystal of a silicon semiconductor fabricated to carry out a number of electronic functions in an integrated circuit
  Synonyms: chip, microchip, micro chip

Silicon Chip

FAICD Publisher and Editor-in-Chief	Leo Simpson
Categories	Electronics magazine
Frequency	Monthly
Publisher	Silicon Chip Publications
First issue	1987
Country	Australia
Language	English
Website	siliconchip.com.au
ISSN	1030-2662

Silicon Chip is an Australian electronics magazine. It was started in November, 1987 by Leo Simpson. Following the demise of Electronics Australia it is the only hobbyist-related electronics magazine in Australia.

Magazine

The magazine has features such as

• Projects to build
• Serviceman's Notebook
• Computer Features
• Vintage Radio
• Product Showcase
• Mailbag/Ask Silicon Chip

The print version of Silicon Chip is produced and printed in Australia by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd

Silicon Chip is published monthly on the last Wednesday of the month prior to the cover date.

Some time after Electronics Australia closed its doors, Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd purchased the titles Electronics Australia, Electronics Today (International), Radio, TV & Hobbies, Radio & Hobbies and Wireless Weekly, along with the copyright to material published in those magazines.

External links

• Silicon Chip

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