single chip

Refers to one integrated circuit (one chip) rather than two or more. As you trace the evolution of all electronic devices (computers, calculators, phones, etc.), more circuits are combined onto one chip with every passing year. What might take 10 chips today will be reduced to a single chip three to five years from now. This continual reduction in the number of required semiconductor devices has enabled all variety of handhelds and miniature devices to be created. See chip.

Five Years Apart

The difference in size between these two network adapters (NICs) is glaring. The larger was made in 1997, and the smaller in 2002.