What is a linear integrated circuit
What is a linear integrated circuit
Linear integrated circuit is an integrated circuit based on amplifier. The word "linear" means that the response of the amplifier to the input signal usually presents a linear relationship. Later, this kind of circuit includes many nonlinear circuits such as oscillator, timer and data converter, as well as the circuit combining digital and linear functions. Because the information processed involves continuously changing physical quantities (analog quantities), people also call this kind of circuit analog integrated circuit.
Compared with discrete component circuits, integrated circuits have several advantages in design. Because all devices are manufactured on a very small chip at the same time, their characteristics are very consistent, and the component parameters have high proportional accuracy. Linear circuits usually need to use different types of devices in a circuit, so it is difficult to integrate, and the initial development is slow.
Most linear integrated circuits are manufactured using standard bipolar processes. In order to obtain high-performance circuits, some modifications or additional manufacturing processes are sometimes made on the basis of standard processes, so as to make various components and devices with different performances on the same chip.
According to the functions and applications of circuits, linear integrated circuits can be roughly divided into general-purpose circuits and industrial control and measurement circuits.
General circuit, including operational amplifier, voltage comparator, voltage reference circuit and regulated power supply circuit.
Industrial control and measurement circuits, including timers, waveform generators, detectors, sensor circuits, phase-locked loops, analog multipliers, motor drive circuits, power control circuits, analog switches, etc.
Due to the development of large-scale integration technology and computer-aided design and measurement technology, the design of linear circuits is developing from traditional standard units to custom integrated circuits with complex functions.