Integrated circuits

Electronic components, made up from a set of electronic circuits which are placed on semiconductor material, such as silicon. Integrated circuits (IC) can hold billions of electronic components on a microscale and are one of basic components of electronic devices.

integrated electronic circuits
chip
ICs
monolithic integrated circuits
microchip
hybrid integrated circuit
IC

knowledge

cross-sector

Integrated circuits is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Microelectronics engineering technician: Microelectronics engineering technicians collaborate with microelectronics engineers in the development of small electronic devices and components such as micro-processors, memory chips, and integrated circuits for machine and motor controls. Microelectronics engineering technicians are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining the microelectronic systems and devices.
Semiconductor processor: Semiconductor processors manufacture electronic semiconductors as well as semiconductor devices, such as microchips or integrated circuits (IC’s). They may also repair, test, and review the products. Semiconductor processors work in cleanrooms and therefore need to wear a special lightweight outfit that fits over their clothing to prevent particles from contaminating their worksite.
Marine electronics technician: Marine electronics technicians lay out, install and repair electronic systems and equipment in vessels. They assemble electronic components and wiring according to blueprints and assembly drawings.
Printed circuit board test technician: Printed circuit board test technicians inspect and test printed circuit boards. They perform a range of printed circuit board testing procedures and may perform minor repairs.
Electronics engineering technician: Electronics engineering technicians work closely with electronics engineers in the development of electronic equipment and devices. Electronics engineering technicians are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining electronic devices.
Electronic equipment assembler: Electronic equipment assemblers are responsible for the assembly of electronic equipment and systems. They assemble electronic components and wiring according to blueprints and assembly drawings. They may assist in quality inspection and equipment maintenance.
Electronics production supervisor: Electronics production supervisors coordinate, plan and direct the electronics production process. They manage labourers working on the production line, oversee the quality of the assembled goods, and perform cost and resource management.
Microelectronics engineer: Microelectronics engineers design, develop, and supervise the production of small electronic devices and components such as micro-processors and integrated circuits.
Electronics drafter: Electronics drafters support electronic engineers in the design and conceptualisation of electronic equipment. They draft blueprints and assembly diagrams of electronic systems and components using technical drawing software.
Printed circuit board assembler: Printed circuit board assemblers read blueprints and drawings to assemble printed circuit boards. They use hand- and automated soldering tools and machines to connect electronic components to the board.
Integrated circuit design engineer: Integrated circuit design engineers design the layout for integrated circuits according to electronics engineering principles. They use software to create design schematics and diagrams.

Integrated circuits is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Automated optical inspection operator: Automated optical inspection operators (AOI operators) operate automated optical inspection machines to inspect assembled printed circuit boards. They read blueprints and inspect the finished or in-process PCB assemblies for flaws or defects.
Electrical engineer: Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems, electrical equipment, components, motors, and equipment with the feature of energy transmission. They engage in large scale projects such as the design and maintenance of power stations, and the distribution of power to smaller applications such as household appliances.
Drafter: Drafters prepare and create technical drawings using a special software or manual techniques, to show how something is built or works.

References

1. Integrated circuits – ESCO