In terms of functions, IC may be classified into digital IC, analog IC, microwave IC and other ICs. Among them, digital IC is the kind used the most extensively and developed the fastest. Digital IC refers to that used to transmit, processing and handle with digital signals, and may be classified into universal digital IC and dedicated digital IC.
Universal IC refers to standard circuit used by a lot of users and applied extensively, such as memory (DRAM), microprocessors (MPU) and micro controller unit (MCU), etc., reflects the status quo and developing levels of digital IC.
Dedicated IC (ASIC) refers to the circuits designed for the specific users, some dedicated or particular purposes.
At present, integrated circuit products are concerned with the following means of design, production and sales.
1. IC manufacturers (IDM) design by themselves, process and enclose by their own production lines and then sell the tested and finished chips.
2. Means combining the IC design companies (Fabless) and standard technical foundry line (Foundry). The design companies send the final physical template drawings of chip design to the Foundry for processing and manufacturing. In the same way, they will entrust the dedicated factories for packaging test, and then sell the finished chips as the products of IC design companies. For example, Fabless is equivalent to the author and bookmaker, while Foundry is equivalent to the printing factory, the former shall take leads in the industry

2010-12-01