How to shrink an electronic circuit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the miniaturization of electronic circuits, specifically focusing on how to shrink components like the 555 timer chip to sizes comparable to those found in small radios. Participants explore the types of components used in modern circuits and the processes involved in creating integrated circuits (ICs).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Ramone inquires about methods to shrink a normal-sized circuit to the size of a tiny radio, questioning the nature of components like the black dot in the circuit and the purpose of the black glue.
  • One participant mentions that the small components are integrated circuits (ICs) and notes that transistors are often too small to see with the naked eye.
  • Another participant explains that modern designs utilize surface mount components, which require specialized circuit board design and soldering techniques.
  • Ramone asks about the cost implications of converting a normal circuit into an IC, leading to a response that emphasizes the high costs associated with chip design and fabrication, particularly for high-volume products.
  • It is noted that one reason for shrinking circuits into ICs is to protect intellectual property, as ICs are harder to reverse engineer than traditional circuit boards.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence and advantages of integrated circuits and surface mount technology, but there is no consensus on the specifics of the miniaturization process or the cost implications for individual projects.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the technical details of the miniaturization process or the specific characteristics of the components mentioned, leaving several assumptions and conditions unaddressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electronics design, hobbyists exploring circuit miniaturization, and those curious about integrated circuit technology may find this discussion relevant.

ramonegumpert
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Dear Experts,

I opened up a small radio about the size of thumbdrive. The circuit is so small.
Is there a way to shrink a 555 timer chip which is so big compared to that radio?

Radios should require transistors right? But I could not find the usual size transistor on this radio.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46348930@N03/4257680841/

Also, the above circuit has a small black dot. I believe its some controller inside. But its so small , about 5 mm only.

1. How to convert a normal sized circuit into something as small as a tiny radio?
2. What is the black dot in the picture? What is the purpose of the black glue(dried)?
3. If there is such thing as minaturizing a normal circuit , please could you give me some info on this process?

sincerely
Ramone
 
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It's called IC and we have been making them since the late 50s

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_circuit

btw you have never seen an actual transistor, most are too small to see with the naked eye. the black stuff around it is just for handling.
 
Hello Ramon,

Most of the stuff we design today is based around surface mount components. These are ICs, transistors, resistors, and capacitors that have been further miniaturized. However, for you to use them you must design a circuit board and use special solder techniques. Only the most dedicated of hobbyists find the resources to build at this level.

Mike
 
0xDEADBEEF said:
btw you have never seen an actual transistor, most are too small to see with the naked eye. the black stuff around it is just for handling.

And heat sinking :/
 
Thanks Experts,
Is it very expensive to convert a normal circuit into an IC chip?

regards
Ramone
 
ramonegumpert said:
Thanks Experts,
Is it very expensive to convert a normal circuit into an IC chip?

regards
Ramone

Yes. You only do it for high-volume products, where the cost-reduction of the circuit (by shrinking it down to an IC) justifies the investment required to do the chip design and fabrication. A simple chip in a mature technology (IC feature size) will run at least several $100k, and more complex chips will run in the millions of $.

BTW, another reason to shrink a circuit down to an IC is to hide the intellectural property (IP). It's much more difficult to reverse engineer a chip, than an open circuit board...
 

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