How to shrink an electronic circuit?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of shrinking a normal sized circuit into a smaller integrated circuit (IC) chip for cost reduction and protection of intellectual property. It is mentioned that this process is typically only done for high-volume products due to the expensive investment required for chip design and fabrication. The purpose of the black dot and glue on the circuit is also questioned.
  • #1
ramonegumpert
187
0
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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
 
  • #4
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 :/
 
  • #5
Thanks Experts,
Is it very expensive to convert a normal circuit into an IC chip?

regards
Ramone
 
  • #6
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...
 

Related to How to shrink an electronic circuit?

1. How does shrinking an electronic circuit affect its performance?

Shrinking an electronic circuit can improve its performance by reducing the distance that signals have to travel, resulting in faster processing speeds and lower energy consumption. However, it can also cause overheating and signal interference if the components are too close together.

2. What factors should be considered when shrinking an electronic circuit?

Some important factors to consider when shrinking an electronic circuit include the size and spacing of components, the material properties of the circuit board, and the thermal and electromagnetic properties of the components.

3. How small can an electronic circuit be shrunk?

The size of an electronic circuit can vary depending on the technology used and the desired level of performance. However, with advancements in nanotechnology, it is possible to shrink electronic circuits to the nanoscale, with components measuring only a few nanometers in size.

4. What are some techniques for shrinking an electronic circuit?

Some common techniques for shrinking an electronic circuit include using smaller components, stacking components on top of each other, and using advanced materials such as carbon nanotubes. 3D printing and other additive manufacturing techniques can also be used to create smaller and more intricate circuit designs.

5. What are the potential challenges in shrinking an electronic circuit?

Some challenges that may arise when shrinking an electronic circuit include difficulties with heat dissipation, signal interference, and manufacturing complexity. There may also be limitations in the accuracy and precision of current techniques for shrinking circuits to the nanoscale.

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