Semiconductor device technology and digital system design

Since the introduction of the first commercial integrated circuits nearly 25 years ago, the semiconductor industry has undergone what is now recognized as a revolution in electronics technology. Modern technology is now yielding complex circuits consisting of nearly half a million transistors on a single integrated circuit chip with a price of a few hundred dollars. Integrated circuit technology has provided increasingly capable functions at ever decreasing prices, thus resulting in ever widening areas of application. Digital system design has become a very challenging and stimulating endeavor. This paper provides insight into the nature of digital system design and integrated circuit technology. Additionally, it surveys the types of building blocks available in the commercial marketplace and discusses industry trends.