What are integrated circuits commonly referred to as?

Integrated circuits are commonly referred to as chips or microchips because they are small semiconductor devices that contain many electronic components, such as transistors, diodes, and resistors, all integrated onto a single piece of material. This miniature form allows for compact designs and efficient operations, which are essential in modern electronic devices. The term "chip" reflects the physical form of the integrated circuit, typically a small square or rectangular piece of silicon encapsulated in plastic or ceramic. This nomenclature is widely accepted in tech industries and education, making it easier to communicate the fundamental components of electronics.

While other options like microprocessors and modules are specific types of integrated circuits or collections of circuits, they do not encompass the broader category that "chips" represents. "Boards" generally refer to printed circuit boards (PCBs) that can house multiple chips along with other components, but do not define integrated circuits specifically. Thus, "chips or microchips" accurately identifies the more generic term used for integrated circuits.