Which of the following is a characteristic of integrated peripherals?

Integrated peripherals are components that are designed to be a part of the main circuitry of a device, rather than existing as separate modules or external devices. This characteristic allows for better efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as integrated peripherals can share resources and reduce the need for additional hardware.

Typically, you will find integrated peripherals in devices like laptops and desktops where components such as audio chips, network controllers, and graphics processors are incorporated directly onto the motherboard or circuit board. As a result, this integration often contributes to smaller form factors and enhanced performance due to improved communication speeds between the main processor and the integrated components.

In contrast to the correct answer, other options describe traits that do not apply to integrated peripherals. For instance, these peripherals can serve multiple functions in a single unit, contrary to the notion that they serve only a singular function. Additionally, while some integrated peripherals cannot be user-upgraded due to their design or soldered nature, this is not an inherent characteristic of all integrated peripherals as upgradeability can vary by device design. Lastly, integrated peripherals are not external components; external devices would not be part of the main circuitry, reinforcing the uniqueness of the integrated design.