Chip

A chip is a general term for a splinter or shard of something. In its technological senses, it is also an acronym: Consolidated Highly Integrated Processor (CHIP).

• In computing, the term chip has the following meanings:
  • an integrated circuit (silicon die)
  • more specifically, a microprocessor
• In telecommunications:
• in satellite communications systems, the smallest element of data in an encoded signal.
• The most elemental component of a spread spectrum signal when it is decompressed in time; that is, the longest duration signal in which signal parameters are approximately constant..
  • In micrographic and display systems, a relatively small and separate piece of microform that contains microimages and coded information for search, identification, and retrieval purposes. (Based on material from Federal Standard 1037C)
• In food, a chip is a fried piece of chopped potato, specifically referring to one of the following:
  • Potato chips, called Crisps in Britain and Ireland.
  • French fries, simply called chips in Britain.

The term microchip may refer to:

• The company Microchip Technology Inc.( http://microchip.com/ ) that manufactures the PIC microcontroller and other integrated circuits.