In what year was the integrated circuit invented?

• A. 1958
• B. 1962
• C. 1947
• D. 1955

Answer: (A)

An integrated circuit is the milestone that puts multiple electronic functions on one tiny chip, enabling far smaller and more powerful devices. The first working integrated circuit was demonstrated in 1958 by Jack Kilby, who put several transistors and other components onto a single semiconductor piece. This breakthrough made it possible to shrink circuits dramatically and sparked the rapid evolution of modern electronics, from computers to smartphones. While silicon-based ICs and broader commercialization followed in the years after, the invention itself belongs to 1958. The other years don’t fit because 1947 marks the invention of the transistor, not the integrated circuit; 1955 is too early for a working chip; 1962 comes after the invention, reflecting early adoption rather than the invention date.