IC component mix — what is rarely integrated? Which of the following electronic components is generally <em>not</em> found in ordinary monolithic integrated circuits?

Introduction / Context:
Monolithic IC processes readily integrate transistors, diodes, and resistors. Inductors, however, are physically large and lossy on silicon, making them impractical for most “ordinary” digital and linear ICs. Recognizing which components are typically integrated helps in partitioning designs between on-chip and off-chip parts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider standard silicon processes (CMOS, bipolar, BiCMOS) for mainstream ICs.
• Special RF or MEMS processes are excluded from “ordinary” ICs.
• We compare practical integrability, not theoretical possibility.

Concept / Approach:
Transistors are the core active elements; diodes are easily formed; resistors are implemented as diffused, polysilicon, or well resistors. Inductors require large areas and suffer from low Q when fabricated on-chip in general-purpose processes. Thus, most designs use external inductors when needed (e.g., switch-mode regulators, RF matching networks).

Step-by-Step Solution:
List commonly integrated elements: transistors, diodes, resistors.Assess practicality of on-chip inductors in ordinary processes: poor Q, high area.Select “inductors” as the component typically not found.

Verification / Alternative check:
Examine typical op-amp or logic IC internal schematics—no inductors are present; application circuits add external inductors if required.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Diodes, resistors, and transistors are fundamental and commonly integrated.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming RF ICs with on-chip spirals are “ordinary”—those are specialized processes; in mainstream ICs, inductors remain external.

Final Answer:
inductors.