Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: SSI, 100
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:Historically, integrated circuits were categorized by gate count per chip: SSI, MSI, LSI, and later VLSI/ULSI. While exact boundaries vary across textbooks, a widely taught convention places MSI up to about 100 gates and LSI above 100 gates (until VLSI crosses the thousand-gate mark).
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Because the stem explicitly states MSI as 12 to 100 gates, the next tier (LSI) must start above 100. Therefore, the correct completion is SSI for the first blank and 100 for the second blank, aligning with the traditional banding.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Match “fewer than 12 gates” → SSI. Given MSI goes to 100 gates, LSI must be “more than 100.” Select the pair that reads “SSI, 100.”Verification / Alternative check:Classic digital design texts define SSI/MSI/LSI with these approximate thresholds; VLSI typically begins at >1000 gates historically, underscoring that LSI > 100 is the intended boundary here.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“75” contradicts the MSI upper bound of 100 in the stem. “1000” would skip LSI entirely and jump straight to VLSI-era metrics. “10000” is far beyond LSI in classic definitions. “None” is unnecessary because a consistent pair exists.Common Pitfalls:Assuming exact, universally fixed boundaries; remember these are historical categories used for teaching and vary slightly by source.
Final Answer:SSI, 100
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