Why are integrated circuits (ICs) generally considered more advantageous than conventional circuits built from many discrete components?

Introduction / Context:
Integrated circuits revolutionised electronics by allowing thousands or even millions of components to be fabricated on a single small semiconductor chip. Compared with older circuits made from separate resistors, capacitors and transistors wired together, ICs offer many practical benefits. This question asks you to identify the best overall statement describing why integrated circuits are more advantageous.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional circuits are built from individual, discrete components mounted and wired on boards.
• Integrated circuits contain many components fabricated together on a single chip.
• We compare reliability, ease of servicing and replacement in both approaches.
• We assume modern manufacturing techniques for ICs and typical consumer electronics.

Concept / Approach:
Because integrated circuits are manufactured in a highly controlled environment, the probability of individual component failure is reduced, and the overall reliability of the device increases. When faults do occur, replacing one small IC is often easier and cheaper than diagnosing and replacing individual discrete components spread across a complex board. In conventional circuits, identifying which resistor, transistor or connection has failed can be time consuming. Integrated designs also reduce size, power consumption and cost. The options in this question list several of these advantages, and the best choice is the one that combines them all.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider reliability: ICs contain many components built together with uniform processes, reducing the chance of loose connections and wiring errors. Step 2: Recognise that this often makes equipment using ICs more reliable than those built from many discrete parts. Step 3: In conventional circuits, a single faulty resistor or transistor may be physically small and hard to locate, especially on dense boards. Step 4: With IC based designs, technicians can replace a single chip that contains the suspect function instead of chasing individual components. Step 5: Manufacturers design boards so that if a particular IC fails, that entire package can be swapped, simplifying servicing. Step 6: Therefore, all the listed statements contribute to the overall advantage of integrated circuits, making the combined option correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Real world experience with consumer electronics supports these points. Modern devices such as smartphones, televisions and computers rely heavily on ICs and can pack huge computing power into small volumes. Repairs often involve replacing a faulty module or chip rather than checking each resistor. Additionally, failure rates have decreased over time as integrated manufacturing has improved. Textbooks on electronics highlight benefits such as miniaturisation, lower power consumption, higher reliability and easier mass production for integrated circuits.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They make equipment more reliable and easier to service: This is true but does not include the other specific advantages listed.

A faulty part of a conventional circuit may be difficult to locate: This is also true but explains only one aspect of why ICs are preferred.

If part of an IC fails, the entire circuit is replaced: This is correct in practice but again is only one part of the full picture.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners think integrated circuits are advantageous only because they are smaller or cheaper, overlooking reliability and maintenance benefits. Others may focus only on the ease of replacement without appreciating that conventional circuits often require more manual assembly and testing. In exams, when several individually correct statements are combined into one comprehensive option, it is usually a hint that the combined option is the best answer.

Final Answer:
Integrated circuits are more advantageous mainly because all of the listed reasons apply: they improve reliability, simplify servicing and allow easy replacement of faulty sections.