Solid-state circuits are electronic circuits that use semiconductor devices, such as transistors, instead of vacuum tubes. There are several synonyms for solid-state circuits, including microelectronics, semiconductor circuits, and integrated circuits. Microelectronics refers to the technology of designing and manufacturing tiny electronic components on a semiconductor material, which is used in creating solid-state circuits. Semiconductor circuits imply that the circuits are built with semiconductors, while integrated circuits refer to solid-state circuits that are designed to perform multiple functions on a single chip. These synonyms point towards the increasing miniaturization and complexity of electronic devices, which have become an integral part of modern life.