ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)

An ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) is a custom-designed electronic chip created to perform a specific task or set of tasks efficiently. Unlike general-purpose chips like those in computers or smartphones, ASICs are tailored for particular applications—such as cryptocurrency mining, digital cameras, or network hardware—allowing them to operate much faster and more power-efficiently for their intended purpose. They are built from scratch for a single function, optimizing performance and reducing size, cost, and energy consumption compared to using generic chips.