A monolithic chip is a type of integrated circuit (IC) where all the components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, are fabricated together on a single piece of semiconductor material, typically silicon. This unified construction offers advantages in performance, reliability, and size compared to multi-chip modules, where components are distributed across several chips. Monolithic chips are foundational in modern electronics, including computers, smartphones, and embedded systems, as their compactness and efficiency enable high-speed processing and lower power consumption. In cybersecurity, monolithic chips are relevant because their integrated nature can reduce certain hardware vulnerabilities but may also present unique risks if a flaw exists in the single structure.