What is an advantage of using an integrated circuit?

Choosing an integrated circuit as the option highlighting the advantages emphasizes two critical aspects: size and cost reduction. Integrated circuits (ICs) are designed to integrate a multitude of electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, onto a single chip. This miniaturization leads to a significant decrease in the physical footprint of electronic devices, allowing them to be compact and more portable.

The cost advantage is realized through various factors; manufacturing ICs involves mass production techniques that lower the per-unit cost when compared to assembling devices with discrete components. Fewer materials are needed, and the automated production processes streamline assembly, reducing labor costs.

This synergy of smaller size and lower cost has made integrated circuits the backbone of modern electronics, enabling the development of sophisticated devices like smartphones and computers within a manageable budget.

Focusing on the other options, while it's true that integrated circuits make assembly simpler and potentially extend lifespan due to reduced connections, the primary highlight remains their impact on size and cost. The claim regarding higher power levels is not inherently true for integrated circuits, as many are designed for low power consumption, making this option less relevant.