Isolinear Chips

Isolinear Chips, otherwise known as Isolinear Optical/Processing Chips, are a technology introduced in The Next Generation. Isolinear systems are what generally run a starship in that era, replacing the duotronic systems in The Original Series. Isolinear chips are a physical storage medium as well as an operational and processing controller.

Design and History
Isolinear chips feature a circuit-like design on either one or both sides of the ship. Generally, hero chips always have the design on both sides. This design is either laser etched, silkscreened, or decaled, with the decal option being the rarest. More often, strong laser etching is preferred, since it won't bleed as much as ink would.

TODO: The design on the isolinear chips changed over time during the run of TNG/DS9/VOY. All variations on the art should be catalogued and organized.

TODO: Discuss the Enterprise-E isolinear chips, and the Enterprise-B isolinear chips from Star Trek: Generations.

Trivia

 * In the VOY episode "Memorial" (S6xE14) the away team returns from a mission with athletic bags that feature a label design that is taken straight from the later TNG Isolinear Chips. (see Media)