What does CMOS stand for in the context of computer technology?

CMOS stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor and is a technology used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. It is widely utilized in various electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, and sensors. The term "complementary" refers to the use of both N-type and P-type MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) in the design, which allows for low power consumption and high noise immunity. This is particularly important in battery-powered devices where energy efficiency is crucial.

The oxide layer in CMOS technology is integral to its operation, as it insulates the gate of the transistors, preventing current from flowing when it is not needed, thus contributing to the low power operation. Because of these characteristics, CMOS technology has become dominant in the production of digital logic circuits.

Other options misrepresent the acronym and do not accurately describe the technology or its components.