Beyond the Chip: Exploring the Ecosystem of System on a Chip (SoC)
System on a Chip (SoC) What is a System on a Chip? A system on a chip, also known as a SoC, is an integrated circuit that incorporates many or all components of a computer or other electronic system. These components typically include a central processing unit (CPU), memory, input/output ports and secondary storage – all on a single integrated circuit or a small number of integrated circuits. The Growth of System on a Chip Since the 1990s, SoCs have continued to evolve and grow more powerful as technology has advanced. Early SoCs combined a few components like a CPU and memory onto a single chip. Today's SoCs integrate entire computer systems with powerful multi-core processors, graphics processors, complex wireless communication circuits and more. This level of system integration provides benefits like reduced power consumption, smaller form factor, faster performance and lower production costs compared to designs that use multiple discrete components. Applications of System