System on a chip

A system on a chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that combines most or all key components of a computer or electronic system onto a single microchip.^[1] Typically, an SoC includes a central processing unit (CPU) with memory, input/output, and data storage control functions, along with optional features like a graphics processing unit (GPU), Wi-Fi connectivity, and radio frequency processing. This high level of integration minimizes the need for separate, discrete components, thereby enhancing power efficiency and simplifying device design.

High-performance SoCs are often paired with dedicated memory, such as LPDDR, and flash storage chips, such as eUFS or eMMC, which may be stacked directly on top of the SoC in a package-on-package (PoP) configuration or placed nearby on the motherboard. Some SoCs also operate alongside specialized chips, such as cellular modems.^[2]

Fundamentally, SoCs integrate one or more processor cores with critical peripherals. This comprehensive integration is conceptually similar to how a microcontroller is designed, but providing far greater computational power. While this unified design delivers lower power consumption and a reduced semiconductor die area compared to traditional multi-chip architectures, though at the cost of reduced modularity and component replaceability.

SoCs are ubiquitous in mobile computing, where compact, energy-efficient designs are critical. They power smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, and are increasingly important in edge computing, where real-time data processing occurs close to the data source. By driving the trend toward tighter integration, SoCs have reshaped modern hardware design, reshaping the design landscape for modern computing devices.^[3][4]