The System-On-Chip (SoC) is illustrative of the technological advancements rapidly occurring in electronics. Most or all of the components of a computer system or other electronic device can now be integrated into a single circuit chip, where sub circuit types as widely diverse as digital, analog, mixed-signal and radio-frequency can coexist.

System on chip manufacturers employ the SoC processor to control a variety of devices, from MP3 players and digital wrist watches to traffic lights, factory controllers, and even nuclear power plant control systems. The CPU SoC offers distinct advantages over more conventional system designs. Because the embedded processor system-on-chip is dedicated to performing only specific tasks, engineers can optimize the system on a chip design, either for reduced size and production cost or for increased performance and reliability.

When planning an SoC development project, consider the following:

1. Get top-notch system on a chip design training for your engineering staff.

2. Buy a SoC system on a chip with the power you need without blowing out your budget.

3. Seek the timeliness and expertise of an established SoC developer to help you meet tight deadlines with a quality product.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get your engineering staff trained to design SoC microprocessors

Technology is always changing, and quickly at that. Providing your engineering staff with periodic training will ensure that they will stay on top of the game. Efficient development of SoCs requires focus and discipline. Though SoCs manufacturing is market driven, success is achievable with a healthy combination of teamwork and methodology.

I recommend: Netrino offers skills training both online and on-site to keep your staff current on embedded systems technology. Embedded.com provides specific instructions on setting up a low-cost embedded systems training lab.

Select SoC processors based on price, performance, power consumption and software compatibility

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a system on a chip SoC. Price and performance are not highly correlated, particularly at higher clock speeds. Prices tend to vary more sharply than performance, so top speed CPUs are not recommended if on a budget. The faster the clock speed, the larger the power supply that will be needed and the more electricity that will be consumed. Check the IO features of the various mother boards that will accommodate a given CPU vs. the IO features you anticipate needing. And finally, make sure the CPU you are selecting is compatible with the operating system you will be running.

I recommend: Cavium Networks carries an impressive array of SoC microprocessors, to meet the budget and performance requirements. AMD offers a variety of system on chip microprocessors that apply to a number of different types of systems, such as desktop systems, notebooks, graphics cards and server workstations.

Outsource design of system on chip processors

In some cases, the development of SoC microprocessors is best left to an experienced company, given the technical challenges designers face in developing next-generation hardware.

I recommend: Synopsis provides system-level design services. Using the Galaxy Design Platform, Synopsis has an extensive track record in helping customers get their product to market quickly. Barco Silex offers comprehensive service, from design to production of your chip.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The cost of improperly sizing components within an SoC are much higher than with multi-chip designs. Correct sizing of resources in SoC design is essential in single-chip architectures. Robust system on a chip design software will help to ensure proper sizing of all components, will help speed the development process, will help minimize the risk of errors and will enable designers in different locations to work together on the same project.