What is a System-on-Chip (SoC)?


Quick answer: A System-on-Chip (SoC) is a piece of hardware that integrates separate computing components, essentially creating a working system on a single piece of silicon. For example, Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X SoCs integrate a CPU, GPU, NPU, and Sensing Hub into each chip, with memory, Wi-Fi, 5G, and other support built right in.

What is a System-on-Chip (SoC)?

A basic layout for an SoC, as provided by Qualcomm. (Image credit: Qualcomm)

As the name suggests, an SoC contains the components crucial to a system’s operation, all on the same piece of silicon. SoCs have been around for decades, first showing up in compact electronics in the 1970s. Although you might hear an SoC referred to as a processor (CPU), it’s actually much more than just your system’s main microprocessor.





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