Topic > System-On-Chip Development - 776

The system architecture and system design of an SoC are the most important parts to consider when developing system-on-chip applications. High-Density Systems Integration, …….Integrated computers typically have stringent constraints on both functionality and implementation. In particular, they must ensure real-time operation responsive to external events, comply with size and weight limits, predict power and cooling consumption, meet safety and reliability requirements, and meet stringent cost objectives. Typical SoC ArchitectureThe architecture of a system (SoC) is one of the key aspects that determine the performance, functionality and success of the system itself. The factor that most influences the SoC architecture is its target domain, which determines which components will be integrated into the chip and which will need to be placed outside the chip. System architecture denotes the system-level building blocks, such as processors and memories, and the interconnection between them. A generic SoC architecture, shown in Figure 2, consists of several components such as: • CPU cores, microprocessor CPU cores on the SoC platform that serve as the key element of the system. CPU cores are basically used as the central processing unit of the SoC. It is possible (and actually becomes a trend in modern SoC architectures and designs) to have more than 1 CPU core inside a single chip. This system is called a multiprocessor system on chip (MPSoC) and includes more than one processor core. • Memory BlocksSOC applications typically have variable memory requirements. In one case, the memory structure may reside entirely within the chip, while in another case the memory system may support an elaborate operating system that requires a large m off-chip…half of paper…SoC , such as processors, memories, accelerators and peripherals. This architectural model is often referred to as a parallel architecture model.2) Heterogeneous Architecture This architecture is composed of processing elements of different types, such as one or more general-purpose processors, DSP, video processing, and peripherals. Heterogeneous architecture is used for applications that have complex block diagrams and use multiple algorithms. The heterogeneous approach offers the best performance with efficient power consumption, while the homogeneous architecture offers a greater degree of flexibility and scalability, but with lower energy efficiency. Due to their good performance, heterogeneous approaches to efficient power consumption are mainly used for portable system applications, while homogeneous approaches are commonly used for video game consoles, wireless base stations.