A System on a Chip (SoC) is a type of integrated circuit or microchip that contains all the components of a computer or other electronic systems, including processors, memory, input/output interfaces, and other hardware components.
In simple terms, SoC is a complete computer system on a single chip. This single chip system is commonly used in various applications, such as mobile devices, wearable technology, and IoT devices, among others.
In this post, we will look at the advantages of an SoC and how it affects the use case for iSIMs and the Internet of Things (IoT). Please continue reading to find out more.
Why use an SoC?
As technology advances and business operations become more streamlined, efficiency begins to play a key part in any IoT operation. This could mean cutting down on spending costs, material waste, energy waste and space used in a device. Enter SoC.
By compressing down what is typically a multichip onto a single processor, businesses create a portable solution for IoT operations that uses much less power than devices with a discrete Central Processing Unit (CPU).
An SoC will always include a CPU, but some may also feature system memory, graphic processing units, radio modems, or even peripheral controllers for USB storage. These chips are less power-hungry than other, larger chips making them ideal for use in battery-operated devices or applications where energy efficiency is crucial.
Advantages of SoC
One of the most obvious advantages of using SoC is its space efficiency. With traditional multichip systems, physical space is consumed by the individual components and circuit boards; this becomes highly constraining in smaller electronic devices.
SoCs, on the other hand, integrate all the necessary components into a single, compact chip, allowing device manufacturers to create smaller, sleeker, and lighter devices – this is particularly important in space-constrained applications, such as wearables and IoT sensors.
Depending on the required use case, an SoC can be tailor-made and optimised to suit a specific application.
Another significant advantage of using an SoC is that it offers better performance and power efficiency. Their tightly-integrated architecture optimises power consumption by allowing individual components to activate and deactivate as the system demands.
This not only plays a key part in increasing the battery life of devices but also reduces their heat generation, enabling sustained and stable operation even under adverse conditions.
The development of SoCs matched with the evolution of SIM form factors has also helped to contribute to devices becoming smaller and more seamless for users. Through SoC technology, wearable technology and smart home devices can drastically decrease in size without compromising on their quality or speed.
This is because an SoC often contains an integrated SIM (iSIM), which helps these devices remain connected with a great user experience despite their miniature size.
Lastly, the optimised design of SoCs allows the chip’s components to communicate faster, increasing the efficiency of the device. This is because all of the necessary components are on one compressed chip, rather than being spread out across a larger multichip system that requires data to travel through longer interconnects.
System on Chip use cases
As you may expect, the use cases for SoC are many and varied. It is commonly used in mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, where the SoC is usually the central component that processes data, manages power, and interfaces with other components.
However, SoC is also used in IoT devices, including smart home sensors, industrial automation, and security systems, among others. In such devices, SoC plays a central role in processing data, interfacing with sensors and other devices, and managing network connectivity.
As mentioned earlier, an emerging use case for SoC is its integration with integrated SIM (iSIM) technology.
iSIM is a new technology that allows the use of SIM card functionalities without the physical presence of a SIM card.
An iSIM is integrated into the SoC of a device, which means that SIM functionalities are directly executed from the SoC. iSIM offers a range of advantages, including a smaller form factor, reduced complexity, and lower manufacturing costs.
To summarise, some of the most notable use cases for SoC include:
- Automobile navigation, communications and entertainment screens
- Avionics systems on aircraft
- Defence electronics, such as high-voltage solid-state transmitters and intelligent autonomous systems
- Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, such as signal sensing, night vision and processing and response systems
- Emergency notification systems and devices
- Miniaturised Internet of Things devices, including a variety of sensors.
- Radiation-hardened space satellite controls
- Smart cell phones, watches, TVs, routers and modems
- Wearable health monitors for patients
- Unmanned Air Vehicles (drones or UAVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
Open doors with IoT
From its cost efficiency and power to its space savings, it’s clear to see the exponential potential of opportunities System on a Chip technology presents in the realm of IoT.
Businesses that decide to utilise the powerful combination of SoC and iSIM technologies can begin to see their processes optimised and streamlined to an extent previously unknown to many industries.
When it comes to achieving the best possible IoT connectivity, Caburn Telecom stands out as the premier choice, boasting vast experience, unparalleled expertise, and a comprehensive range of innovative solutions tailor-made for businesses across diverse sectors.
As an industry leader, Caburn Telecom is committed to unlocking the immense potential of IoT through reliable, efficient and secure connectivity solutions, enabling businesses to thrive in the rapidly-evolving digital landscape.
Contact us to connect with Caburn Telecom today and embark on a journey to explore the endless possibilities that IoT and SoC technology hold for your business.
