The SoC Inside Your Smartphone: System-On-A-chip
Are you familiar with system-on-a-chip (SoC)? If not, well, you should because it is one of the components found inside your beloved smartphone.
In fact, it is an especially important component of your smartphone that makes it function, comparable to a human brain. But perhaps it is more appropriate to compare it to the motherboard of a personal computer (PC).
The system-on-a-chip in brief
Motherboard on a PC are composed of a central processing unit (CPU), graphical processing unit (GPU), and a random-access memory (RAM). While these components reside as separate units on a PC, the system-on-a-chip on a smartphone combines all components into a single integrated circuit.
During the consolidation of parts, software components and hardware components will be combined. The combination of hardware and software components allows the reduction of power consumption and increases its performance overall.
To keep different elements in a confined area
It should be a daunting task to imagine all the different elements to coexist in a single confined area. Therefore, manufacturers take advantage of the ARM architecture in which its processors use the RISC-based design.
RISC stands for reduced instruction set computer, while ARM stands for advanced RISC machines. The ARM technology runs using a limited instruction set smaller processors can handle. On the other hand, larger computers use processors utilize processors designed to handle complex sets of instructions.
The ARM processor can complete many simple tasks at a higher frequency with less energy. This is because of the reduction of complexity of instructions that the processor needs to handle.
As a result, it can increase the efficiency of the processor as it eliminates the unnecessary instructions and parts, such as transistors, to allow the creation of a simple circuit.
The future of system-on-a-chip
The evolution and expansion of SoC technology with the proliferation and popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices are not limited only to consumer electronics. SoC is applicable in fields of specialty, such as the medical industry.
In fact, there is speculation that SoCs can be useful in implants for the deaf and blind, as it gives them the ability to hear and see. In addition, it can be applicable to microscopic robots that can prevent the entry of harmful diseases into the human body. That said, this can be just the beginning of a potentially revolutionary technology.
Conclusion
Although the system-on-a-chip is small and simple in comparison to the hardware and software found in most modern laptops and PCs, it is equally complex and intricate. But consumers can care less about its intricacy, knowing about its contribution to the development of modern technology.
The future of SoC technology is promising, aiming to make the life of smartphone users more convenient and productive. Perhaps it is about time consumers learn to appreciate how SoC technology can pave the way for the future.
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