System on a chip - Definition and Overview

System-on-a-chip (SoC or SOC) is an idea of integrating all components of a computer system into a single chip. It may contain digital, analog, mixed-signal, and often radio-frequency functions – all on one chip.

A typical computer system consists of a number of integrated circuits that perform different tasks. These are: microprocessor, memory (RAM, ROM), UARTs, parallel ports, DMA controller chips, etc. The recent improvements in semiconductor technology caused that VLSI integrated circuits grow in complexity. making it possible to integrate all components of a system in a single chip. This can be done in a number of technologies. These are:

• Full-custom
• Standard cell
• FPGA