System on a chip: a system perspective

Abstract

Technology advances are providing us with an overwhelming capability to create new products that will impact the way we work, live, learn and play. Integrated circuits are getting smaller and at the same time are faster, lower in cost and lower in power dissipation. We are, at the same time, integrating more on to a single device. The ability to put a complete system on one device is now a practical option. But, with the ability to create a complete "System On a Chip" (SOC) there comes the responsibility to do it wisely. The remainder of this paper will take a system's perspective of SOC. First, a quick look back at several examples of SOC. Then a discussion of why and how one should use SOC technology. Finally, a discussion on whom should design SOC.