System on Chip (SoC) is a broad word with several definitions that will evolve over time, but microcontroller unit (MCU) has a well-defined definition that dates back decades. If we look at how many attestation use these two phrases interchangeably, we can see that many people don’t believe it to be a correct manner of doing so. They both belong to the bedding system category, but despite their many similarities, there are a few key characteristics that distinguish them.
When we think about it carefully, we may see some significant contrasts between them. When comparing an auto and a machine, we will obtain similar replies such as both have buses, both transport passengers, both have machines, motorists drive them several times. However, when we analyze them more, we may uncover differences. The same is true in the case of MCUs and SoCs, where there are some specialized and non-specialized differences.
The difference between a System on Chip and a Microcontroller can be a little perplexing, but not too much. So, let’s get started by grasping the difference between the two conceptions.
System on Chip (SoC)
SoC is a word with a hazy definition. It’s a single chip that performs all of the functions that previously required numerous chips. A SoC is an encapsulation of one or more CPUs, microcontrollers, DSPs, other accelerators, or supporting hardware, and it lacks a defined standard for what sort of circuitry it should contain. It’s designed for operations with more complicated situations. A SoC may have a number of microcontrollers.
It’s more like a whole computer system on a single chip that can handle complicated tasks with high resource demands. It’s sometimes abbreviated as SoC or SOC.
Micro-controller unit (MCU)
Microcontrollers are miniature computers on a single Integrated Circuit (IC) that include a processing core, memory, and programmable input/output (I/O) peripherals such as Timekeepers and Counters. It only has the bare minimum of memory, ports, and recycle power.
The peripherals on the microcontroller are less specialized than those on the System on Chip. Small sized control systems or control activities are the focus. It’s sometimes abbreviated as C, uC, or MCU.
A microcontroller is a computer that has one or more CPUs, memory, and programmable input and output peripherals. A modest amount of RAM, as well as program memory in the form of Ferroelectric RAM, ROM, or NOR flash is frequently placed on chip. Microcontrollers are used to program chips on boards to perform specific tasks, and you must complete the circuit on the board with relays and other components to regulate the current. They are also used in other things that do not require changes, and they are made up of ICs with varying numbers of input and output. Hand Coding Programs are required for Microcontroller Programming, which is quite challenging. Microcontrollers are suitable for a wide range of applications. A microcontroller is not an input or output logic controller that can be expanded indefinitely.
SoC vs. MCU: What is the Difference?
Some may argue that computer technology is expanding and progressing at such a breakneck speed that wires are crossing and terminology is becoming entangled. Let’s take a deeper look at the differences between a system on a chip (SoC) and a microcontroller to clear up some of the misconceptions (MCU).
What is the Difference Between SoC and MCU?
| SoC | MCU |
| A single chip with several specialised peripherals makes up a SoC. | MCUs consist of a single chip with fewer peripherals. |
| SoC encapsulates a greater number of peripherals. | It’s the encapsulation of a smaller and more restricted peripheral. |
| SoC’s designed for applications with higher needs and a higher level of complexity. | MCU’s designed for simple control applications with a minimal number of variables. |
| The cost of a System on Chip is higher than the cost of a microcontroller. | Microcontrollers are less expensive than System on Chips. |
| MPU or MCU-based SOCs are available. If there is an OS, it is more likely to be small. | MCU has no operating system (OS). |
| The amount of electricity it uses is determined by the applications. | It has a low power consumption. |
| By maximizing functionality, it adds value. | It adds value by lowering costs. |
| SoC memory can range from a few megabytes to many gigabytes. | MCU memory is frequently in the KB or less range, and occasionally in the low MB range. |
| External storage options range from MB to TB and include Flash, SSD, and HDD. | Flash and EEPROM are the most common external storage options, with sizes ranging from KB to MB. |
| It has 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit computational widths. | 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit computing widths are available. |
| Smartphones and other particular apps are examples of its applications. | Programmable thermostats, household appliances, and other applications are examples of its use. |
| Cypress PSoC and Qualcomm Snapdragon are two examples of its products. | Microchip technology PIC, 8051, and Atmel MCUs are examples of its products. |
Common Applications of Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers are used in a variety of applications, including household appliances, televisions, and entertainment systems, medical equipment, office equipment, and aircraft, ships, and spacecraft. It’s vital to realize, though, that all of the aforementioned devices will have more than one—and, in many cases, numerous—Microcontrollers, each of which performs a different purpose. Each microcontroller then collaborates with its peers to improve the device’s overall functionality.
Microcontrollers may now be found in a wide range of linked home and business products, including smart thermometers, doorbells, and security systems. These are commonly referred to as Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets. Each MCU in these devices has a specific purpose and relies on a feedback loop to collect data and trigger reactions based on the programming.
Common Applications of SoCs
An integrated circuit that contains all of a computer’s components, such as the CPU, secondary storage, I/O ports and memory. They are ubiquitous in embedded systems because they use less power and take up less space than multi-chip designs. The CPU, hard drive, graphics, ROM/RAM, USB connection, and memory interfaces are all integrated, as opposed to motherboard-based design (a motherboard would connect all of the components separately or as expansion cards).
SoCs are often built around a microcontroller, a microprocessor (found in mobile phones), or a programmable SoC having reprogrammable elements, comparable to FPGAs. SoCs often have considerably more pins and systems integration of multiple peripherals than microcontrollers.
Note that the term “system-on-a-chip” can apply to a variety of products on the market, although it most commonly refers to a single chip that performs all of the functions that previously required numerous chips (some still require peripheral such as RAM or flash, so the name may be misleading).
Altera’s System on a Programmable Chip and Cypress Semiconductor’s Programmable System on a Chip (PSoC) are two examples (SOPC). On that subject, PSoC only refers to Cypress Semiconductor’s line of Microcontroller-integrated SoCs, while there are other programmable SoCs available.
Conclusion
For many years, MCUs were the standard for embedded systems, and they still are for many purposes, but they were not strong enough to run complex applications, and as the cellphone industry grew in the 1990s, a new level of integration emerged.
Many silicon and fabless suppliers sought to include digital signal processing (DSP) cores with standard CPU cores, as well as additional RAM and flash ROM, in the early 2000s, and this gave rise to the current system-on-chip (SoC).
Mass production and extreme integration by creative firms like Apple helped down the cost of previous generations of SoC, allowing devices like the Raspberry Pi to take use of this technology and make it available to the general public at a low cost.
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